For My DTS Family.

Wow. It has been 3.5 months since DTS ended and I have been back in Dallas. Leaving San Francisco and the people I met there was without a doubt the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. The 10 people-- Linda, Allie, Eva, Holly, Ryan, Dan, David, Andrea, Jaylon, Savanna-- in my DTS with me became my family and when i left them I also left a part of my heart with each of them. No one has ever known everything about me the good and the REALLY bad and still loved me like they do (except Jesus...obviously) and i didn't think anyone ever would. I still sometimes wonder how they saw past all the bad stuff and still were able to say good things about me for my encouragement which lead to much of my growth.

Anyways... so I just wanted to post a little something for my DTS'ers. On the flight home from San Francisco (a horribly awful flight at that) I wrote down qualities about everyone in my DTS that I didn't ever want to forget. I want to share them with the individual people as well as anyone else, so you can see how truely WONDERFUL these people are to me and how they have changed my life forever. Here goes...

Eva- mentor, wise, logical, radiant (!), loyal, compassionate, pure, a true friend, listener, has good discernment, teachable, curious, has the ability to talk to anyone, woman of integrity and doesn't compromise, patient, she is sure of who God is and not afraid to speak up about it, honest, easy to see how her heart longs for the love of Jesus

Linda- sweetheart, tenderhearted, STRONG, surprising, compassionate, reliable, mature, listener, encourager, strong willed, motivated, independent, active, involved, accepting, I LOVE WHEN SHE DANCES IN WORSHIP, confident, adventurous, trusting, listens to advice given to her as well as listens to others and giving honest biblical advice, thoughtful... MY LOVE!

Allie- one of a kind, compassionate, cuddler :), her deep care for others is impossible to miss, very in tune with how everyone around her is feeling, STRONG, artistic, love the way she views the world, ridiculous, goooooooofy, draws people together, unpredictable, accepting, deep thinker, is always there for anyone who needs her, when she speaks i feel like beauty just falls out of her mouth.

Ryan- GODLY man of wisdom and integrity, reliable, the best guy friend I've ever had, trustworthy, reasonable/logical, looks into peoples heart, leads people and people look up to him, knowledgable about the bible, tells it like it is, HILARIOUS, people feel free to be completely themselves around him, CARES, heart of gold (!), smart, problem solver... one of the best guys I have ever known!

Jaylon- playful, LISTENS TO ME AND IS THERE FOR ME, symathetic, encouraging, silly, young at heart, ferociously talented, goofy, generous, open, fighter, deeply wants the will of God in her life, her laugh is infectious, could have a deep conversation with anyone, visionary, makes me laugh more than anyone i know, accepting.

Andrea- tender hearted, fiery, never fails to surprise me, does not say things she doesnt mean, mysterious, huggable!, talented, sarcastic and hilarious, fighter, not afraid to ask questions, i dont know anyone who is like her!

David- down to earth, hilarious, sweet hearted, compassionate, loyal friend, deeply caring, adventurous, willing to listen and be open, encourager, has a huge heart and from the first time i met him i could see how much he loves being around people, love to see how much he cares for and loves Morgan, someone people count on.

Dan- sincere, would do anything for a friend without a second thought, observer, witty, deep thinker, artistic and talented (obvious), puts other peoples best interest above his own, CAN SING (!), humble, love the way he sees people, love seeing him search the heart of God, finds things out for himself and doesnt just go along with what everyone else says/thinks, sarcastic, incredibly encouraging, brilliant.


Holly- passionate and compassionate, loyalllllll friend, listens well, empathetic, incredibly encouraging, fights hard to grow in her relationship with Jesus, transparent, goes out of her way for people, hard working, has been amazing to watch her grow and see her strength through it all, perseveres, someone i know i can always count on and always will be able to count on.

Savanna- lovessss people, cares a lot about her relationship with others, free spirited, creative and artistic, reliable, honest about where she is, sensitive and tender hearted, starts things up, community focused--- always wants people to be together, thoughtful, listens intensly, fiesty, determined :)

I also want to add that I know no matter how long its been since we've talked that any one of these people would be there for me or any friend for that matter in an instant. They ALL accept people for who they are no matter what because they accepted and loved me no matter what. They are the most beautiful people I have ever known. I still grieve the community that we had and that is no longer there and I hope one day that all of us can find community like that again if not which one another than with others who love just the same. I MISS YOU ALL and wish you were here with me every single day.

A few more things before I dance 'when in Rome!"

Hey, loved ones! So I have a few prayer requests before our DTS heads out to Italy for a MONTH! (I'm telling you, there will be an expanded amount of "when in Rome"s each day we're there! I'll sneak some in for each of you;) Here we go: first and foremost, our safety and protection. Italy is a new place to all of us, and we need as much wisdom for safety as possible. I'm kind of nervous to get into the city because there are so many pocket pickers, and people that run around and snatch items from people's hands. Also, we need a daily guidance from the Holy Spirit. Without God's guidance along side the abilities he's gifted us with, our purpose cannot be fulfilled when in Rome. We learned over a month ago that recently, there are buses going around promoting the atheist religion. We need wisdom and love when we meet these people to show them the reality of Christ's love. And please pray for our group internally as we will be living in even closer quarters and working longer days - we want to hold integrity in relationships with each other, putting each other over ourselves.

I want to thank you all again from the deepest of my heart for all of your support. I couldn't be going where I am without you all! I won't be updating my blog while in Rome, we have a group weekly update explaining what we're doing sent out through e-mail. If you would like to receive this, please send me an email at savannarwb@hotmail.com.

Love,
Savanna

Italy, here we come!

Hey friends and family! I want to start off my apologizing for leaving you all in the dust about what's going on here in San Francisco. So far we're in our 5th week of outreach. Our time is spent doing various evangelism outreaches, open ministry, and personal ministry. For example, on Monday we kick off the week by going out to offer hot coffee the people on the streets in the Tenderloin, which not only warms them up and gives them a dose of A.M. caffeine, but it gives an open door to share the gospel with them, listen to theirs stories, and pray for them! It's similar to the hot chocolate ministry that we do on Friday nights. In the afternoon on Mondays, we go as a group to North Beach (Little Italy) to either spend time in the park, inviting people to join us in a game of Uno, or "hang out" in Cafe Roma where we build relationships with the baristas. Though it can be hard because not every time are we seeing people come to Jesus, but I know that God is using our willingness to be a light in this place and build relationships with the people, the seeds that are planted will turn into another soul won for Jesus. We've made a friend that is from Italy while playing Uno in Washington Square (in NB), so she's been teaching us things about Italy and some of the language! We've gotten to visit her at the chocolate shop she works at in the Castro, where we also got a chance to become acquainted with some regular customers there.
On Tuesdays mornings, we gather as a group in the morning and ask God what he would want us to do in that morning. We each listen, and with the response we each get we collaborate pairs and take a few hours going to that location to evangelize, being open to what God has for us! The afternoon consists of "personal ministry" time, where we each have found a particular place to commit to each week. A group goes down to a market down the street to help clean for a few hours, a few head to help the "WildFlower" ministry from YWAM, and various other things. I have found that I really enjoy spending time with the homeless that come through our base, so I spend my time playing Spades with some of the storefront guys, and having good conversations through that! We still are doing the food pantry on Thursdays and Hot Chocolate Ministry on Friday nights!
This morning we prayed/"interceded" for our outreach to Italy. A lot of our prayers was that we could lay down ourselves and "Seek first the Kingdom of our Lord!" We're going to Italy not for ourselves, not for enjoyment, not for vacation, but to be used in a great way in a place of spiritual darkness to further God's Kingdom! Mind you, we will have fun, we will enjoy most of it, and it will be a trip of a lifetime, but God is going to be given the glory for it all! And with that, I want to praise God for providing all the funds we need! I found out we have a little bit more than what we calculated we would need, which means we might be able to have a dinner out once or twice instead of having pasta every night ;) I want to thank all of you for your prayers and financial support, as well! I know we couldn't be doing this without you all!
Gee, I wish I could tell you all the wonderful things we've gotten to experience since I've last written, or even the stuff I've left out thus far. A few weeks ago we were able to go to the senior center for a bbq with them, and a few weeks later played Bingo with them (I won a $5 Coldstone card...mmmm!) We had the chance to go to Dolores Park for a time of praying for each other - it was beautiful in many ways! The Ocean Beach here has been a wonderful place where I have been able to see God's beauty in nature and people. When I was there last, I was able to feel God's rest and also find peace about my future goals/dreams! (Did I mention I'm thinking of joining the Coast Guard!?) This pastSaturday, we had an art's show/auction, we wanted it to be an opportunity to unite the community around us in SF, and bring out our creative sides by creating art, and earning funds for our outreach! It didn't turn out quite like I expected, because there were only 3 people that came that I didn't know (they were all in one of the staff's bible study), and a majority of the YWAM SF staff came (along with most DTS students)! We ended up making more money than I thought we would, and it was a great time for the staff and students to bond through a unique event!
I haven't mentioned an exciting occasion from over a month ago! Revolution students came down for a week long Mission Adventure's "short-term mission trip." I loved having all of them here! It was so amazing having a touch of home here - and to be honest, all the staff here were highly impressed by every one of the students and leaders. Their drive for Jesus is amazing, and I'm so blessed to have them in my life and have the opportunity to lead them again when I get home! They had a great time here meeting some of our friends on the streets here, and I know many people were touched by their efforts to further God's Kingdom as they took their Spring Break to serve God!
As I'm sitting here waiting for laundry to finish (first time in over a month - w00t! I'll only have to do one load in Italy, and it's only because I won't be able to have as much clothes with me!) I'm trying to remember more events to communicate to you, but having a hard time. I'm anxious and excited for Italy, but trying to stay focused on TODAY and not too much of the future! I love and miss you all. Thank you for your friendships and support :)

-Savanna W.

Add outreach to the schedule & lose a peer? I don't think so!

Hey again! I wanted to write on behalf of one of our DTS peers, and for our DTS in general. This past weekend, a group of us were able to go to one of the student's house in Fairfield which is about 45 mintues away from San Francisco. We went and watched movies, and most of the people stayed up talking and hanging out while me and a few others SLEPT! It was a great time away from the Tenderloin for a night, but the next morning brought a little bit of sadness, but also peace. This student that opened his home to us this weekend would have to stay home this week due to lack of finances to cover for the DTS. Out of the approximately $7,300, he has only been able to earn a little <$1,000. Though there is only one person out of all of us that has been able to pay the whole fee off thus far, that small amount isn't enough to keep him in DTS at this point. We found out that in order for him to stay with us, to come back after this Friday after he's had a week to meet with potential supporters, he'll need to have another $3,000 - gathered in one week!

Now, I know you may be thinking that is a LOT of money, and some may be doubting the money will come in. However, before the rest of us left his house Sunday morning, he gathered us together for a "DTS discussion." He told us that instead of specifically praying for the money to come, that we pray for God's will to happen in his life. If God wants him to finish DTS, then he'll bring that money in by the time it's needed, no problem! However, if that money does not come in, then there is an opportunity to go on a seperate "outreach" or "short term missions trip" this summer in Ukraine, seperate from YWAM, but completely paid for! So, in reality, this is kind of exciting! Because God has a plan for this special person, and it may be completely beyond anyone else's understanding. However, if my feeling is correct, I believe the money will come in no problem, and he'll be able to finish up this DTS with the rest of us! If you would like to support this man through this journey with your finances, please contact me and I will let you know how to do so!

So again, I ask my friends and family, for your support. We as a DTS need over $30,000 to go on outreach. I, in particular, need another $4,300 to finish the cost of lecture and pay for outreach. We are coming up with ideas on how we can, while here, earn some money! We will be planning an art show/auction here in the city (and hopefully post items online as well if you would like to purchase them). I am also selling my photography for donation, so I ask that however much you are able to pay is more than $8 each print to cover the cost of printing and shipping! If you would like a print, email me at savannarwb@hotmail.com, or let me know on Facebook! You can checkout http://www.flickr.com/photos/savannawatkinson/ . If God is speaking to you about giving your tything money to missions, please consider donating to our funds. If making a check, you can make it our to YWAM SF and put "DTS FALL 09" in the memo. If you would like the funds to go to me, the best way is to just make it out to me, Savanna Watkinson, and I can pay YWAM when I deposit the check. I'm sorry to inform you, however, while in DTS, the funds donated to us students in DTS are not tax-deductable.

And please, more than anything, continue to pray for us! For finances, but also for our safety, and that God's will continue to guide and direct our hearts and our footsteps. My personal prayer request is for heart change. I have been struggling in a few relationships, and the root of that is a battle against myself. So please be praying for God's grace to cover that and take it, and that I am able to love with the love that Jesus has for all of us. Please also be praying for my health - I have been battling with acid reflux and possibly something else, but I have symtpoms nearly everyday and I'm asking God for a complete recovery. And, I think most of all importance, I pray that we as a group can get over any apathy we have with ourselves, each other, and in the city. This is our outreach phase, and we need the pure motivation that comes from Christ alone to pursue this city and bring it to Jesus.

Thank you for all your prayers! And thank you for those who have been able to support me financially as well! I can see the fruit of it all through this journey I have been going through here at YWAM. I thank you with all of my heart, and pray that God is blessing you and showing you an abundance of grace in this season! I love and miss you all!

-Savanna Watkinson
357 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

(I haven't received any mail in the past 3 weeks - mail was an exciting time for me when at home and I got 5 pieces of junk every day - not getting anything can be so depressing! If you want to send a small parcel with a prayer request, a love letter, or a nice drawing, I will GLADLY accept it!)

A Thrilling Reality of DTS SF

Hey, all! Again, I'm sorry I haven't written for a while. Although I won't continue apologizing any longer, because, well, even though I want to keep you all updated and you want to know what's going on here in San Francisco, there is a lot that goes on here, and almost too much for me to sit down and type it all up. ;) In that case, I know you are all gracious and love me regardless if I write twice a week or twice a month! And for that, I thank you!

I decided I should give you guys a look at what our lecture phase looked like (this is our last week - then on to outreach in the city!) We would start off our weeks with worship! The staff and DTS gets together for an hour long session of praising God corporately, but with our individual ways through song. Then we move on to what we call Bible Meditation [I call BM (haha)for short] for an hour, and one of our leaders usually chooses the scripture that God puts on their heart for us to. This simply means for us that we get a few verses or so that we get to meditate on. We ask God to show us what He wants to say to us, and ask that He keeps our hearts open for all of His truth. Then we read through the scripture at least a few times, and asking what is it simply saying, and what may it be saying between the lines (if so). This past week's BM, for example, was James 1:2-18. There is so much wisdom, truth, and valuable lessons that God offers in those words! After BM, we have two hours of lecture, each day of the week the main topic is the same, but weekly the topics change! We have a different speaker come in every week to expand our understanding of who God is and who He has made us to be! Then after lunch, we go on to another two hours lecture, and have the night off. For the past few weeks, a lot of that time has been taken by practicing and preparing for our outreach phase. Sometimes we rest, communicate with people back home, spend time together with individuals as a group, or go have intimate time with our Creator!
Tuesday mornings offer time of worship as a DTS, and most often then not on Tuesday mornings, God shows up in a powerful way! I can't explain why, maybe I'm more awake, but this time is so wonderful in feeling God move in my soul. I love it! We also get an hour to do a prayer walk, where we go out into the streets of the Tenderloin in pairs to pray for the people and the area, and more specifically that God will lift the darkness out of this place and bring it back to His glory. Then we move on to lecture, and have the afternoon off (great time to do laundry!). In the evening after dinner, we have an hour or two of intercession, depending on how the Lord leads us, where we get to pray on behalf of nations, people groups, or individuals. It's an amazing opportunity to be obedient to God and see the lives of people change due to the prayers that we pray.
Wednesday mornings start off with personal devotions, then we have class! After lunch, we split up into our ministry groups. There are three different ones: woman's ministry where they reach out to prostitutes in the area, and hold a fellowship time with women in the Tenderloin and also do research for the sex trafficking dilemma; University Campus ministry where the group spends time with foreign students at a local college by playing interactive games and such; Life Group which leads the Bible study help in our storefront with the homeless people in the area; and the Haight Ministry, where we get to hang out with the hippies and reach the people in that area in creative and unique ways!
Thursday mornings, we have intercession with all the other YWAM staff, where again we learn about various crises around the globe and pray on the behalf of the people involved. Then another two hours of lecture. After lunch, we hold a food pantry for the residents of the Tenderloin - a majority of the people that come through are from the senior center a few buildings down, and they begin to line up at 6am, even though we don't start it until 1pm! They are devoted! It's a great way to get to bless the people in the area, and over time they get to know our faces through consistent devotion.
Finally Fridays come around, in the morning we get into groups for group discussions. We converse about what's happened throughout the week, brainstorm ideas for ministry, or spend the time uplifting each other! Then we spend an hour in intercession! Then go into the final two hours of lecture with our speaker - most weeks they end in an extended amount of face to face conversation, with a line of people wanting to get in a little question here and there. After lunch, we break up into our small groups and get to reflect together about the week, and really get to spend quality time together with 3 other students of the same gender plus our small group leader (one of the DTS staff members). Curfew on Fridays are extended one extra hour that we often use to bond by playing games and/or watching a funny movie and inputting our own commentary.
Saturdays vary depending on the week. At the end of the month, we get to use the day to reflect on all that God has done in and through us. This past reflection day I went to the beach and was able to rest in the beauty that God made in that place. It was amazing! Other Saturdays consist of volunteering at a place that needs our help, such as the food bank or painting a church, to throwing a BBQ for the senior center down the street. On Sundays everyone goes to church in the AM, and gets to rest throughout the day, but making sure our journals are completed before class the next day!

However, now I feel as though it is not necessary for you to know what happened during lecture phase - cause it's over! Outreach is starting, and we are thrilled as a DTS to be able to venture on another journey together while in the city. We're excited to see how and where God is going to use us - my desire is that we will get stretched and be able to see God for all His love and glory.

A Change Has Come!

Man... i really am HORRIBLE at keeping up with blogging, my sincere apologies. I have a love/hate relationship with writing this. LOVE because i enjoy keeping everyone updated and staying in contact with those who read. HATE because i feel like all the growth, heart changes, and learning experiences (in and outside the classroom) can not be explained adequately here... words can not do it justice. In the past 2.5 months I have shed more tears (which my beautiful mom has heard the bulk of) than I usually do in 5 years time. Some good tears, some bad... but really don't most tears wind up doing something good, or allow you to get past something to get to the good stuff? That's just my opinion though. I finally feel like I am at such a place of learning and contentment. While some of the things about YWAM bother me and i disagree with certain aspects, I have learned (with the help of my wonderful Dad) to look past all that and really focus on what God is doing in my heart. I know that i won't agree on everything with most organizations ... it's being sure that the heart of it is TRUTH and does not stray away from the Gospel! I really think that God brought me out here away from ALL THINGS familiar just to get me alone with Him, so He could teach and grow me..get closer to me. IT WORKED! The main focus for me has just been seeing the true Father Heart of God, my own personal theme if you will and being broken from all things I had my fists clenched around-- trying to live life with open hands! The thing that has taught me the most here is not done in the classroom. It's living in community, close community. Where it's impossible to hide anything and to struggle together, pray together, praise together..everything TOGETHER! I feel like living in fellowship has been something that i totally have missed out on my whole life. I mean, shouldn't I have realized that earlier? How many times does God "one another" us in the bible? Now I see why! Never have I had friends who would encourage and build me up daily, call me out on things i need to be called out on, that would be as open and honest with me as i am with them, and that most importantly are seeking Jesus and yearning for His will for their life as much as I am. The relationships I have built here are just so full. Being in close relationship (and corridors!) with so many people has taught me a lot about myself, some that I liked, some that I didn't like about myself and am working on changing. Always changing and learning--- it's really quite beautiful... as long as it's in the Jesus direction. Jesus, He is amazing. Beautiful. Mmmmmm, I love how He continually romances us. Whether it's with smells, sounds, creation, or just a feeling. He really is the Lover of my soul. What a sporadic blog! I hope I got some point or some part of my heart across. I really tried, but like i said it's hard to find the right words sometimes.

"Even when our outward body is wasting away,
our inward body is being renewed day by day.
Therefore, we do not lose heart."
2 Corinthians 4:15&16

Tah! (as my Aussie friend Eva says)
-Mindy

What is your Goliath? (Updated March 10, 2009)

Dear Friends - I feel as though I have so much to communicate to you about what's happened this past week or so. I guess I'll just lay it out for you - in seek or prayer for the situations: About a month ago, as some students were coming inside from a walk, there was a stabbing across the street witnessed by those students. We found out the guy didn't make it, and it was a very scary scene to watch; a few days later we found out of another stabbing very near us as well - we've learned these, and like most crimes like such, are between drug dealers and users; 2 weeks ago there was a drive by shooting a block away from where we live, 5 people got shot, and unfortunately one was killed - a mother of 4 or 5 kids that are now orphans :'(; The weekend before this past, John, the man I mentioned before, was harrassed by a man that has come in our store front a few times and has stolen some things. The man has stolen John's bed stuff before (which we've provided for him and he sleeps in the doorway), and this time he was after his cigarettes. Amanda and I were standing behind the door telling him to leave or we'll call the cops, but he wouldn't listen, he just kept trying to take John's stuff. I turned to yell for Chris to come, and I looked back and the man had a wooden block in his hand that he was beating John on the head with - it was heartbreaking to watch, I couldn't believe it. He ended up stealing what he wanted and leaving John, who just sat there shooken up, with a bloody hole in his head dripping blood down his face. It was so sad, and my eyes just began filling with tears. I found myself asking God "why?" The cops came to get a discription and the ambulance came to patch him up, but John didn't get angry, he apologized for letting it happen in front of our building. Sweet John; about an hour later two of my roommates came back from doing there laundry...they had just witnessed a woman fall from three stories up and kill herself. This woman took her own life, and Eva was so brave to take her duty as a nurse and attempt to help the woman, but there was nothing that could have been done. The girls need prayer for the trauma they just witnessed, along with the family of the woman and the other people who saw what happened. We later talked about it and while suicide happens everywhere, we can see how the drugs and depression and all the things the enemy attacks the Tenderloin with can result in this. It is very sad, but we want to see God's glory reign down over these circumstances; last week, as some students were on their way home, there was a shooting at the grocery market we go to across the street - one man shot another, but no one was killed(!). Please be in prayer for our safety and for God to grab a hold of the hearts here and turn them to Him, and that Satan will flee from this area in Christ's name!

Obviously this area is facing many Goliaths. Last week at church the pastor read from 1 Samuel which tells about the story of David and Goliath. Over this past week, I've been thinking a lot about the various dreams I have for my life, dreams that fulfill my passions and to glorify God by bringing people into His kingdom. The Goliath about it all is that there are so MANY dreams, and they are LARGE dreams in hindsight. Our speakers this week presented the various ways God used them in their lives through YWAM, but moreso in ministry to bring God glory. Tom opened an american restaurant in India that is used to minister to the middle-upper class citizens; Steve Goode was able to bring refugees from various 3rd world nations into Thailand to build a new healthy community and brought thousands of people to know the Lord; and Karol and her family lived in India working with the community there (I didn't get to hear all they did, they've been living back in San Fran for a few years now). I am at peace at the fact that God will bring to me great places in His name, as long as I'm seeking to Love Him and His people!

Our DTS is leaving for Italy for Outreach in May, and we were informed last week that if we can pay for out tickets by this Friday, March 13, we could save hundreds of dollars, thousands total really, from the cost of airfare. I was told by our director that I'll still need a little over $4000, but another $1000 in order to pay for the plane ticket by this Friday (WOAH!). I don't know what's going to happen - but as my friend and family, will you please consider supporting me financially (and of course prayerfully) through this DTS. I'm asking for partnership with my loved ones as I seek God to change my life and to use me to change the lives of others in San Francisco and in Italy. If you have questions, please email me at Savannarwb@hotmail.com, and if you're able to sponsor me, please send a check to: Savanna Watkinson 357 Ellis Street San Francisco, CA 94102. Again thank you for all who have supported me already, I sincerely appreciate it and God sees your obedient heart! I love and miss you all - I'll be home this weekend to visit the church and spend time with my family for our off weekend. I'm excited to see beautiful Washington state again! And my loved ones, of course!

Fun fact: tomorrow I'll be celebrating my 21st birthday with all my friends here at DTS at Ocean Beach around a bonfire. I'm so stoked!

-Savanna (there is so much more to say, and I hope to share it soon, but I needed to get this out before too late!)

What's Going On?

Hey all, it's Savanna. I realize it's been a while since I've written. Part of it has to do with my lazyness and being busy with other things, and some of it has to do my not knowing how to sum up all that's been going on in a short blog. The title relates to the past few weeks because it's what I've been asking about a lot of things in life lately. Such as what is going on in my heart, in my walk with God, or perhaps the next morning, or with DTS group in general, what's going on after DTS, etc. And then it gets to deep questions such as what's going on in the TL to make it like it is, what's going on in God's plans for this place, etc.
Just a few minutes ago Linda and I were outside helping one of our "regulars" get tucked in his sleeping outside our door. Many if not all nights other people on the streets tease him or beat on him and he is nearly defensless. He has been around our base for a very long time, as far as I know way before I even got here, and the people here have been working with him for a long time to try to help him out and get into a better situation. The problem is that he doesn't have a place to live, and he has bi-polar disorder and other mental illnesses so it's hard to get him into a place or with that state and when he chooses to drink. But he is such a kind and sweet man that I know loves the Lord in his heart. Sad to say, but sometimes we pray that he'll get arrested so he can get a good meal and shelter in jail or get help in a hospital at least for the night. (He chooses to leave the hospitals even though they help him). I guess I can't really relay the situation back to you in full because I don't know all about it, but I know that at least every other night we see him, and his moods vary, but he is a nice gentleman that needs God's protection, comfort, and mercy. So I'm asking you to pleast lift him up in your prayers - and the others in the Tenderloin district because even though we get to take care of this man as best as possible, we aren't a facility for that kind of care, and there are so many other people in the same situation that are living on the streets. But it's NOT a hopeless routine, I refuse to believe it is, because they are all God's children, and He is using His followers to help the lost.
I have to be honest, as I walk around and see all the depressing situations around here, and think about the disheartening things all around the world, my heart crumbles and my mind goes haywire, asking myself what can be done? What can I do? GOD, HOW CAN I STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING?! Then I get frustrated at the Devil, at myself for my inability to make things change, and at mankind for their selfishness and lazyness. But the Lord, as gracious as He is, reminded me that it's not my fault. He asked me to pray for it. He reminded me of how POWERFUL prayer is. And it's so true! So I guess my prayer at this point is to be reminded to pray constantly for the each end of the world, especially when my mind gets disrupted with the thoughts about the evil things all around. This week we learned about Spiritual Warfare, and Dean Sherman spoke wonderfully about how each prayer is counted for, and when we start praying for nations, changes start happening. Praise God!

I have to tell you something that was incredible, other than the awesome teachings we've gotten over the past few weeks about evangelism and spiritual warfare. On Valentine's Day San Francisco held a city wide pillow fight at Embarcadero. A few friends and I went down to watch the fun and eventually joined in - it was a blast! I honestly think every city should do it, and more than once a year. It's a great community event, and a good way to get any frustrations out in a safe manor! Our DTS group did a Secret Valentine gift exchange, which I feel turned out really good. It was a good way to get together and share love with one another and get everyone laughing and smiling!
On another good note - God's still working on me! Earlier in the DTS one of our leaders sensed that this is going to be a messy DTS, and I can be honest and say that it has been and I'm expecting that it still will be. But I think I'm ok with that now. I just think of the book of James when it talks about being joyous through trials because it's going to make your stronger in the end! I've felt like a slump (if that's even a noun) pretty much this whole DTS when it comes to my faith, wanting to grow and be "where I used to be." But I know it's not going to happen! This week we were challenged to meditate on Luke 14:25-35, and honestly it spoke to me differently than what I think most others got from it. Especially when Jesus is talking about the salt losing it's flavor and it not being restored. Honestly, I feel like a grain of salt that has lost it's flavor, and it breaks my heart because my heart so longs to be passionate and on fire for God and his people, but lately it's been hiding underneath my pride and selfishness. But knowing how great God's grace is, even though my "flavor" won't be restored to it's old way, I believe God is making me into a new "grain of salt" with exceptional flavor! I tell you the truth, me (and we) are right at the turning point, and it's so exciting knowing that GOd is so faithful to pick us up. I've been so challenged lately with my heart and my walk with Christ, and while it's been a bitter-sweet, the sweet is going to be SOOOO much greater!
Ok I feel like I've written a book, and sorry but I don't even think I've covered even half of the things God has been doing, but have faith that my life and the others at the base are being worked on beyond our understanding at this point. Once again I ask for your prayers that God provides finances for this DTS. I'm still about $5,200 short, and other students have even more to raise. If you've ever thought about possibly contributing even a little bit, please pray about donating because even a litte helps as it all adds up. I'm also selling photography prints for donations, as well! You can visit www.flickr.com/photos/savannawatkinson to take a peek if you're interested. I love and miss you all back at home. Take care and God bless!!!

-Savanna

Silence and Solitude

So sorry that it has been so long since my last post, My computer pooped out on me almost 2 weeks ago so i have been without laptop for a while! I find it so incredibly difficult to post blogs because there is so much that happens here each and every day and I can never do it enough justice. Anyways so lately I have been learning much about the importance of being making time for silence and solitude with God. A few weeks ago on a Saturday we were all sent out to different cathedrals across the city just so we could reflect on the last month of our lives and us being here... instead of being inside all day I went across the street to the a park on Nob Hill and sat on a park bench for four hours listening to worship, journaling, and observing the kids playing on the playground. It was here that I realized and concentrated on the Father Heart of God as i watched the fathers play with their children on the playground... whenever they would fall and cry the dad's were right there to scoop them up, comfort them, and once again make them laugh. I have always called God my "Father" but never meditated on what exactly that means in all its many facets... a father is loving, protective, wants the best for His children, wants His children to mature and grow up in their faith and in wisdom and be able to walk on their own but communicate with Him in the process, provides, leads, and is the strength of the family. I could go on forever about the Father Heart of God and am sad that I never have taken the time to study all the different names that God calls Himself-- it reveals so much about His nature and character.

I have been trying to get an idea of what i want to do once the DTS is over. I realllly feel like God wants me to go to different churches, organizations, home groups, small groups, etc and spread awareness about Human Trafficking and how people can realistically address this issue in their own lives since it is so underground and massive! So I have been talking to my awesome Mom about wanting to do that and my leader Katie here. The morning after i told Katie about what i wanted to do we found out that on our outreach in Italy some of us would be trained and sent to different churches to spread awareness about Human Trafficking! How amazing is God?! He is totally preparing and equipping me for where my heart is so that I can go out and do this EFFECTIVELY for His glory and for His justice! I am so excited for that and to learn, to research and study and get more involved in this world issue I can't describe it.

Things are not always very easy here... I have been having difficulty not feeling homesick all the time (my nephew was born on 2/12!!!!!). God is continually bringing me outside of my comfort zone in every way possible and it gets freaking exhausting! Living in community like this is wonderful but so intense, the people in my DTS see all my weird moods, my brokenness, my bad and good habits.. everything, its weird to be known so well and to be open to feeling like I can really let them. I am working on that. A lot of the DTS focuses on introspection.. getting to the root and core of all our issues that block us from fully giving ourselves 100% to Jesus and His will, a lot of the issues that have come up I didn't even realize were there such as: unbelief, pride, distrust, my need to control everything in my own life and apathy. This was not easy to admit! Its something that i know I will have to face and come up against daily in asking God to give me His spirit and make these things not a part of me because in no way do these things show people who He is! In saying that I am asking you all for prayer for me for perseverance and strength because it get's wearing here and there is little time for rest!

I think that is all for now... I will try to post more frequently so i can portray what happens here more efficiently! Thank you all much for your prayers and for keeping in contact with me! If there is anything you want to know please email me at reyes.mindy@gmail.com.. i would love to hear from you personally
---Mindy

"To have no opinion of ourselves, and to think always well and highly of others is great wisdom and perfection." - Thomas a Kempis

Finding who I am in God

Hey friends, it's Savanna. A lot has happened since last I wrote - so this may be a little scattered somewhat, but I'll try to get it all out as good as possible. Last week we had Patrick Dodson as our speaker - the topic for the week we thought was "Hearing the Voice of God" which I was so stoked for, but what we learned was almost merely the opposite. We were encouraged to explore the creativeness that God instilled into us, to use it to the fullest and not settle. But you can look at our school's blog for more information about that. I have to be honest with you guys, a lot of what Patrick said rubbed me the wrong way, and he knows too. Ever since I've known God, I believed that He has a plan for me and a will that He wants me to follow that is different than what I come up with, and I've longed for follow His will for me. Down to where to do His work, who I will marry, etc. However, Patrick said that is not true, God wants us to come up with what happens in life and allow God to be a part of it. I didn't like that. And until I find scripture to say otherwise (I am going to study this further) I'm going to see God as I always have. I believe He cares about me enough to have picked the perfect man for me, and has made me the way I am for specific purposes that He wants me to follow.

I was, however, so very motivated to try harder when it comes to my art - photography. I'm inspired to find different angles, adjust various levels, and be more creative with my pictures. I've also started learning how to play guitar - YAY! I've wanted to learn to play for SUCH a long time! Also last week I dreaded one of the guy fellow DTSers here, which took about 4 hours but it looks good! Mine are still coming along too - I put a few beads in to touch them up a bit :)

On Saturday we went to the SF food bank to work for 3 hours - it made for a long day but we had so much fun dancing while packing boxes! Haha :)

Ministry groups have been going good - last week we sat the whole time with an older man who has been there since the 60's, and the rest were street kids who are always there. No joke guys, they all smoke pot and hang out there everyday. It's kind of sad, but they are great people too. We went back today, and I was talking with a woman who has such a big heart for the "kids" in that place - apparentely there are two gangs at the park that litterally kill innocent kids because they made a wrong look, or because one of the gangs wants all the drug deals to themselves, so if they catch someone else dealing they'll harm the other dealer. Sad sad story all around. Please be in prayer for them! We've gotten to go with instruments and just chill and play music (I jammed on the djembe!).

I have to tell you about the best day since I've been here. Monday morning before 6 am we were all kicked out of the building with what we slept in (we got a warning the night before so we were in actual clothes) and weren't allowed to come back until dinner after 5pm. We had nother except what was on our backs and a paper that said where to eat for free. I grouped with two other girls, and first we went to Starbucks and got free coffee (they had this thing if you pledge 5 hours of volunteer work you get a free drip on the honor system), then went into the Bart station to sleep and stay warm until it was day out. There we didn't really sleep, but danced around a little bit, asked passerbys for spare change (didn't have any success then) and Jay got a great idea to collect cans and bottles, so we found a few in the garbages there. Then we went to stand in line in front of Glide (right across from YWAM, also in the movie Pursuit of Happiness) for free breakfast they serve every morning for the homeless and the hungry. There we met a man we shared a conversation with, and he informed us of good places to find for free services because we told him we were new to the place, but didn't tell him we were staying with YWAM. The food was decent, but nothing I would choose over a real meal. It was good to see what these people actually go through each morning though just to fill their stomachs. And really it's like a community of people, it's incredible! So after breakfast, we went to Market street and started panhandling (we wanted money! hahaa) and ended up with 1.83 and 2 bus transfers, so we decided to collect more cans and bottles and then took a bus to the recycling center where we earned 1.32. Then it was about time for lunch, so we went back and stood in line at St. Anthony's (same concept - stand in line to get a ticket and go through and get passed a tray of food) but the food was SOO good - they even gave us Gherradilli chocolate squares! The people we ate with were so nice. After that, we took the bus up to Haight, Hippie Hill rather (same place our ministry is at) and just hung out in the sun, tried to fall asleep. I met a woman there and we got to pray with her, and met a man named Memphis - these people know God, but they don't KNOW GOD! You know what I mean?! So we hung out there for a bit and came back home - but all in all it was so much fun and we really enjoyed it. We stopped at a market to get gummy treats on our way home, so we left with nothing but came back with joy and candy. Sweet!

That was the beginning of our Outreach week. Monday night the previous DTS came back from their outreach in Thailand, and so we have 16 other people here, and they have so much energy and love for eachother, it's so incredible to see. Tuesday morning we had worship, and guys, it was amazing. I declared at that time and place a new season in my life where I would find intimacy with God and feel His love and desire for me. The wall is broken, Amen! And last night for intercession, we asked God what he thinks about us and each of us got a person we got to ask about as well. My friend Dan had me and God spoke beautiful words to me through him. I was in awe! These past few days we've gone out to do coffee ministry (passing out coffee in the TL to strike up convos) and it was so awesome yesterday. Met a man names Roni (like Macaroni), Michael and Eddy who all had great hearts for the Lord while living on the streets. Then later we went and played music in the TL and it was beautiful. I wish you all could experience this. And I wish I could say it's changing me, but I can't say it has all quite yet. I don't have the feeling of pure excitement to be here yet, but I know I will. I'm still adjusting and settling. Still need prayers for my heart and personal life, and also finances. Thank you again for your support! I love and miss you all!!!

- Savanna

Recieving a New Name

Week two and week three...come and gone...quickly. On my previous post I ended on a rather unsure note (sums up the first week perfectly), which is how i remained until the next Tuesday night rolled around. Every Tuesday night our DTS does intercession together as a group. Intercession was a new concept to me up until I arrived here (http://www.allaboutprayer.org/intercessory-prayer.htm) . So, I'll try and sum up what happened very briefly--->that night God LITERALLY spoke directly to me through our leader, Steve, and another sweet friend of mine, Eva. God basically outed me and a lie I had believed about myself my entire life, which until it had a name on it I never would have said that this was the "name" that I labeled myself with. After that was a tearful night full of revelation, and REPENTENCE! FINALLY free from the sin that had been weighing me down for months! I have never experienced God the way I did that night, never felt his longing for me so strongly... He reached down to me and pulled me back to Him. What an amazing Lord we serve... what a LOVING, RELATIONAL King we serve!
On Wednesday we found out which ministry we would be serving in for the next 5 months! Me and two other girls in the DTS are in it as well along with our leader Katie, Women's Ministry. We get to pioneer a ministry that reaches out to women on the street of the Tenderloin. As of now we are starting out by having a free coffee/snack and prayer night on Wednesday's to start builiding relationships with the women. By the end, when we have ones that are continually coming, we want to do a makeover night, give them pedicures, do their hair/makeup/clothes and take them out to a nice dinner. We all know that at the heart of every women is the desire to feel beautiful and loved... this is just one way to bless them. Along with that ministry we also will walk on Broadway where all the strip clubs are and get to know some bouncers, and the girls who work there while they are outside on their breaks... there have been incredible stories of redemeption there! The third thing that we will be involved in is research for Human Trafficking. I can't begin to describe my heart for this part of the ministry. Most of the human trafficking done here in SF is young asian women JAILED as sex slaves in so called "massage parlors". A block up from the street we live on there are three of these places.. three. It is heart breaking to know that they are right underneath us (they are all in basements with no windows) and there is nothing we can do to save them, I want to knock down doors and save these poor young girls who have been bought and sold into this booming, underground industry. So much corruption surrounds it. I could go on and on about this... I will post another informational blog about Human Trafficking at a later date as to not make this a novel! Anyways so me and the girls will be researching and tracking massage parlors, trying to get three strikes against them so we can report them to the health department and get them shut down and/or fined (still not even close to justice). We are also brainstorming ideas on how to get awareness raised for all the trafficking done within the U.S., done right under our noses! I believe that God will absolutely bring Justice and use me and all the people involved as His vessels, instilling ideas in our heads on how to begin to shut this industry down. I am so incredibly excited to see the ways God will show us His divine power and supremacy, He is continually showing all of us here the different aspects of His character and I am getting to know Him in ways I never thought possible. My Dallas and College Station bubble has been completely burst, and I PRAISE JESUS for that. It is impossible for me to ever be the same again and it has only been 3 weeks.
Today we were woken up at 5:45 am and kicked out on the street for "homeless plunge". We had to go out in what we slept in, couldn't bring a wallet, bag, phone, NOTHING.. just the clothes on our back. We split into 3 groups and ate at soup kitchens for breakfast and lunch, took naps in the street (i got kicked by a security guard while napping!), and slept on park benches in Nob Hill. It was quite an experience, and such a small smallll taste of what the people that actually live out there go through.
It is so hard for me to be able to write everything that goes on here so PLEASE read our schools blog http://www.sanfranciscodts.blogspot.com/ as well! I know I have much to learn and I'm sure that there are areas of my heart that I need to surrendur to Jesus, I'm just waiting for Him to show me. I want to live a life that is completely for Jesus and to make Him my first Husband, my first Romancer, and seek Him above all else. It will take me some work and some pushing and shoving to get there since I tend to think I know what's best for my own life (which is completely false) but I am sure that when i really and fully allow Him to, Jesus will reign over every part of me. We will see what it takes for me to get there! Sorry this was so long and thank you to all of you who read it all!

“No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.”- Martin Luther King, Jr

Mindy

Baby Steps Toward REAL Heart Change...

Week one has come and gone... it was a LONG emotional week. I don't even know where to begin, there is so much to say and tell. We live in a little district called "The Tenderloin", right in the dead center of where a large portion of the homeless in San Francisco reside. Most of them are current or previous drug addicts. With the addicts come all the dealers and violence surrounding it. I have never seen anything like it, we walk just outside our door and within a twenty minute walk will most likely witness at least 3 dealings and numerous lighting up... right there in public! The smell of weed and urine among the streets is POTENT. It is absolutely heartbreaking, but it continually confirms the desperate need and hunger for Jesus and I have great hope that a revival for Him is about to begin. I also have great hope that Jesus is bringing a radical revival for Him in my heart and in the hearts of all the other students here at the DTS with me. There are only 12 of us, 8 girls and 4 guys... by the end of these six months they will be my family.


So, in an effort to remain honest with all of you guys.. the first week was ROUGH! I was so extremely home sick, I just wanted to be home.. the change was so much so fast and I just didn't feel ready. Our leaders kept talking about how God is going to bring out the places of our deepest hurt, how much we are all going to change over the next six months, how we needed to get to the root of whatever our problems were; along with that we jumped right into street evangelism, intercessory prayer, sharing our testimonies with all the students... and it scared me to death. I just felt like my heart was so far away from all these things, it was all so new.

That was last week... this week however God showed up in a BIG way to me. Reaching down to me. But I'll save that for my next post ;)

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King Jr.

-Mindy

Hey all, it's Savanna! I have to say I agree with all that Mindy said. Like we've mentioned before, it seems as though in our walks, Mindy and I are at the same place in our hearts and lives which makes it easy to relate to each other and keep each other accountable on various levels. To be honest, since I've been here, there has been a void, a "wall", between myself and God. I never wanted this! I want my heart to be right with Him as it was in the past. I know I had struggles before I got here, but I've been forgiven from it all and I've let myself free from it through God's help. But still, there is a void I can't get past quite yet, and I have to say I hate it. It's like a sin that I can't control.
This past week we have had a great speaker by the name of John Bills who is teaching our DTS about "The Character and Nature of God." One of the messages that stuck out to us all, though seemed somewhat redudant, was how the things in our past, good or bad, reflect how we view God in His authority and love now. I know the things I've gone through have been dealt with, as far as forgiveness and such goes, most of them at least, but I'm not sure they faulter my relationship with God from then to now. But I realize there are some undealt with pains and hurts that have not been completely dealth with, mostly in relationship to family members, and those have hugely impacted my heart and relationships with any other person. So if you remember, please be in prayer for that and for the void between God and I to pass. Like Mindy said, it's hard to dive in deep, to go through intercession, prayer, and even worship or devotion when my heart just doesn't feel right. It's brutal because I know it can be different. But I'm willing to wait on the Lord to changes!

So while I'm going through things with God, and there are plenty good things as well, we've been able to explore much of the city. Mindy put the TL into good words. There is revival coming, and Satan IS losing his power over the city - but we need to be diligent with our prayers and Faith in God who is the ultimate power and changer of things on Earth. (Praise God!)

Last week I got to go Tango dancing with a few people from base, it was so much fun! (And free lessons/dance - perfect!) We've gone to the Fisherman's Wharf, and almost all the districts in the city. But I have to say my favorite place to be is Golden Gate Park, aka Hippie Hill, where absolutely fascinating events such as drum circles, hoola hooping, juggling, dancing and laughter take place. However, you can hardly walk through the place without getting a whiff of fresh "trees." For ministry groups that DTS gets to be involved in, I was selected to be a part of the "Haight Ministry Group" which essentially is at Hippie Hill in Haight to minister to the children of the love movement generation. I know God has great plans for His purpose in that place! They just need to hear and believe the true love is in Christ Jesus.
Well all, I love and miss you all. There is so much that has gone on, and I'll try to post as much as possible, but I don't want to drown you guys with too much info. Be praying for us with our hearts in Christ, and also finances (I know I still need help, but other students in the group do as well, and God provides!), and protection while in the city. Be blessed!

-Savanna

Honesty in Forthcoming

Hey, Friends! So I figured out that it's really hard to do a public blog, I realize this because usually I am to myself when it comes to honest emotions and thoughts, such as a personal journal. But I've been challenged to blog in all honesty, so I will do my best!

After a VERY long Monday, and I mean LONG, I finally made it to the base. We'll just say it was one iced caramel machiatto, 45 min drive to SeaTac with mom, 2 large bags for check-in, one (too) quick bye to mom, a 2 hour-crying-baby-in-front plane ride, then 2.5 hours spent going from terminal to terminal in SFO, LONG! haha. Mindy was the first one I saw, and I was so excited! She's a beautiful person. I'm so glad she was there waiting for me, and funny thing, we were having the same feeling of "what the heck am I getting myself into?"

I know I have to post a lot more, but I've got to run off to share my testimony (the other ones have been inspiring...I'm getting nervous). The man in this picture is "SeaWeed" and he really wanted me to take a picture of him and Kaya!

-Savanna

BTW, our address! Just use our personal name at the top, then that address:

357 Ellis Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

Hello! Mindy here (i will post later), I want to try and put a quote on each posting and this is one that definately applies to the past four days that we have been here...

"The decision to grow always involves a choice between risk and comfort.

This means that to be a follower of Jesus you must renounce comfort as the

ultimate value of your life." -John Ortberg