Lillian (Singapore)
SBS Student

I am thankful to God for directing me here to Turner Valley to do a SBS. The quietness and beauty of the place coupled with teachers who are just oozing with the love of God provided a conducive hideaway for my 9-month gruelling studies! But it's so rewarding. I particularly love the prophets - emotion packed, God speaking so passionately to His people, and hence to me through them. Imagine 99% of the prophecies are already fulfilled with only 1 yet to be fulfilled, the second coming of Christ. Through the strong poetic language, I am awed by God's heart that cries out for the poor, oppressed, downtrodden and against the unrighteousness of society and realize how far short I fall of having a strong passion for justice and compassion for people I realized that God's concern is the prerequisite of God's anger, instrumental in bringing justice, in bringing healing to His people. Sometimes we seek out new preachers, new books with great themes but really, the Bible is so rich in itself...everything we need to know about living life...the very heart of God!!

Nora (Malaysia)
SBS Student

Turner Valley...Beautiful cowboy town. It is a blessing to spend 9 months in SBS, meditating on God's Word, I learned so much. It gave me a deeper understanding of God's Word, purpose and heart for us. That totally changed my perspective of God, His grace, and mercy melted my heart and made me enthusiastic to have a deeper relationship with Him. Now, I feel confident and well equipped in my ministry. The most blessed part was sharing my laughter with staff. Their broad shoulders are there for students to lean on. I appreciate and respect their servant hearts.
"I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Ellie (New Zealand)
C/DTS Student

My DTS was a time of getting to know God more, seeking His will for my life, and getting trained in being a part of the 'Great Commission'. The lecture phase of the school was excellent, I was able to dig deeper into God's Word and learn so much about His character and also who He had created me to be. During our outreach to Myanmar, we implemented what we learned. We saw God at work there and were able to be part of sharing God's love in that nation. It was during this time that God confirmed my call to full-time missions. Doing a DTS is a life changing and faith building experience, one I would recommend for everyone.

Bobby Jeanne (Kentucky, USA)
C/DTS Student

I came to YWAM as a baby Christian I had many misconceptions about myself, others, my abilities and the whole religion of Christianity in general. I wasn't really sure who I was or who God was or why I believed what I believed. Through the lectures and teachings, along with the discipleship that I received, I understand and am making right all of the wrong beliefs that I once held. DTS also taught me that God really does love me for who I am. God also taught me how to integrate all these things with my daughter.

Shauna (Monetville, Ontario)
C/DTS Student

My DTS was incredibly impacting for me. I knew that I was interested in missions but I didn't know how to practically apply that interest in my life. DTS was a huge help to me. I learned so much in my lecture phase and was then able to apply what I learned during outreach. For outreach our team went to Myanmar (between Thailand and India) and I was able to experience a lot of what I had learned in the lecture. I experienced God's heart for the lost and saw that there are so many people who have never even heard the name of Jesus! God impassioned me to share the Gospel wherever I go. It was definitely a life-changing experience for me and it was a stepping stone into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Jonathan (Calgary, Alberta)
C/DTS Student

My DTS at Turner Valley has been a really good experience. It's been a time where I can grow in my understanding of the nature and heart of God and to catch a better perspective of God's heart for the lost worldwide. God has really challenged me to put my faith into action, surrender everything that I've got to Him, and live everyday expecting great things from Him! I've also found that God's been slowly preparing me and giving me vision for my future ministry and throughout my DTS and on our outreach, He's been confirming parts of His calling and purpose to use me in His kingdom. It's definitely been a time that I don't regret!

Rachel (Switzerland)
C/DTS Student

Before my DTS I had a desire to go into missions but I wasn't sure if God wanted me in Asia or Africa. In my DTS I learned so much about God and each day I grew closer God. I see him as my father, friend and lover. My daily devotions have a new purpose because I have learned to study the Bible more. My prayer life has changed a lot too. Living in community wasn't easy but God helped me through it. Being in the DTS was a precious treasure for me. I wouldn't have missed it because it turned my life upside down. I learned to give my desires, visions, and dreams to God and trust Him with them. I know God cares for me and don't have to worry because he is in control.

Elizabeth (Canada)
SBS Staff

SBS exists so that people can study the Word of God. However, even the study of the Word is not the ultimate focus. The point of SBS is that people would have their lives changed by the power of God. It is as I have obeyed God's word, putting it into practice, that God has given me greater understanding. The wisest man in history stated that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7) In our day, when there is so much information, yet so little understanding, our world needs people who fear the Lord - not only in word but in deed. The greatest result of SBS in my life has been a greater understanding and love of God.
"Oh, how I love thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thy commandments makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep thy precepts." Psalm 119:97-100

Angie (USA)
SBS Staff

The decision to do a SBS was big for me. I thought I was too old and that I shouldn't take the time to do a school. Yet God in His grace and sovereignty repeatedly confirmed to me that a year to immerse myself in His Word wouldn't be a waste of time. As I studied the Word I was often brought to tears as I learned so many new and wonderful things about our amazingly merciful and humble God. It saddened me to realize that I had been a Christian for 20 years, and yet there was so much that I didn't know or understand about Him that He so clearly reveals through His Word. The thousands of years of history covered in the Bible still overwhelms me, but the clearer picture of God's hand throughout history is so beautiful to see. Through what I have learned in SBS God has shown me how I can seek to "Love Him with all my mind". If you are considering an SBS, the best advice I can give you is to pray and seek God. If He says yes, take that courageous step of faith. You will probably study harder than you even have in your life, but it won't be a waste of time, it will probably be one of the best investments you ever make in your life.

Tamara (Canada)
SBS Student

Studying the Bible in SBS has made Scripture come alive for me. The Bible has become more than just a collection of ancient writings. It's God's personal word to me of how much he loves me and what he has done for me. SBS increased my understanding of how to approach the Bible and made me realize the truths in God’s word are available for all to discover. Before doing SBS I did not understand many of the Old Testament books and wondered how they could possibly apply to my life. After doing SBS I appreciate the Old Testament books much more, and no longer hesitate to read them because I know that they are understandable and relevant to today. SBS has led me into deeper relationship with God by increasing my understanding of God's character.