|
 Mercy Ministries is that area of Christian service that focuses on addressing other people´s needs in practical ways. Generally mercy ministry projects are aimed at people who for whatever reason have fallen through the safety net, and are struggling to survive. Such projects can cover a variety of scope such as, the giving of medical or agricultural aid, emergency relief, community development, counseling, construction work, micro enterprise, practical acts of kindness, orphanage work, homeless ministry, helping people with AIDS, ministering to landmine victims or prostitutes, health education, refugee work, establishment of preschools and other educational facilities and much much more.
The Mercy focused YWAM DTS is part of the YWAM training program and has a focus on reaching out to the poor and needy. It is an opportunity for God to build on the foundation you have in Him and the passion you have for serving others. To step out and be a blessing to some of the most vulnerable people, the marginalised and oppressed, the poor and the needy. These schools are excellent learning opportunities for people who want to serve God and reach out to the poor in the area of mercy ministries. 
The Mercy focused YWAM DTS was first designed by David Skeat who ran these schools in Albury Australia before moving to Melbourne where he now works as YWAM Australia´s National Director for Mercy Ministries. The Melbourne Mercy focused YWAM DTS is the re-establishment of this program.
The Mercy focused YWAM DTS program has all the elements of a conventional YWAM DTS but has extra topics and training related to relief and development. Lectures are led by people who have a proven background in mercy ministries or their field of expertise. Be inspired by stories and testimonies of people whos have worked on the field and be challenged by their insight into the mercy heart of God.
The outreach phase takes place in locations where the teams can be involved in meeting the spiritual and practical needs of the poor and needy. Possible outreach regions include: Central and East Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific.
The first Melbourne Mercy focused YWAM DTS had 13 students from 5 nations and sent outreach teams to East Timor / Bali and Thailand / Burma.
 The Thailand / Burma team worked in refugee camps, provided medical care in hilltribes and worked in orphanages. The East Timor / Bali team worked in a poor region called Hera where they were involved in health care, a building program, education and they also ministered at an orphanage in Bali.
On returning to Australia the teams went on outreach to Sydney and Newcastle before returning to Melbourne.
The students of the MDTS had a great time and some of their stories appear below. One student said that the school had ruined them for the ordinary.
The MDTS is a live in school the cost of which is approx $3,500 (Australian Dollars) This fee covers lecture costs, board and accommodation. Outreach fees are extra and vary according to the outreach location. This course is AUSTUDY approved for qualifying students.
A MDTS is a great opportuntiy for people who are thinking of a career path that involves working with the poor and needy. It is also a great first step for those who are seeking to do further studies in areas such as community development, primary healthcare, disaster and relief work, counselling, or other such ares of study.
Want to know more about a MDTS? Further information is available from YWAM Melbourne or the ARMS National Office.
|
