YFG Programme | DTS phase | Placement Phase | Photo Gallery
Who is the Year for God for?
YFG is for Christians 18 years+ wanting to take a year to develop their relationship with God and to serve Him through overseas missions in a cross-cultural setting. The year will be challenging and life changing, so we are looking for committed people with enthusiasm, initiative and a desire to know God more and serve Him. YFG is also a good starting point for those considering in being involved in missions in the future.
during your year you will:
- Serve God overseas in a developing country
- Experience the adventure of living in a different country and
being immersed in a new culture - Take your relationship with God to a deeper level
The Year for God (YFG) programme
The YFG programme begins with a 5-month Discipleship Training School and is followed by a 6-month mission work placement. Preparation for the year will take place during a 1 week Orientation here at Holmsted Manor, England. Throughout the year you will receive pastoral support from team leaders. On your return, there is a Debrief week also held at Holmsted Manor.
There are two intakes a year for the Year For God programme:
- February: when we send teams to Bolivia, India and Uganda
- August: when we send teams to Bolivia, Singapore and Uganda
* Every intake has a South American, Asian and African option.
Orientation and Debrief
Living in a new culture can be a stretching experience as well as being exciting. We aim to prepare you as thoroughly as we can during the Orientation week at Holmsted Manor, at the start of your Year For God. Topics covered include culture, culture shock, health briefing, relationships and missions and maintaining your relationship with God and home. It’s a great time to get to know others going to your location, meet some of last year’s students and to take time to personally prepare.
The Debrief week is also held at Holmsted Manor at the end of your Year For God. The aim is to give you tools and time to process your experience, receive teaching on topics such as re-entry and reverse culture shock, give feedback and share and think about the future.
Discipleship Training School (DTS)
This is YWAM’s foundational programme. The course has been developed and refined over many years, to provide a programme that challenges you to grow, gives a balanced and biblical view of the Christian life, and provides opportunities for you to hear from God and respond to Him. The DTS is the first half of the year and is done on location. This offers more opportunity for learning and growth in a cross-cultural setting, as you live and learn alongside nationals, as well as people from other nations. The structure is as follows:
LECTURE PHASE (12 weeks)
Teaching from visiting and resident teachers experienced in missions.
Worship, intercession, small groups and practical work.
OUTREACH PHASE (8 weeks)
This will take place in the same or neighbouring country or both.
Gain experience in evangelism and missions in a cross-cultural context
The DTS Lecture Phase
The teaching that you receive on the lecture phase of the DTS will benefit your Christian walk for the rest of your life. The study topics include:
The Christian and God;
Faith in Christ, worship, the nature and character of God, the Father heart of God, repentance, forgiveness & grace
Guidance;
Understanding the Holy Spirit, hearing God’s voice, knowing God’s will
The Bible;
Bible study and personal application
The Christian and the enemy;
Spiritual warfare, temptation
Relationships for the Christian;
Family, relationships
The Christian and the world;
Gaining a heart for the lost, intercession, evangelism and world missions.
The DTS Outreach
Each DTS includes an outreach, where again you’ll experience a different culture and life-style. The 2-month DTS outreach is where you share your faith to those in need of His love, truth and freedom. You get to apply the lessons learnt in the lecture phase, and see God move in you and through you.
You could find yourself doing evangelism, serving the poor in practical ways, children or youth ministry, building new friendships, teaching and preaching, work with churches or relief and development. Every outreach is different, and for many students it’s the most amazing, fulfilling and life-changing time of their lives!
DTS is a beneficial foundation for a lifetime of following Jesus and aims to equip Christians to spread the truth and strengthen their faith.
Placement phase
After the DTS, there is a 6-month placement (4-months for Singapore – see Singapore page), which is the second half of your year. This is where you get first hand experience of missionary life, as you serve along-side long-term missionaries. There are a wide variety of projects available for each participant to get involved with, such as healthcare, church ministry, caring for street children, youth or children’s work, evangelism, relief and development to name a few. There is something for everyone!
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To download an application click the banner below or visit the Year For God website for more detailed information:
