Tuition for Mariah's DTS and Outreach
About Me
Hi my name is Cidney Mariah Avellaneda. I am 18 years old and grew up in a smaller city north of Seattle. I live with my parents, older brother, and my younger adopted sister.
Like most of my friends, I began my senior year with the goal of going to a 4 year college after graduating. University after High School has always been my goal. But as I started pursuing colleges I seemed unable to find any peace. I started questioning my previous goals, searching outside what "I" wanted, and what all my friends were doing. Then, I came acrosss the YWAM program. Somehow I just knew that was what I was suposed to do. With every step I took forward (applying, getting referenced, and finally getting accepted), I felt so much peace.
September 25, 2014 I will be getting on a plane all by myself (not knowing anyone) leaving my family, friends, pets, boyfriend, and everything familiar. For the next 6 months I will be giving up everything to follow God's will for my life. Although it will be hard, I look forward to a whole new experience, meeting new people from around the world, and traveling to a third-world country to help those in need.
After a time of uncertainty, I finally know what I am supposed to do with my life; follow God and trust Him alone.
What is YWAM?
Youth With A Mission (Otherwise known as YWAM) is a worldwide inter-denomination organization established in 1960 by Loren Cunningham.
YWAM is an organization of people from 180 different countries, working out of about 1,000 ministry locations, in currently over 180 nations around the globe. Currently YWAM has over 18,000 full-time volunteers, while training around 25,000 short-term volunteers annually.
YWAM’s goal is to train and equip the next generation to be influential; discipling nations and transforming cultures, using their gifts and the “sphere of influence” available to each individual. YWAM is more than “Bible Training”. YWAM trains and equips entire generations to hone their calling, whether it be education, government, arts and entertainment, media and communication, business and commerce, family, or church. Passion, purpose, power, and persistence is cultivated and birthed through this unique, intensive training opportunity and outreach.
What is a DTS?
Discipleship Training School (Otherwise known as DTS) is a six-month training school consisting of two parts. The first 3 months includes; highly intensive training, studies, and frequent lectures from influential speakers from around the world. The cost of this first phase is $4235.00. The last 3 months consists of living in a pre-determined, third world country, teaching and learning from those who are destitute, in poverty, or simply lack the spiritual resources to gain freedom from their circumstances. This last phase costs between, $4500 - $5500 depending on what country we stay in. The outreach location will be chosen after I am already in Kona. My wish is that I will be able live in Africa during this time.
The funds I am collecting through GoFundMe will cover my 3 month lecture phase in Kona, all boarding costs, and all of my food during this time. It will also cover my entire 3 month outreach; air costs to the country I will be flying to, lodging, and for food for that three month period. In addition to the funds requested through GoFundMe, my own personal costs include airline fare from my home town to Kona, fees for shots, and the cost of my passports. These fees I have paid for separately.
Why Kona?
Kona was not chosen because of the distance from my home, Washington, or for the shinging sun and open beaches. Kona has one of the largest YWAM campus’ in the world. It is the home of University of the Nations so students from all around the world end up joining together. In Kona, there will be students from Korea, Australian, Norway, and South Africa. In addition, the lectures at a base as large as Kona includes speakers flown in from around the world. It is at a base like Kona, I have the opportunity to learn from the most influential, Christian leaders of my time.
How you can partner with me?
The main way I am asking for support is through your prayers. I mean, I am only 18 and this is a huge step for me. Here I am, leaving my family, friends, boyfriend, my pets, eveything that is familiar. I am traveling to a place where I don't know anyone, and to a country that I have never been before. I could use your prayers.
Will you commit to praying for me this coming year?
In preparation for raising funds for this next year, I have intentionally been asking for more hours at the job and am also getting another summer job. I am also having car washes, and selling discount cards as fundraisiers. Unfortunately, without the support of others, there is no way I will be able to raise all the money that I need in a few short months.
Would you consider praying about giving to support me during the lecture phase and outreach?
Thank you for taking your time to read my story and for considering helping me reach my goal of following the plan God has for my life.