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You, school graduate, have the world at your feet, a buffet of opportunities are before you. This next season of your life has the potential to chart the course for the rest of your life with god. How do you feel? Excited? Scared? Nervous? Need a GAP Year?

 

During my last year of high school, I had this innate fear of backsliding from my faith. Can you relate? I had just become a Christian earlier that year, which completely changed my life. Suddenly instead of thinking about how I could build the best life for myself, I began to think about how I could change other people’s lives. I began to ask God, “what are your plans for my life?” I’m guessing that this is your question too.  

 

When my first university acceptance letter arrived in the mail, I felt like a door had opened to the first path I could choose, and then another two arrived a few days later. Here I was with a decision to make – which university was I going to choose? But there was something about going to university straight away that I didn’t feel right about. I felt so young, so vulnerable, and so impressionable. Moving to a new city with the pressures of making new friends and adapting to a completely new life while learning how to be an adult just seemed to be too much too soon. 

 

The bible talks about not building on a foundation that has cracks. This is what I felt cautious about – if I put pressure on my newly formed foundations, would I crumble? It was then that I started considering a gap year. A gap year is about taking a year “off” in-between stages of your life. Gap years that are centred upon developing your relationship with God can be utterly life-changing. A gap year for God isn’t just about having an experience or letting your hair down for a year, it’s about strengthening the foundation that you will build upon for the rest of your life. So, how do you take a gap year with purpose? How do you take a gap year for God?

 

1. Be Intentional with your GAP Year

It’s important to make a plan. Hoping for the best isn’t a strategy; it’s important to take action and decide what actions you need to take to set yourself up for success. Make your year count, do something that will challenge you and push you to go to new levels in your faith. Consider choosing a structured program that’s outside of your comfort zone to ensure you make the absolute most out of your year. You might be surprised at how many great gap year programs there are out there!

 

2. Include a missions trip or community service project in your GAP Year

God has designed you to serve others! We experience life and life abundantly when we put others before ourselves. There are so many ways you can serve; sign-up for a missions trip, serve at your local church or volunteer with a local Christian charity. Trust me, you will be amazed at what God reveals to you about your passions and gifts just by giving it a go!

 

3. GAP Year Travel  (with purpose)

There is something about getting out of your usual environment that changes your perspective. Travel can open our minds and hearts to new possibilities, it helps us think differently. Make sure at least a portion of your gap year includes some travel time, but don’t just travel for the sake of it, do it with purpose. Attend a conference, go on a missions trip, or visit someone who encourages you in your faith. 

 

4. Find a GAP Year mentor

A critical part of taking a Gap Year for God is discipleship. Make sure your year includes input from others who are further along in their faith journey – people who will ask you the hard questions, encourage you, and keep you accountable. 

 

5. Develop spiritual discipline during your GAP Year

Developing any great relationship means investing time. Imagine if you were married and you only spoke to your spouse every once in a while? The distance between you would soon become great. The same goes for our relationship with the Lord. Decide how you are going to be intentional and disciplined in spending time with Him. Some people call this a “quiet time” where they do a devotional and pray – but spending time with God might look different for you. Maybe you connect with Him best on a hike, or playing music, or reading your bible at the beach. Whatever it is, decide how you will make spending time with Him a priority. 

 

6. Go on a GAP Year media fast

Reckon you could survive without Netflix or Instagram for a year? 😱 I challenge you to give it a go! We live in a world where we fill every waking moment with something. When we are waiting in line, we usually go straight to our phones. Or if we have some downtime, we turn on the TV and watch a show. Imagine if these weren’t our go to’s? What if we created a margin in our lives just to think and take in our surroundings? What if we created more space for God to speak to us? I challenge you to try a media fast and see what happens! 

 

7. Pray about your GAP Year Options

As you research and weigh up your options, ask God to lead you to the right gap year program. It is also a good idea to include your parents or other people you trust to give wisdom as you make decisions. Trust that Psalm 32:8 is true; “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

 

As you search for the right gap year for you, a YWAM Gap Year program in Townsville, Australia is a great option. There are 6-12 month options that include travel, life-changing teaching, missions trips, and mentoring. You will have the opportunity to set aside time to grow in your relationship with God while getting a greater understanding of your unique calling.
Anna van Winden

Anna joined our staff team in January 2017 and is very passionate about working on the ship/ helping with health care in Papua New Guinea. She loves seeing people from all over the world come together to volunteer on the ship. Anna enjoys baking, good coffee and early mornings!

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Discipleship Training School - Townsville Campus

Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. The DTS is a life-changing experience!  

Dates
  • 13 October, 2024 - 14 March, 2025
  • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
  • 19 October, 2025 - 20 March 2026

 

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship (Non-Current - in transition period)

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Discipleship Training School - Port Moresby Campus, Papua New Guinea

The DTS will run from our satellite campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The DTS will include a unique combination of discipleship, hands-on missions experience during both lectures and outreach, and the opportunity to make history as we establish a new campus in Port Moresby for generations to come.

Dates
  • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025

 

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Introduction to Global Health & Development

Be immersed in a powerful combination of essential basic healthcare knowledge and community development training, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

Townsville Campus

To be announced

Port Moresby Campus
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
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HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

 

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Global Health & Development Gap Year

Our Global Health & Development Gap Year calls those whose heart beats to see communities thriving - physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The Global Health & Development Gap Year is designed for both those that have experience in the health / community development industry, and for those who are starting out on their journey of healthcare in missions.

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship (Non-Current - in transition period)

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

Dates

26 January - 12 December 2025

 

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Discipleship Bible School

During the course, you will have an opportunity to dig deep into the Bible, reading through all 66 books, gaining an overall perspective of God’s story. You will learn techniques for effective Bible study, and your speakers will help unlock the Bible’s fascinating content.

You will also be taught on topics. For example – you will look at Worldview and Origins as you study through Genesis, Exodus, and Job. Or you might look at Leadership and Worship as you study the life of David in 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and the Psalms. Each book is filled with insights to be discovered!

Dates

26 January - 27 June 2025

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Introduction to Radio & Media

Good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, and communities! Our mission is to train and equip effective communicators to share good news and influence positive community growth.

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

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All Courses

Our wide range of registered training courses are designed to help equip you for your field of passion.

We combine elements of informal, formal, and non-formal education to not only impart knowledge and skill, but also good character, important life skills, and the motivation to serve and invest into the lives of others.

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Join YWAM Staff

Our volunteer staff team is a diverse mix of different nationalities, ages, skills, giftings, and backgrounds. Their dedication and passion makes what we do possible and we are always looking to expand our team!

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Pathways with YWAM

We have a range of pathways within our training and ministry that allows you to specialise in your area and grow your skillsets. From Hospitality to Global Health you can upskill yourself while impacting those around you

 

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Resources

Joining us for a Discipleship Training School (DTS) or Gap Year with us soon? We have compiled a few resources to help prepare you for the amazing journey that’s ahead!

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For Parents

Do you have a child that is interested in a YWAM DTS or Gap Year? We have created some resources for you as your child navigates their YWAM experience. 

Canvas Online Training

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YWAM Precinct

Our recently developed YWAM Precinct located in Townsville’s CBD is the perfect hub for youth to find belonging and empowerment. A high, medium and low ropes course, brand new cafe, and multi-purpose warehouse space for seminars and other activities allows youth the opportunity to flourish through adventure based learning.

 

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Youth Ambassadors

As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to lead your peers and the wider community in helping to support the work of YWAM Medical Ships in Papua New Guinea.

 

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Work Experience

We offer the opportunity for students to complete their work experience at our city campus in Townsville. This unique opportunity gives students the ability to not only explore a future career pathway, but also get a taste of working with a local charity that is dedicated to serving the community.

 

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Schools & Youth Leaders

We know that really quality, committed youth workers, teachers and families are some of the best things young people can have in their formative years. Our hope is to make your job a little bit easier by offering adventure based learning, mentoring resources, leadership and training pathways, and service based learning opportunities for youth. 

 

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Transitional Accommodation

YWAM operates a home in Townsville for at-risk youth. YWAM receives tenant referrals from local collaborating youth support organizations.

 

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Vision & Approach

We have the hope to create a safe environment for the youth of Townsville to be, believing everyone has the right to hope for an abundant and healthy life physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. YWAM works in partnership and by invitation through Australia and Papua New Guinea.

 

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School Seminars

Our school seminar programs are designed to empower and motivate youth to live full and productive lives. Book these engaging and interactive seminars to strengthen your young people. 

 

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Youth Adventures

Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!

 

Pre-Register for Impact Summer 2024

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Impact Summer

Make an Impact during your Summer as you engage in epic adventure, learning and serving. 

Gain valuable skills through hands-on learning experiences at The Stable and the new YWAM Precinct, complete with hiropes and rock climbing wall.

 

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VET in Schools

Vocational education is one of the best ways for young people to explore their passions and get equipped. We offer several registered training programs for youth. In addition to all of the expected elements of a training program, our courses have an emphasis on building good character and the soft skills needed to be employable, while also giving students the chance to practice their skills within our organisation. 

 


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Adventure Based Learning
Adventure based learning programs are complete with a high, medium, and low ropes course, cafe, and multi-purpose youth space to run programs with a ‘learn by doing’ and ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy.
 

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Precinct Cafe

Help build healthy lives and communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea while dining at the YWAM Precinct Cafe

YWAM Precinct Cafe is a not-for-profit cafe located at 312 Walker Street in Townsville’s CBD.

 


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Dental Trailer

YWAM Medical Ships is now operating a Dental Trailer in collaboration with key stakeholders in Port Moresby with the purpose of providing dental services, training opportunities, and health education to schools in the National Capital District.

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Ship Outreaches

YWAM Medical Ships - Australia & PNG has been operating medical and training vessels in PNG since 2010.

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Our Footprint

Delivering basic services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) poses enormous challenges with 84 percent of the population living in remote, rural areas.

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Advocate

Join the YWAM Medical Ships team by becoming a Community Ambassador or Youth Ambassador in your local community.

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Mission Build
Mission Building is a volunteer program that gives you the opportunity to experience life at our campus all while supporting our work in Australia and PNG. Join us for two weeks to three months at a time that suits you!
 
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Youth Adventures
Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!
 

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Townsville City Campus - DTS, Volunteer, Donation
Support our community service projects and youth work in North Queensland by giving a donation to the YWAM Townsville City Campus. The campus also serves as the headquarters for the YWAM Training and Medical Ship, 99.9 Live FM, all training activities, youth work, and a home-base for all of our volunteer staff and students.
  • DTS Fees
  • Volunteer Fees
  • Tax-Deductible Donations
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Donate to support the work in Papua New Guinea
Join us in the vision of building healthy lives and communities for a healthy Papua New Guinea by giving a tax deductible donation that has the power to change lives!
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Ship Outreaches, Dental Trailer Outreaches, and more!

Joining us on outreach in Papua New Guinea soon? We are looking forward to having you! Your volunteer fees can be paid online on this page

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YWAM Medical Ships - Port Moresby Campus

Payments are in Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) currency. Volunteer payments, donations, and projects in Port Moresby, PNG.

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Support Our Volunteers
All of our staff are full-time, self-funded volunteers, including our Managing Director! Each of our volunteers raise their own financial support outside of the organisation. This includes essential living expenses, outreach costs, and travel expenses.
Our staff include accountants, cooks, administrators, mariners, outreach leaders, medical personnel, trainers, housekeepers, program developers, communications officers, youth workers, and so many more! It truly does take a dedicated and diverse team to make what we do possibl

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Leave A Gift

Leaving a gift to YWAM in your will is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

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Charity Gift Shop

Join us in the vision of supporting healthy villages in Papua New Guinea by giving a tax-deductible donation that has the power to change lives!