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We find ourselves in a very challenging time right now. Having spent 2020 in Queensland, Australia, I have a lot more freedom in my day to day life then in many other places around the world. But there are still challenges. I won’t be able to see my family in the UK for sometime. My parents are over 70, they’re okay but naturally, I would like to see them. I have been lucky enough up until this point in life, not to have any health concerns, but a few months ago I injured my back. Long story short, when my scan results came back they revealed I had a disc bulge which stemmed from a predisposition I had in my back from a young age.

As I have recovered, the pain and inability to perform the simplest tasks wasn’t the difficulty, it was the waiting and the unsureness of what was wrong. For the past few months I’ve felt like I’ve been in a different body. Usually I am boxing and running several times a week and doing pretty much all activities at a fairly rapid pace. I had planned to go gel blasting (a milder form of paint-balling) for my birthday and my plan if things didn’t go my way was to tackle people to the ground and disarm them (probably not allowed in the rules – but figured if it’s your birthday anything goes?!) 😉

As fun or terrifying as it sounds – being able to push my body to its physical limits is when I feel the most alive, peaceful and connected to God. The thought of not being able to physically exert myself to maximum intensity is unbearable. When I received the results of my back injury there were some pre-existing conditions that I didn’t know about. I sat with a good friend to process the information. There were still so many unknowns about my situation. When she prayed, she directed the prayer not at the situation but to who God is. We prayed to a God of hope knowing that hope does not come from our physical abilities. She prayed for healing and comfort but it was from that deep place of us knowing who God is and knowing that He is near.

Our reality in 2020 changed – some of us have lost loved ones, know people who are really sick or we have had to face insurmountable pressures. With or without Covid – we can have many burdens in life. I personally have not had to bear much in my own life, but I have had to choose this year not to just hope that my reality changes but to hope in God alone. As we hope in God, it could be that our circumstances change and get better but they also might not. However if we choose to hope in God – we are given a promise in the bible that we will again praise God (Psalm 42). This is in the midst of grief, suffering, hard news, unknowns and all the general muckiness that life can bring. We can choose to hope in God and somehow experience the joy of praising Him.

The good news for me is that my back has improved immensely and I will be able to resume my usual physical activities soon. There are some underlying conditions which I will always have, but funnily enough the main theme of advice for that is to just stay as active as possible – which I will have no problem doing! From now on I could allow my main source of hope to be border restrictions lifting, seeing my parents, my physical ability improving etc. These are good things to hope for but we cannot neglect our source of true joy in the process. Two weeks ago, my Christmas tree had decorations which read “joy, hope, gladness”. Despite how this past year has been, these words do not seem out of place, in fact I see them as more relevant than ever before.

Lucy Aylen

Lucy joined us on staff in 2013 from the UK. She is one of our DTS leaders and loves seeing people grow up in God and discover their unique identity and calling. She enjoys boxing and running and loves living in a place with so many palm trees.

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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
  • 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
  • 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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Gap Year
Explore a Christian Gap Year with YWAM Medical Ships

Deepen Your Faith, Equip your Character and Make a Global Impact through missions!

Elective Focuses:

  • Hospitality
  • Global Health
  • Youth Ministry
  • Media and Radio

 

Dates

January - 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.

Learn more about our approach to training

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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!

 

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Impact Summer

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

High Ropes, bringing history to life, purpose driven teaching, breakfast, lunch, dinner! What more do you need?

 

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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!
 

Donate / Pay Here
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.

Take Me There!
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!