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“Each year I ask God for a word for the year. Just one word – no sentence, list, or paragraph – just one word! You may be thinking, “how can my whole year rest on just one word?”

It’s something that I’ve been doing for the last three years of my life and yes, I receive heaps of other words too, but this is more of a foundational word that I ask God for. It’s been so significant for my life that I want to share it with you.

My New Year word all started as a bit of fun for me; it was on my Discipleship Training School (DTS) here in Townsville, Australia a few years ago that one of my friends made the suggestion. Even though the thought of getting one word for the year excited me, I procrastinated because it sounded too difficult. When I finally drummed up the courage (on New Year’s eve, of course) to ask God for my word I was shocked at how quickly He responded. I knew it was Him as I had no idea what the word meant and even had to Google it!

As the years have turned, my understanding of why I seek a word for my year increases. What used to be a bit of fun (and still is!) is now turning into a beautiful journey with God. When He speaks it’s a gentle whisper between me and Him; His promise to me for the year. A moment of affection. In that moment my human brain naturally tries to jump ahead to what the word could mean and make a heap of assumptions in the space of about three seconds. I think about my future, relationships, and mostly things that concern just me.

As the year begins I can feel God smiling at me saying, “Just you wait!” He’s just as excited as me! When the word emerges for the first time, it’s never as I expected and continues to expand; just like a snowball rolling down a hill. It gets bigger and takes on more layers and involves more people the longer it rolls for.

You’ve probably heard the verse from the Bible, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

My word for the year is one of the ways which God renews my mind. Each year we all go through both good and bad circumstances, trials, and relationships… seriously, isn’t life just a bit of a rollercoaster?! What I’ve had to come to terms with recently is that each year trials will come. In the book of James it talks about ‘when’ trials come, not ‘if’. When we ask God for a word for the year it won’t change our circumstances but it gives us something tangible to grip on to when something comes up. The word becomes a foundation for your life, rather than a nice phrase. Your mind has had a year to soak in the word and crosses a new barrier – it’s renewed about who God really, really is! It also helps to give context in daily situations, sheds light on what we are to learn, highlights details to pay attention to, and most importantly fixes our eyes on Him. In our times of joy and refreshment the word can help us know how to absorb affirmation, navigate new opportunities, and make small and big decisions – it helps us know better how to bless others!

If one of your goals for 2019 is to know God more or to develop some foundations in your life – I would encourage you to pray for a word for the year. For more helpful tips on recognising God’s voice check out our blog post. Or, why not take a courageous step and do our life-changing Discipleship Training School.

Challenge – get your word of the year!

  • Pray to God and ask Him for a word for the new year.
  • When you feel like you know what it is, acknowledge it before Him, speak it out loud or write it down.
  • Find a good friend and tell them about your word – challenge them to pray for a word too.
  • Chat with each other regularly, asking about life in the context of the word of the year.

Rather than a regular New Year’s Resolution where we decide what our year is going to be like – why not let God choose instead?

Lucy Aylen

Lucy is one of our favorite Brits from a small English village in the Wiltshire countryside. She is on staff with YWAM Townsville and enjoys tea (of course), boxing, pizza and is passionate about empowering people to live their best life!

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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.

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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.

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  • 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!

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January - December 2025

 

 

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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!

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26 January - 27 June 2025

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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.

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

 

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

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

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

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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 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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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.
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