The first time I walked into a gym I immediately took notice of how everyone inside was at different levels of fitness.
You expect to walk in and see fit athletes because it is a gym after all. It wasn’t like that. There were people taking it slow on the treadmills at the beginning of their fitness journey and others deadlifting hundreds of pounds on the other side. While everyone there had the same purpose they were all on very different steps in their “walk” of health. Signing up for a Discipleship Training School sounded a little daunting. I remember having a quick panic attack the week before I left as I looked at my Bible and realised that I had attended church all of my life without fully knowing much of what this book had to offer. I thought to myself, “How could I ever catch up in time to really be ready for my DTS.” I had already paid all my money so I boarded the plane with my whole body crawling of nerves.
Once I landed I settled in and realised there was no reason to bring three large suitcases to my DTS… but alas, I had arrived. Within the first few days, I remember comparing my DTS to the sight I had seen at the gym that day. Here we are, sixty-five people all in different places in our faith journey, but willing to “work-out” for a healthier outcome. From a thirty year old nurse, to a twenty two year old youth pastor, to me… a young college drop out with no direction of where to go next. We were in it together and six months later we walked the stage at graduation having all grown to love each other, love God, and love ourselves far greater than the day we had started.
DTS reminded me of that gym because it didn’t matter that we were all in different places. We were there for the same purpose and together we got a few steps closer. Just like getting physically healthy, it only takes willingness, motivation, and a little help from our friends. I didn’t just “get fit” on DTS, I learned how to exercise my faith and continue to grow stronger and healthier in my walk with God. I walked away with a lifetime full of experiences and the knowledge to keep learning more and more.
Lea Emerson
Alumni DTS and Staff Member for 5 years, Lea, is a bright ambitious young woman from Paris, Texas, USA. She’s an excellent leader, teacher, communicator, and one of the best story tellers you’ll ever get the privilege of hearing from! She enjoys coffee, being with good company, and watching documentaries.
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