By Laura: School Leader

There are far too many things that God does, and many big transformations happen over the course of multiple smaller moments. I have seen the Holy Spirit move much more through small unexpected everyday moments than in big planned ones.

This is what DTS is about: a group of diverse people learning to live present with God in all moments. At the heart of DTS is the belief that we are made to know Jesus. As we taste and see that He is good, we desire for others to know Him too. While we learn with our minds, we focus on knowing Him relationally. Knowing about someone is different than actually knowing them. Much of DTS is learning God is way more relational than we think. It is practicing awareness of His voice and living in response. He has brought us into relationship as father and friend.

One of the ways I saw this relational aspect was through the themes the Lord wove through our speakers. Each week of the twelve-week lecture phase covers a theme. Though speakers are assigned topics, they’re free to follow the Lord’s leading. Often, they touch on the same scriptures and themes, confirming God is speaking. One theme that arose nearly every week was taking steps of faith and trusting His faithfulness—especially financially. God stirred us to believe in His continued faithfulness and gave us the chance to practice it.

One team was called to two nations in the Middle East but faced financial challenges. When an opportunity opened for an unplanned city, upon praying and feeling the Lord's green light, they said yes in faith. As they prayed, the Lord reminded them of what He had spoken and invited them to trust Him. Miracles followed: reduced baggage costs and favorable conversion rates that became the exact extra amount they needed to cover expenses.

God walked with them through fear, drawing them into intimacy. Knowing and trusting the Lord feed into each other. These weren’t just theories—they were realities lived out. This is how God moves head knowledge into experienced heart knowledge.

This is my 5th DTS, and I never tire of it. To me, there is nothing comparable to knowing God speaks to you. It brings life to Scripture and love for the world. What a joy to do this in community with others who also want to know Him more. Thank you, Jesus, for DTS.