I have just finished teaching a week in the first DTS (Discipleship Training School) of the new University of the Nations from Youth With A Mission in Bali. My topic, as usual, was the Holy Spirit, but I also focused on character issues in keeping with the fruit of the Spirit and ‘living in the Spirit.’ Some comments on and tidbits from the teaching are posted on JESUS THE WORD and UNEXPECTED TREASURE blogs which you can connect with the link provided. Not much news, since I have just been teaching in the school.

As usual, the highlight for me is praying for them. I pray personally for each student and staff member during the week. It keeps me busy, but is the most rewarding for me. My favorite testimony from this class was repeated several times: When Hugh prayed for me, the words he said were exactly right and touched my heart. The other comment which was oft repeated was their wonder at how I could answer questions with a scripture every time. This, indeed is a trademark of my teaching and is a truly remarkable gift from God!

This DTS was different than others, most notably in the teaching time. I had only 3.5 hours a day here, usually it is twice or more. This means I could cover less ground, and have less interactive time with students.

Usually I have sessions with the students in the evenings, which I use for worship and ministry. In this school I had only Monday night. It is difficult when I have so much I want to impart to them! Even so, it seems I had little time for myself, most was spent reorganizing my outlines and presentation (I use powerpoint) for the group and the time allowed.

Bali is one of my favorite places, not a lot unlike Hawaii (though I think our beaches are better). The school is across the street from the beach, and I did enjoy a swim in the ocean. The location is Jembaran, which is noted for the fish restaurants which open on the beach nightly. We are right in the center of this activity.

It is now Saturday morning as I write (and hope to post) this. This afternoon Susi (first person highlighted in Unexpected Treasure blog) will pick me up. I will stay with a friend tonight, and if we can get a place on the plane to Kupang (we are waitlisted) we will fly tomorrow afternoon and get land transportation to the border with East Timor, where Susi’s husband will pick us up. Susi has ministry with tribal people there and we will make visitations to pray for people. We return to Bali on 2 August, and I will visit friends here in Bali and return to Surabaya on the 6th. At least that is the plan. If we cannot get the plane and trip to East Timor, I still must leave the country, so will fly to Singapore, turn around and return to Surabaya from Singapore, hoping to spend time with my friends in Singapore on the way.

visit JESUS the WORD and UNEXPECTED TREASURE blogs for details of teaching and people in the DTS.
–hwk--