Graduation Celebration

What a celebration was had tonight! Three and a half hours of worship, a message, and praise and thankfulness to God for each of the graduates. (I’m glad this was a small class, of only 14 … how many hours would a graduation take for a DTS class of 75 students?)

The worship was awesome. While I didn’t understand hardly a word that was said, the Holy Spirit was fully present and my heart was worshipping right alongside all of the Spanish speakers.

Aside from the worship, the base did provide a translator for the rest of the ceremony. So, I was able to understand the message and the words of praise for each of the graduates.

A powerful message was given by a young man that graduated from his DTS a year ago. It was awesome to see and hear what the Lord is doing in his life, and the passion he has to encourage others.



Much praise was given when Pablo received his certificate of graduation. Just a year ago, Pablo had not only walked away from the Lord, but he had divorced his wife and 2 daughters. A year ago, Pablo’s ex-wife and daughters attended a DTS here. And they prayed for Pablo. The Lord worked in Pablo’s life, restored his relationship with his wife and daughters, and brought Pablo here to do his DTS, with his wife and children living and working here alongside him. Praise God! (They actually got re-married here at the base, at the beginning of this DTS school.)




When it was Carissa’s turn to receive her graduation certificate, we were both surprised when her mentor/friend called me up and asked me to present it to Carissa. What a treat!





Along with Carissa, another young lady from our church attended her DTS here. I couldn’t be more proud of Miss Emi. For years, Emi said that she was not made for missions; she was just supposed to be sending others out and praying for them while they ministered across the world. But, the Lord had other plans. The DTS was especially difficult for Emi, since she came with very little knowledge of the Spanish language. She persevered, though, and is doing well with her Spanish and growing deeper with the Lord. So, it was very special to be here with Emi, and to be able to bring her a graduation card from her Mama at home.



While listening to the message, I glanced across the room and noticed a couple that looked like they might be from the U.S. However, as I said earlier, there are a lot of Argentenians who look like Caucasian Americans. After the service, though, the woman came right over and introduced herself. She and her husband are from the Chicago area, but have been missionaries here in Mendoza for 14 years. She asked how it was for me to send Carissa this far from home, since her 18 year old daughter has just started looking for colleges in the U.S.

I also was able to meet a very sweet couple who’s daughter attended the DTS. They actually hosted Carissa and Emi when they first arrived. And, they have invited them back for visits the past 5 months. So, when I met this dear woman, she introduced herself as “Carissa’s South American Mama”. Too precious!



Overall … tonight just showed me more and more how special and amazing this whole YWAM base is. I am sooo…. impressed with all of the young people that are on staff. Carissa’s mentor/leader is only 22, but very mature in the Lord. She has taken on a lot of responsibility and done well with it. The staff has truly shown a spirit of discipleship and accountability, two things that are top on my list when training up young people to go out and serve the Lord.

Thank you Lord for leading Carissa to such a special place with such an amazing group of young people serving you with all of their hearts, souls, minds, and strength.