It feels like it’s been a hot minute since my last blog post—but it’s actually been one month! Much has happened in the last four weeks, with some serious growth taking place in our amazing students. These guys are powerhouses, man. Their decision to challenge themselves boldly has allowed them to blossom more than I could have ever hoped in one short month; What an exciting honor it is to see God shape them! (#GoJesus) With that said, here is a breakdown of weeks four through six.

Week Four: Jesus and the Cross (Harald Höllermann)

This is easily one of the most significant weeks of DTS, during which students take a hypothetical walk through the tabernacle as a symbol of giving up their rights, declaring God sovereign, inviting Jesus to be Lord of their lives, and embracing freedom in Him as the fulfillment of the law. I really have to give props to my students. The fearless transparency and authenticity they displayed during one of the most intense weeks was mind-blowing and utterly inspiring. Below you can see our progress from the tabernacle gate to the altar of incense (basically from praising God to declaring His holiness to admitting sin struggles to washing away shame and finally to thanking God. Yes, we sometimes stand on chairs).

We then had communion and lunch together, ripped apart the makeshift veil to represent Jesus’ removing the barrier between us and God, and had a sweet time of worship. I could not take photos during that last part because I find it difficult to play the piano with no hands.

Week Five: Identity, Creativity, and Passion (Danny and Mary Scott)

All about who God has made us to be, the gifts He’s given us, the desires of our hearts, and the small volcano inside, this week comprised a lot of ridiculous theater exercises and affirmative handshakes. I left my camera in Upper Austria after attending Sebi’s brother’s wedding and so made do with my phone. To make up for the blunder, I took some video footage. Enjoy!

No, we are neither on performance-enhancing steroids nor speaking in tongues in the following video—it is simply sped up. I hope you appreciate Harry’s pirouettes as much as I did. 😀

This video features Danny speaking about what it means to pour out joy and live fear-free.

Week Six: Worship, Intercession, and Spiritual Warfare (Jena Brancart)

This week addressed everything you wanted to know about the whats, whys, whens, and hows of communication with God and invisible battles. It was a pleasure and blessing to have my beautiful friend Jena Brancart travel all the way from SLO-town to join us for this week! The students insist that she and I are the same person…guess ya can’t dilute that California blood! #radical #gnarly

Intercession and Prayer Walk

Every morning we begin class with either worship, intercession, or a prayer walk. I don’t tend to take photos during this time since it’s important to offer an organic and safe environment, but I did snap a shot of Nathalie leading intercession for this generation’s children (“børn” in Danish) and another of the team praying at a nearby cross for the salvation of Vienna.

Homeless Ministry

On Wednesdays from 2:30–7ish, the students work at a café that ministers to the homeless community with free food and a Christian teaching. They help prepare food, spend time with the people, clean up at the end, and sometimes give the 15-minute message. (Shout-out to Rebekah and Alexa for rocking that last part. #werkforthegurk)

Fun

One of my main goals of this DTS is to make sure everyone has fun. Below is evidence suggesting that I am thus far successful. In Exhibit A, Anyssa graces the team with her radiant presence, taking me and Sebi to the art history museum and then hijacking the piano at Café Diglas:

In Exhibit B, Nathalie teaches Alexa (and a hiding Rebekah) a Danish children’s song:

In Exhibit C, Martin has way too much fun during sport (if it doesn’t hurt, you’re doing it wrong! 😂):

In Exhibit D, Harry’s son, Elias bonds with Evan before taking a selfie like he’s about to drop the hottest mixtape of 2019:

Melissa the Forerunner

To avoid deportation, our staff member Melissa fled the Schengen region (most of the EU) to Armenia a few weeks early. We will join her for outreach on March 17. ❤️

Me, Sebi, and Some Locals Walking Their Goats

While in Upper Austria, Sebi and I trekked through the snow to Nixenfälle (Mermaids Fall). On the way, we witnessed some Austrians in their natural habitat.