While the church is seeking diversity to embrace people from all walks of life, modern mission ministry has become more creative. Discipleship training is no longer confined on the land; it even has begun to sail the seas.

The very fresh idea is initiated by the Marine Reach, YWMA’s ship ministry. Bluewater Discipleship Training School is its first ever sailing school for nurturing disciples of this era. It is very meaningful as described in the Bible, the scene of Jesus’ calling of the first four disciples - John, James, Peter and Andrew - happened by the sea.

The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is an intensive, live-in, Christian training course that is approximately 6 months long and is divided into two main parts: the lecture phase and the outreach phase. It is a faith adventure with God.

Most importantly, it provides a very special platform for young people from all over the world, who represent different cultures and denominations, to come together with the intention of fulfilling a common purpose: “To know God and to make Him known.”

Beginning 1 April 2005, eleven students will join staff and crew aboard the 90-foot gaff-rigged schooner Genevieve Challenge for the DTS lecture phase. The boat will cover 1300 nautical miles of the Aegean Sea in three months, with planned stops at Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi and other historic places where Apostles Paul pioneered in his mission journey 2000 years ago.

International speakers will join the boat en route and there will also be free time for the students to explore and relax.

Following the return to the boat’s base in eastern Greece, the three-month land-based outreach phase begins in locations yet to be decided. Maybe it will be in the eastern Mediterranean, the most unevangelised parts of the world. The ministry has a definite commission in bringing the Gospel to the Gentile lands.

Bluewater Training project leader Tim McKnight commented: “Bluewater DTS could be the journey of a lifetime, taking you into a deeper relationship with God, His heart for the world, and closer to the person you were created to be.” Bluewater DTS is expected to close event proceedings on 6th October 2005.

Marine Reach is the ship ministry of Youth With A Mission and operates ships that connect caring people to expressions of compassion around the world.