We lead a school called Family DTS through an organization called Youth With a Mission (YWAM). DTS stands for Discipleship Training School. In this school, we disciple and train those who are pursuing God’s call for their family and want to be missionaries at home and in the nations. In FDTS, families come for a five month school where discipleship is the focus. 

The first three months, we have in-class lectures for parents that cover about a dozen topics related to who God is, who we are in Christ and how we are to respond to every person God created. The children learn about these same topics with other kids their age. We also work on the health of the family structure by teaching on marriage, parenting, family and the Bible. There are opportunities for team building and fun through many activities as a whole school. Part of that is teaching what it looks like to share the gospel as a family. 

After the first three months of the lecture phase, we send families to other nations to put into practice what they have learned about God and what his heart is for the lost. Outreach lasts two months. We join long-term missionaries and support their ministries. We have been to nations such as Uruguay, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Burundi, Uganda, Mexico, and even Canada and the United States.

There are three components of outreach.

1. First, we join our local contacts to meet practical needs in the community through mercy ministries (visiting prisons and hospitals, building, cleaning, picking up trash etc.). We always look for opportunities to talk with and pray for those we meet along the way.
2. Second, we share Jesus through many forms of evangelism that are appropriate in each country. We are very relational as we share who Jesus is, and because we are families, we do a lot of kids’ ministries.
3. Third, we spend a significant amount of time as a team in worship and intercession to hear from the Lord about what he is doing in that nation, and we do what he asks us to do. He shows us where to go, whom to pray for and how to help them. 

Overall, we are building a platform for whole families to value God’s leading and to listen together for HIS direction above all others, putting the kingdom of God first. Families learn to walk in his ways and love the lost. Our end goal is that families will lead many to Jesus.

We believe that every believer in the body of Christ is a missionary. Some stay at home, and some go to the nations. We train people to know God and make him known wherever He leads them. We spend time coaching and listening to the women and men who attend FDTS, helping them to decipher the call of God in their lives. We also get the privilege of training staff who have committed to being long-term missionaries away from their homes.

YWAM is an organization made up entirely of volunteers who raise their own support. We have learned how important it is to carry out the Great Commission in partnership. We would like to invite you to join our team by praying for our family of eight and/or supporting us financially. If you are interested in being part of what we do, we would love to talk with you personally. (Below are practical ways to contribute and reach out to us.) Even if you simply want to get our newsletter so you can pray for us, please send us an email (tswanywam@gmail.com), and we will add you to our list! We are so thankful for those already on our team and value our relationships with them. 

Snail Mail: Jeff and Tori Swan 75-5851 Kuakini Hwy #189 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Email:tswanywam@gmail.com

PayPal (please send as “friends and family”) or Venmo. (Not tax-deductible) https://www.paypal.me/toriswan (@toriswan) OR https://venmo.com/u/Tori-Swan (@Tori-Swan)

YWAM account (tax-deductible): https://ywamkona.my.site.com/staff/s/donate?id=6938

One of the most important things we do is worship and intercede together daily. It becomes normal to seek God in everything as we discern our true calling. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” We wholeheartedly believe that God created each person with a specific design and purpose and love equipping people to confidently share the good news of Jesus wherever they are called. May God bless you as you also seek him!

Jeff and Tori Swan