Posts Tagged ‘Testimony’
Cory (19)
W D Tyree Ministries is about nurturing, challenging and developing confidence, compassion, competence, community and character. I can truly say that I am definitely more confident in myself and God working through me. My compassion for others to make a difference with my life has become my number one desire in life. In competence, I now have the ability to perform specific tasks well, including ministering to peers and influencing them for good. I have reached out to those around me in trying to build them up and to assist them in their spiritual journey to contribute to the community of faith. My character has been strengthened as I have drawn closer to the Lord. I am less concerned about what others say and think about me and more concerned with Christ’s approval regardless of where I am. I can truly say that my experience with W D Tyree Ministries has been a lifelong investment resulting in positive contribution as an adult and a believer.
Stephen (15)
I learned what character means through my experience with W D Tyree Ministries. My group was asked to spend a week doing missions but without any electronic distractions – no cell phones, ipods, DVD players, etc. I did not like the idea but thought it would be ok since no other group participating in this mission opportunity would have electronic devices. What our group soon realized was that out of the 400 teens participating in missions, our group was the only group that had these electronic restrictions imposed. Why? Was our group leader being mean? No, he was testing our character. He was helping me discover “why” I do what I do. Sadly enough, I disappointed my group leader, my group, but most of all myself. I have learned that being trustworthy is more important than getting away with doing something wrong.
Kiara (18)
W D Tyree Ministries gave me my first opportunity to lead. My team was participating in a beautification project. It seemed like busy work at first until others started to notice what a difference we were making and commented, “good job.” It would have been easy to walk away from doing this outside project. The weather was extremely hot and humid. The work was challenging and the adult who assigned us the job had very low expectations of us. Hearing people say, “it looks good” or “good job” made me realize that you don’t have to be an adult to make a difference. You don’t need much education or skill to make a difference. All you need to make a positive contribution is a heart of compassion and an understanding of community. I learned to put the needs of others ahead of my own and that by working together even unpleasant tasks can be accomplished in a relatively short time. I also learned that sometimes you have to help others see the significance of their contribution.
Kailah (18)
The mission experience with W D Tyree Ministries taught me compassion. I cannot begin to express the tremendous impression it left on my life. In Kenya, I did a whole lot of growing up. My relationship with God grew stronger as I learned to live for Christ by serving others. I remember one time, in particular, when our team distributed clothing at an orphanage. I had sorted through some of the gently used clothing that was donated, wondering why anyone would want these items. The expressions on the faces of children who received them were as if Christmas had come early. It made me cry knowing that a heart of compassion goes a long way. It made me appreciate things back in America and be more willing to share my blessings.
Kayla (14)
Living with, and growing up as the only child of, my mother provided me with little opportunity to do yard work. As a member of a team doing a beautification project with W D Tyree Ministries, I found myself having to learn to rake leaves, operate a blower, and pressure wash the walkway of a school campus. I did not have confidence in my ability to do these things because I had never done them before. My upper body strength is not that great. My team member sometimes lost patience with me but when I was coached by the group leader, I realized that my confidence was directly related to my competence. I was taught the proper technique for raking, operating the blower, and use of the pressure washer. I discovered that my skill was as good as the rest of the group even though I was a little slower. I guess you could say this opportunity provided my by W D Tyree Ministries help my competence in physical challenges.