From the Rockies to the Rice Fields
Mountain Venture Discipleship Training School (MVDTS) is a 5 month program designed for people who want to grow personally and deepen their relationship with God while experiencing his heart through creation, his word, and his people.
This DTS has two phases. The first half is focused on developing an understanding of what it means to follow Jesus through themed lectures grounded in the Bible, all-the-while exploring the great outdoors! The second half is where we take our “classroom” experience and live it while on a two month outreach in South East Asia. This time is focused on ministry opportunities where our service is aimed to demonstrate Jesus’ love and compassion.
Lecture Phase: July 14 – Sept. 30, 2025
Outreach Phase: Sept. 30 – Nov. 28, 2025
Graduation: December 5, 2025
Lecture Phase: Finances for lecture phase are being treated in a different way than usual. As part of our Faith Journey, we are inviting students and participants to unite with us in prayer for God’s provision rather than financing their own training. For more information, see our Faith Journey FAQs
Outreach Phase: $3800-4000 CDN*
*Fees subject to change
Over the course of 12 weeks, you will dive into relevant topics with the guidance from trusted speakers. The Biblical perspectives presented during morning lectures can be further unpacked during small groups and one-on-ones with staff. Here are some of the key topics:
- Character of God
- Bible Overview
- Godly Relationships
- Evangelism
- Worldview
- Missions
We will house you in our dorm-style rooms along with other students. Depending on the size of school, you can expect a roommate or two. It is in this community environment where you will share everyday experiences with classmates and staff – whether that is during mealtimes, work duties, group worship, or discgolf.
We believe that living in community gives us opportunities to not just learn the principles of service and loving one another, but also to live them out authentically.
An integral part of Mountain Venture DTS is the mountains! Our program incorporates outdoor trips to beautiful places that we can’t wait to show you. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or have never left the city we believe there is something new waiting for you in the Rockies.
Adventures we like to do:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Backpacking
- Horseback Riding
- Caving
If the list above excites you then you’re in good company with Mountain Venture, but if you’re unsure of the skill level – don’t worry! We have adventured alongside a variety of people. Please reach out and find out more!
Here at YWAM Sheep River we are committed to reaching out to the Shan People of South East Asia. They mostly live in Myanmar and Thailand so that is where we focus our outreaches. The mission trip is 8 weeks and will likely consist of serving in a variety of ministry contexts where you will experience their culture and rhythms of life.
We have developed long standing relationships and contacts in SE Asia and believe that the greatest impact our short term DTS outreaches can have is by serving alongside established ministries with the love of Jesus. This can look like house visits, running children’s programs, teaching and preaching in a variety of settings, evangelism, and even service projects.
The outreach phase will end with one week of debrief and re-entry teaching as you prepare to bring your experiences home.
Jennifer VillaflorJenn is diligent, caring, intentional, and passionate about how God’s Word transforms lives. A worshiper at her core, YWAM Sheep River’s Tuesday morning worship times come alive when Jenn lets her passionate “Cheeehuuuu!” ring out in the midst of a song! Jenn loves cooking, tea, deep conversations, and getting hooked on a good TV show.
I really liked to Mountain Venture DTS because of the good mixture of teaching and simply getting to step out and enjoy God’s creation. It was really cool to see God speak to me through his creation too!
Switzerland
DTS has been beneficial for me in many different ways. One being: showing me that life is really what you make it, and you can choose to live your life and be happy with what you have.
USA
The DTS has hugely influenced my relationship with God. Especially the week about ‘hearing God’s voice’ made me discover how I can hear God speaking to me.
Netherlands
Doing this DTS has been a life changing experience. I learnt how to hear God’s voice, and press into Him in the hard times and as a result I feel closer to Him than ever before. This experience will be a foundation that I build the rest of my life on.
Barbados
I came to DTS giving God one last chance and He used that chance to completely change me and my life.
Germany
Bible Overview week - hearing the Bible as a continuous story of relationship - had the most impact on me
Saskatchewan, Canada
I feel like a big change was me getting more comfortable and confident with sharing my testimony or sermon. Also it was an important revelation that I can serve God doing anything, even dirty work!
Manitoba, Canada
Father heart of God and Relationship weeks were my favourite. I had struggled with [these topics] before coming, so learning about them really helped me to understand aspects of my life
Manitoba, Canada
DTS helped me on the journey of letting go of control and learning to trust God more with my life. I saw first had what trusting God to provide looked like and experienced the freedom that comes with that trust.
New Zealand
My highlight has been to meet the people in their homes. To go and share the gospel and to pray for the sick. It took me quite some courage to do it but it was so worth it.
Switzerland
