We all start somewhere. Every journey has a beginning. This is mine.

I started reading and studying the Book of Genesis this month. My mind has been blown. There is something powerful and magnetic about hearing the story of beginnings. Maybe it’s because the destination is so clearly seen in the design. Or maybe it because I cannot, hard as I try, imagine what existed before the beginning of this world; Genesis is the beginning of what I can at least imagine. All I know is this: the beginning is important.

Most of you who are reading this know a lot about me. There aren’t too many secrets in my life and that’s the way I like it. But maybe there are some who would like to know where this crazy journey, this insane expedition, started. In other words, the beginning. And to be honest, I want to write it down for myself too. I want to remember and never forget it. So here it is: the journey’s beginning.

It started two very short months ago. I mean to say that is when this specific journey began; ever since I was able to talk and think and dream, missionary stories and missionary speakers captivated me. But two months ago, something different started happening. First, I got hit with the realization of time. Maybe it was a close call on the road or maybe it was a random prose article I wrote about the purpose enhancement of time. Maybe both. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that time was ticking out and I wasn’t ready for it to expire. Second, I realized I had opportunities all around me. One of those opportunities was YWAM. My sister, Ruth, was in the process of applying to a YWAM DTS in Australia. Third, I read a crazy book I’m not sure I would recommend to everyone, Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung. While I don’t agree with all the implications and doctrines in the book, the challenge to get up and start living was not lost on me. There were a few other factors I won’t mention but between them all was a clear and unavoidable call:

Go. Go find a door and knock. Go. Go step through the door if it opens. GO.

And God opened a door. Enter YWAM Zion. Located in Paparoa New Zealand, YWAM Zion is a place founded to teach young people two things: how to know God and how to make Him known. The DTS I have enrolled has a simple focus: evangelism. This is the door way. This is where I will begin my journey.

Jesus didn’t just open the door though. The last three weeks has honestly been all Him. I just put my hand up, and the Holy Spirit continues to lead me. One of the verses He revealed and I now claim is Psalm 138:8 NLT Version. It says, “The LORD will work out his plans for my life–for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” That is the promise that I hold on to, the hope which I rely on, and the joy that I can smile with.

Thank you all so very much for the prayers and interest you have showered over me the last few weeks. I am overwhelmed and so grateful for your encouragement. Please feel free to share this blog with anyone you think would be interested.

Excitedly His,

Tim Ornelas