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Missionary eLog of the Toney Family serving with YWAM Destination
Paradise |
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What is the Toney's role in DP? It is a very exciting privilege to run this ministry as a family from the field. We are blessed to have founded YWAM Destination Paradise and to have prayerfully determined the direction the ministry has taken and the course it is on. Our roles range from administrator to educator to, mentor to facilitator to navigator to friend. On the administration side, we are the base directors for YWAM Destination Paradise, communicate with the board of directors, review student applications, seek out and book speakers, develop and maintain curriculum, interact with YWAM leadership, develop and maintain communication tools, communicate with current and potential supporters, and maintain a clear dialogue with the admin office on Whidbey Island. On the educator side, we are the teachers for our kids. Lynn teaches cultural studies, US history, spelling, writing and facilitates typing and Spanish. Chris teaches math and science. Chris also teaches a week in the DTS on Worldview. On the mentor side, we act as small group leaders and spend considerable time with each student. One on Ones are a regular component of DTS. Encouragement, accountability, and speaking TRUTH into the lives of each student is so needed in a world where there is so much of the contrary. On the facilitator side, we see our roles more as farmers then sailors. We keep the soil fertile so that the truths and principles brought by the visiting speakers, staff and the Holy Spirit will grow strong and develop deep roots. We help things run smoothly but never smooth things over. Teaching people how to effectively live and function in community is critical to the future success of the students who will work and serve in teams for the rest of their lives. We help to make sure the curriculum is implemented well. On the navigator side, we are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the boat. We deal with all port operations, (customs and immigration, laundry, garbage, fresh water, fuel, propane, provisioning). We are working with naval architects and shipyards on the development of plans for future boats. We watch the weather vigilantly. We are the medical 'experts' aboard. We have made many lifelong friends both aboard and ashore. The camaraderie we have aboard with students and staff is amazing. Imagine spending 12 weeks 24/7 with the same 12 people in a small space...you either become great friends or you don't. The fact of the matter is that although it is not always fun and peachy, the relationships developed are forever!
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| © 2007 Chris and Lynn Toney |
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