What does it mean to be a trailblazer? A trailblazer, or in other words, a pioneer, is someone who begins or helps develop something new and prepares the way for others to follow. And here in beautiful Niagara Falls, Canada, we have the amazing opportunity to build from the ground up and pioneer a new YWAM base located right next to the Falls.
It takes a lot of faith to start something new. When I hear the word trailblazer, I picture someone with a machete cutting through thick bushes; not knowing where it leads but taking those steps anyways. Pioneering is a lot like that: not knowing where the trail will lead but hoping and trusting anyways. The trail won’t always be smooth, there’s going to be some bumps in the road, but persevering will get you where you need to be— all you have to do is keep moving forward. And just as a machete is a useful tool for the trail, the Lord equips those who are called to trailblaze. He knows what we need, even more than we know, and will help us pave the way. He doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called. Trust where the Lord places you, and he will use your willingness. Don’t be afraid to step into the unknown.
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
The missionaries here at YWAM Niagara took a leap of faith by starting this pioneering process, but we’re not the only ones stepping out in boldness: the students are too! When we run our very first Discipleship Training School (DTS), every single student there will be trailblazing alongside us. They will get to be a part of the very first DTS Niagara Falls has ever had, how amazing is that?! The Lord will call each and every one of them to Niagara and will equip them with whatever they will need. Trailblazers are leaders, they are innovative, and they aren’t afraid to step into the unknown. And that is exactly what these students are when they choose to be a part of this new experience.
This is why we chose this name to be the name of our very first Discipleship Training School: the Trailblazers DTS! We are calling students who want to play a part at the beginning of YWAM Niagara and share Jesus’ love to those around us. We are called to live by faith and not in fear, so that is what we will do. We are so excited to pioneer this base alongside all the students that will join us on this amazing journey the Lord has set before us, from Niagara to the nations!
– Jenny Nemeti, YWAM Niagara Missionary
