STORIES

HERE'S SOME STORIES FROM YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR OWN WORDS...

I first attended DTI in 2023 coming in not really sure what to expect and with not very high expectations. However, that was all proved incorrect when I was in the evening main meeting on the first night when I decided to give my life to Jesus for the first time ever, I've been suffering with anxiety, loneliness and constantly feeling let down. As I was getting prayed for I found myself in hands full of tears crying my eyes out. He had won, all burdens had been lifted off my shoulders and I brought three people to DTI the next year who all gave their life to Jesus.

When I was 2 years old my mother was murdered by my father and that day I lost both my parents. For 11 years I was filled with repressed anger, hidden sadness and horror. And in 2021 my grandmother (who cared for me those 11 years) had died of cancer. I was so overcome with sadness that I didn't know where to turn so I thought “what would Nana do?” So I pray to God and that year I first went to DTI. There I experienced the love of God and the presence. Since then I've been baptised, found my calling and my life has been transformed.

Last year my first EVER DTI, I was new to concepts of faith but was invited by a youth speaker to show support. At the time I was filled with anxiety and depression. Last year I gave my life to Jesus and this year I have returned to DTI as a youth leader for the same church free of all of the mental health issues that I had.

I came into DTI sinful and shameful. I promised myself no one would ever know of the sin I had continue to choose over God. No one knew. I had layed this at Jesus' feet time and time again, but kept picking it back up again. Until, after Ellie Mumford's talk I received prayer for freedom. One of the equip team prayed and I out loud confessed my sins to God. I was afraid and scared of what the others around me would think- but God forgave me and that's all that matters. When I opened my eyes my youth group pulled me into a hug and I was overwhelmed at the love from not only Jesus but my Christ centered friends. Thank you Lord for freedom!!!!!!!!!! Me and my friend also received prayer for sharing our faith and both ourselves and others who don't know us have had a sense that we will change lives together. So excited to see how the Lord uses myself and her. 

It was the very first night of DTI and I was worshipping and I got a total sense of peace and that God was with me. They were calling for people to give their lives to Jesus for the first time and I came to tears. I felt a sudden weight lifted off my shoulders as I went to the front with one of my youth leaders. I was saved from the sins I had lingering over me telling me that I was never going to be free. Then on the Monday night in intercession during after hours we were all worshipping and I began to cry as my sister was on stage sharing a verse from the bible. I got prayed for by many people and when one of the girls in my youth prayed for me I got the same sense of peace. Ever since DTI I have felt that I can go to God with everything no matter how big or small. I truly believe giving my life to Jesus is my best decision ever.

DTI was probably the best week of my life so far, I learnt so much and really managed to connect with God, I've been hugely encouraged and inspired to share the gospel. I prayed for ages for more Christian friends in my life and by the second day God had led me to more amazing people than I could keep track of! I was going to write this on paper in the last main meeting but there were no more pens, but everything happens for a reason as just after some of the other stories had been shared my brother gave his life to Jesus, thank you Lord!!! Incredible experience, never a boring moment!

Before DTI I was always very insecure and emotionally stressed, but I came and learned to pray. The joy and satisfaction I got after giving my load to Jesus is worth giving my life for

Before DTI I prayed for revival in my faith because I felt distant from God. However God answered my prayer in the most unexpected way. By giving me the gift of tongues, this allowed me to pray with my heart rather than my mind, through the holy spirit I have been gifted a way to pray and praise the Lord. Even when I don't know what to say or what to pray for. thank you Lord 😉

I’ve grown so close to God and I’ve started reading my Bible more and learning how to share my faith with others in all aspects of my life. I’ve been praying for this one friend and God had this word for me that was exactly what I needed to hear in that situation and already they’ve started asking me questions about Jesus!

The past year at school I have struggled a lot with bullying and friendships. I've lost many friends and I was worried I would never find people who I could trust and care for me, but coming to DTI after praying I have found some amazing people who have been absolute blessings. God really does provide.

After attending many seminars at DTI, I finally decided to give my life to Jesus. I was still very sceptical. I felt that God had put me through too much that he just could not be real. The night after giving my life to Jesus I prayed and still felt so helpless. I told God that I needed something, anything. Either he needed to end my life or he needed to show me that what I did was not a waste of time. The next morning I woke up, and the self-harm scars on my thighs had vanished. I am now so grateful that he did not take my life but instead healed me.

When I came to DTI, it was after three years of prolonged mental health struggles, as well as years of chronic tension headaches. Last summer I had reached the point of suicidal thoughts, and I've also battled a self-harm addiction during the past few years. Prior to DTI I removed my struggles from my faith, because that way I wouldn't get angry with God for what I felt was were unanswered prayers. During my time at DTI, those walls came down. I felt God entered into the darkest parts of my life and fill them with light. I may not have received miraculous healing, but I know that God is walking the journey with me, and I've learned to pray and praise in the prison. Even more so I felt called to use my story for God's plan. He has a plan for me, to use me for his kingdom and to walk with me all the way

I've had a really tough time with my mental health for 4 years and I just had someone pray for me and pray for joy in my life and I just felt immediate peace. So now I know that it’ll take a long time to heal but I know and can feel God by my side.

Last year, I experienced toxic friendship problems which left me feeling alone and worthless. At DTI 2023 I gave my life to Jesus as I realised I am worthy and not alone. I've been distant from God the last couple of months but the worship night 2024 reminded me - God never abandoned me even if I did to him - he forgave me and I will love him always

I got prayed for my wrist and now it's healed.

This week I've encountered God like never before, he's answered my prayers for my friends to encounter him also. This week I felt the pain + hardships from this year to have dropped a hold of me. I've had signs to pray for people + everything. God has really set a burning fire in my soul to be a leader and I've been filled with joy!!!

I came to DTI filled with shame, burdens, mental pain and I didn't feel that I was ever able to be loved by God again. However after multiple encounters with him during all the worship (late night + meetings) I am now leaving refreshed, filled and ready to take on anything with God. I feel empowered to spread his word. God is GOOD!!! Thank you so much! I can't wait for DTI 2025!!! =) <3

I've received so much prayer and wisdom these past days, but most importantly I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit, in which he broke the chains of a pornography addiction, and anointed me as a leader. I cried for the first time in five years!

I love the Lord.I came to DTI feeling far away from God but as DTI went on I steadily felt I was getting closer to God and on Tuesday night I felt the Lord Jesus, [the] Holy Spirit touching me very deeply and I felt my shame slowly leaving and as I leave I feel free.

I had a surgery right before DTI and it was supposed to take four weeks to heal. The surgery meant I couldn't use my top lip so I couldn't smile or talk the way I wanted. I was prayed for during DTI and while I worshipped the wound fully closed and all I could feel is the stitches in my skin. Jesus is truly amazing

On the lead up the DTI I was struggling with the lies of the enemy calling me a “fake Christian” and leading me to doubt my salvation, this battle made me feel distant and insecure in my faith but after getting prayer I felt the holy spirit released me from these lies and bring me security and I am now locked in my identity as a child of god.

Healed from an addiction that had me for 10+ years. I am free

I felt strong in my individual faith prior to DTI, but I found that my ability to support fellow Christians was lacking. A refreshing of my soul and engagement with the Holy Spirit gave me the ability to pray for complete strangers and on Tuesday night me and my friend prayed for a man named Benjamin and healed damage left by his fractured ankle. On the Monday prayer evening I specifically prayed for a couple of my atheist school friends. I prayed at roughly 22:15. At that exact time one of those friends was having a mental breakdown and was rushed into hospital. She messaged me that evening saying that during her attack, at 22:15 she began to pray with rosary beads. She felt a piece that she had craved for years and she asked for me to get her a Bible and she wants to know Jesus and his peace more. She is on the road of recovery for her mental health, would would have been impossible without Jesus. I had prayed for a move of the holy spirit in my school for many months. God has a plan for her life and this spiritual moment during a medical emergency is a catalyst for God to move in my sixth form. Praying for the leaders of DTI and I am so grateful for all of you for enabling us to meet and for the spirit to move. 

I have encountered Jesus so much this week it's been amazing. I've even helped healed someone! I have loved the worship and I've made so many great friends.

I CAME TO DTI KNOWING I LOVED JESUS BUT NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO WITH IT. DTI HAS HELPED ME LEARN THAT I CAN PRAY FOR OTHERS, TELL OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST AS I HAVE FELT JESUS TELLING ME TO ‘GO’. I HAVE NOW PRAYED HEALING OVER MY FRIENDS. IT WORKED!

My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer and despite undergoing six months of chemotherapy and surgery in May, she was told that the tumor was not fully gone and chemo would have to restart in a few weeks. I was so troubled going into DTI, terrified of losing my mum and for the distress chemo would cause her again, but I was surrounded by fierce friends, who prayed for me and cared for me. I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit at the intercessions on Monday and I am no longer afraid.

This is my fourth year at DTI and two years ago today (31/7) I gave my life to God and was saved by God from anorexia and serious life risk.

I came into this week with such sadness and felt stuck in a rut. This week I've been blessed with the peace and security of Jesus Christ and my world feels so much freer. As I look to the next year I have decided to join my worship band, make a CU in my college and invite the Lord boldly into 24/7 prayer. Praise Jesus God is so good

I came to DTI with a rotator cuff injury in my left shoulder. I couldn't lift my left arm above halfway. 2 girls prayed for me and after 3 lots of prayer one night, I have complete freedom of movement in my arm.

Last year, I got really ill with cerebellitis and still haven't got my energy back, but this week, I have had prayer from leaders and friends, and I've been able to do a whole week at [DTI] with no extra sleep. The day before DTI, I couldn't go three hours without having to lie down but even though my energy might not be fully back, I finally felt a sense of peace and the Holy Spirit wash over me, and I just cried.

I came to DTI waiting on the Lord for a sense of direction on my calling. I'd been praying about possibly going into youth ministry. By Tuesday night, I hadn't heard anything so I resigned myself to the thought that God wouldn't be speaking to me this week and that I'd keep waiting. Then Susie spoke on the church and I had such a strong passionate response that I knew God was calling me into church leadership of some kind. I'm so grateful for this incredible calling, and that God answered my prayers and spoke to me so clearly.

Before DTI, I wasn't very close to God, he definitely wasn't top of my priorities. But people kept praying for me. It felt great. I am now a new person. I can now say God is my #1 priority over everything and I give him my yes.

I felt Holy spirit in me. I spoke in new tongues and heard God speak. I prophesied in [the] name of Jesus for 1st time confidently. I discovered my gift to pray for others. I had a revelation on the power of the name of Jesus and the goodness of it. I fell back in love /w/ pray[er]. I have been set free!

I came to DTI from a dark, broken place. I came invited by a friend. I felt Jesus speak to me, and fixed me. I visited so many seminars and now feel empowered to tell my story and share my faith. DTI has been so helpful in finding a loving, guiding God who can give me power I never dreamed of! Thank you DTI and remember to zip up your tent!

I arrived at DTI as a doubter with little faith. I left as a child of God.

The first night of DTI, I felt the Holy Spirit the first time. I felt calm and at peace. I felt like I had a purpose to live and most importantly I felt so so loved by the Lord I will get baptised when I got back to my church <3

I never believed I could turn to religion + to God. I came to DTI just because my friends have been coming for years. And then we sung on the first night + something clicked in my soul. They asked if anyone wanted to turn their life to god then, and it was the easiest yes I've ever said

When my friend invited me to DTI, I wasn't really sure what I would be doing but after the first night my life was changed. I gave my life to God on the first night and I don't regret a thing. During DTI, I have had encounters, prayed for people and felt the Holy Spirit work within me. I have met incredible people and made so many friends. I can't wait to build my relationship and carry on walking alongside Jesus. I can't wait for DTI next year. I love Jesus. Amen.

I used to suffer from panic attacks a lot and struggled to feel safe. I believe nothing would ever change and I would be trapped in this place of anxiety forever. I came to DTI, expecting nothing to happen. God proved me wrong. I found myself on my knees, gave my life to Jesus, and as I had my hands out for prayer, they closed without me knowing until opening my eyes. God gifted me freedom.

This is my first DTI trip ever and before this, I was questioning my faith as most people I knew weren't Christian like me and I felt like the odd one out; hence why I was hesitant to come. I felt like God wasn’t beside me since I had issues with well-being at school and my mental health was spiralling out of control. I felt like I was trapped in this box that no one could reach or open. I'm so happy that I made the decision to come to DTI as I feel like I have opened myself up more and all my anxiety has gone. I met amazing people as well as the Holy Spirit which is giving me an eye opener on our God. Thank you and Amen

Coming to DTI it was just a matter of obligation and running away from chores for 5 days. I was worried I would get here and be bored because before DTI I was shy at church and never talked to anyone. But I could never be more wrong. I got here and everyone was so welcoming and kind. So not only did I get a deeper more fruitful relationship with God but I also gained friends who will last a lifetime

Each of our youth massively impacted by God - Worship, talks, prayer. one lad invited Jesus into his life - we've been praying for this one (as have his family) for a long time and overwhelmed by God's goodness to us all and his answer to our prayers. Thanks so much guys x

This is my first time at DTI and God has helped me to meet new people, but most importantly, he has helped me to meet him properly for the first time. God has really changed my life for the better, and he has helped me stand firm in my faith and to truly put all my trust in him. Lots of people have said they have felt lots of emotion, and I strongly felt like I had a connection with God I've never had before =)

I was in the extended prayer and I encountered the Holy Spirit for the first time and I suddenly felt free

What a week! Tied but sooo energized after a week full of incredible times in God's presence with our precious youth group. Thank you DTI crew for enabling so many to know more about Jesus together with their peers. Seeing the joy and freedom in the young people we brought and the testimonies they've shared with us each day has been incredible. Looking forward to next year!! God bless you all x <3 x

I had a hearing problem in my ear for years, I had to go to the doctors, but now that I've asked for my friends to pray for me I can finally hear in my ear praise the Lord!

3 days before DTI I broke my elbow and had to go into surgery two days before DTI. I came and tonight my friends / youth leaders prayed for me and took the pain from a 8 to a 0. I was amazed.

Knee injury from netball, went to physio for a year and the pain was still there, learnt to live with it. I responded to the call for healing, my youth prayed for me, I could do a one-legged squat - haven't done it over 4 years.

For almost a year my knee has been out of place, so uncomfortable. I couldn't crouch without shaking. Being prayed for it's gone. Entirely!!

Knee (left) in immense increasing pain all day. told my friends it was a 9/10 pain level. friends prayed for me. Susie gave an example to come up front for healing “(eg. knee pain 9/10) we laughed and I tested my knee and it was 100% healed and I was fully able to walk. I burst out crying

I've had problems with my foot for over a year since I had surgery immediately when I broke it. On the 25th of May 2 months after my birthday and I was due so many surgeries to fix it again but they got cancelled 11 times. My last surgery was due 25th of July this week but I couldn't get it because I wanted to go DTI desperately and I'm glad I made that decision because I'm healed!

I have a painful deformation in my knees and my friend prayed for me and honestly the pain just faded away. Thank you Jesus!

A young man from another youth group stood up at the call for healing, he fractured his ankle months ago and had lasting damage. After a few prayers he started hopping around and had no pain

I had back pain every single time I sat down or stood up. it would set as bad as a 10/10. I got prayed for the first time and it went down to a 5/10. Then we prayed for a second time and it completely went away in the name of God! I can now sit, stand and more completely pain-free! God is great!

For a few years I've had a weak and painful back. I went up for prayer three times and suddenly the pain just vanished, I've been able to do things I have never been able to do such as touch my toes, roll, etc.

I came to DTI not really believing in God. I went to church but only for my parents. I was hurt and didn't trust God to protect my heart. During DTI in 2023 I received prayer and completely broke down in tears. However the last year has been hard and I started to drift again, turning to other things to distract me. This DTI made me realise God still loves me and I got rid of the shame that was holding me back from seeing him again. It will be a long and hard journey but all the preaches and prayer has reminded me how important it is to trust God has a plan for me and to keep going. Thank you for changing my life!

In 2022 I came to DTI for the second time, after covid when we were in Nottingham in 2021. I came with not a very strong faith, I had been having severe bullying problems to the point where I was feeling self-harm and end of life thoughts like I could never be good enough or be anyone's friend. But one night I was really touched by one of the talks and took the bold step to come receive prayer from one front. And I had a life changing encounter with God when the woman that was praying for me told me all I was going through and told me that God loved me and that I am his child and “fearfully and wonderfully made” and I burst into tears. I fell to the floor, as I placed all my fear and doubt at the foot of his cross and I gave my life to him not long after. Since that day I felt free and truly alive like I have never before. The DTIs that have come after that have moved and developed my faith so much I am now secure in my faith and I'm supporting the newly created Christian Union in my school, I follow him with all my heart and I'm getting baptised soon. My bullying had not stopped but I was so moved, I wasn't affected by their lies from that summer onward. So thank you all of DTI for everything.

I had injured my previously fractured finger. I came to an evening service and I got prayed for healing on my finger. At that moment my finger was healed and I went on to WIN the netball tournament scoring 29 goals.

At DTI I've given my life to Jesus and I have been healed from many addictions

I have had problems with my eyes which has meant that I can't be in the worship time due to the flashing lights. Therefore, I would go to the Dream Café to watche the worship then come back for the talk. When I’m outside, I have to wear sunglasses at all times. During the last night's worship after the talk, I said to my leader that I had to leave the meeting as my eyes were hurting. However, my youth leader stopped me and gathered people around me to pray. At the moment we started praying, the rest of the youth group lay hands on me and they prayed over me. As they were praying, I felt a wave of God’s presence and protection over me. Usually when I wake up in the morning, my eyes are in pain and I have to take eye drops then wear sunglasses all day. However, when I woke up on the final morning, the night after the meeting, there was no pain! Since then I’ve been able to go out without my glasses and I am so thankful to God.

On the second last day of DTI I sat there and stopped to admire the magical warm atmosphere that surrounded me. I began to look around and realise how at home I felt, this is where I belonged and this was my family. I started to cry knowing how much I would miss this present moment before we left as I wasn’t ready to accept the fact that this was going to be my last DTI as this was a place where I felt my upmost happiest away from everything else going on in the world. But then I stopped to realise that this joy I felt is just a small glimpse of the bags of joy we are all yet to experience up in heaven. It just showed me how comforting God’s love and presence is and those are the hands I want to be held in for eternity. The feeling of God is truly like none other and there is no other father I want to be called a child to.

I came to dti through friends and I had lost and gained faith several times almost to the point that I gave up that God would forgive me yet when I came to dti as a lukewarm Christian I learnt God loves me an unworthy sinner who's the worst of the worst who was prideful lustful greedy and everything else above but yet I was supported by all my friends and people in dti and I felt so welcomed as if I was walking into my own home. It was overwhelming. 

 

 

 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3.20