2026 Highlights
Year’s End-Dec
2025 was an amazing year! I’ve had a wonderful time reflecting on the victories we witnessed—from the launch of new local ministries like: Mission Experience, Wild At Heat, Adventure in Busa, and many more, to teams of missionary students being sent to the nations. So many lives have been transformed, and I fully expect God to multiply that impact in the year ahead.
As 2025 drew to a close, I was able to take two weeks off to visit my Aunt Eva in Italy for Christmas and New Year’s. It was a refreshing season of rest and prayer. Both she and I are facing significant decisions this year, and we were able to counsel one another in anticipation of what’s next.
In 2026, my two-year commitment with YWAM Trentino will be coming to an end, and I’ll be deciding whether or not to renew. Originally, my term was set to end in May, but the Outdoor DTS project I am committed to doesn't conclude until August so I will stay until the school is finished.
I feel a strong calling to see this project through. If all goes well with this first school, I am seriously considering renewing my commitment for another one or two years to support its continued development.
2026 Begins!
As the staff returned from time off in early January, we shifted our entire focus toward the ministry opportunities surrounding the Winter Olympics happening right here in our own backyard! It was truly "all hands on deck" through the end of February.
I could write an entire newsletter about the amazing encounters we had—ranging from hosting a worship and prayer service for an Olympic ski team to evangelizing and praying with countless international spectators. However, as incredible as those moments were, I believe the most significant impact was the unity cultivated between the various churches and ministries within Italy.
We saw four major ministry groups—YWAM Trentino, Jesus Revolution, Scegli Gesù, and YWAM Cultivate—alongside many local churches, combine their resources for coordinated outreach. For many involved, this was the first time collaborating on such a large scale. We certainly hope it’s the first of many!
(See above for a copy of the flyer we distributed during our Olympic evangelism times.)
During this busy season, the final members of our Outdoor DTS (ODTS) staff arrived, allowing us to begin team training alongside our Olympic outreach.
We spent five days of our training at a ministry house in Tirano, balancing practical prep with spiritual development.
Half of our time was dedicated to the "nuts and bolts" of the DTS—refining the curriculum, design, and ideal outcomes. I was also given the opportunity to teach the team about "Discipleship Soil," drawing from Jim Wilder’s insights in The Other Half of Church. What started as a daunting task turned into a three-hour teaching session (with a short break halfway through).
This was a significant milestone for me. I’ve come to realize that I have a gift for teaching, and it is an area I am eager to grow in.
The other half of my time was spent evangelizing in Bormio Some of my favorite moments were talking with a physio from Saudi Arabia and taking with a Jewish man who was very encouraged to hear what we had to say about the Gospel.
Video Project Update:
In my last newsletter, I mentioned a new short film project. The work is progressing well, though I will need to hit "pause" once the ODTS officially begins. I’ve included the latest video from this project below if you’d like to see what I’ve been working on!
The First ODTS
I cannot express how excited I am to staff the first-ever Outdoor DTS at YWAM Trentino! Momentum continues to build as everything falls into place. Our team remains firmly focused on Jesus, following His lead through every step of the preparation process.
I have learned so much in the year since I last staffed a school, and I’m eager to see how these new lessons and methods will play out in practice. Currently, we have 12 students accepted, though we are still praying through some visa and logistical hurdles for two of them.
I plan to send my next full update toward the end of the lecture phase in May. In the meantime, feel free to follow my posts on social media or reach out via DM to stay connected!
Prayer Points
It turns out I am not eligible for the Lasik surgery I was looking into. This is a big disappointed but you can pray for wisdom as I am looking at some other options for long-term Rx correction.
I would love prayer for the Outdoor DTS over the next 5 months as I am putting 100% of my time and energy into this school.
I am planning to go on outreach with this DTS. The outreach fee is just over €2,000 please pray that my fundraising goes and consider making a donation 😉
My kombucha fundraiser for a vehicle is going very slow but that's okay because I will end up moving into the base with the students I am leading in this season.
I have recently become interested in pursuing further education in counseling as this is something I found I enjoy and could be a useful skill in my line of work. I'm considering starting a course at the beginning of next year, but I'd love prayer for wisdom as I look into this.
If you would like to partner with me please reach out,if you’d like to make a donation please use the link below or contact me for more options.
Blessings to all! Thank you for reading my newsletter!
Ci vediamo la prossima volta,
Josiah Potter
