The language of God-given talents

Lively music and expressive dance breathe life into the TeenStreet events, where Daniella first became enchanted with the power of dance as a young girl. Daniella, 19, now volunteers on Doulos Hope, OM’s newest ship. Originally from Spain, she was raised in a Christian home with a mother who served with OM and familiarised Daniella with TeenStreet events. It was at one TeenStreet event that God first planted the seed of Daniella’s unique passion to glorify God through dance, and to communicate the love of Christ through the language and ministry of dancing.

Raised in a Christian family, Daniella grew up learning about God and hearing stories from the Bible. A turning point in her faith journey occurred when Daniella went to a TeenStreet event at the age of 14. The event brought back memories of going to TeenStreet as a child with her mom who helped organise the events. The dancing in particular inspired her. Daniella was completely drawn in, enthralled by the music and dancing, as well as the international community. She was determined to return to a TeenStreet event — and to return as a dancer. That was in 2019. In, 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic brought TeenStreet to a halt and paused Daniella’s journey with it.

Upon returning in 2021, TeenStreet needed volunteers. Daniella was invited to return as a dancer — exactly as she had hoped. While serving at a multi-day event, she performed dances for the teenagers that communicated inspiring stories about God. Some dances served to demonstrate worship through the arts, while others displayed specific problems young teens may have faced, and presented how Christ was the answer. Daniella had opportunities to minister to and pray for other teens at TeenStreet, just as the leaders did for her when she attended the events in her younger teen years.

It was through working at the TeenStreet event that God began to speak to Daniella’s heart in a way that brought her to a saving relationship with Christ. While chatting with a TeenStreet volunteer about her dream of dancing, she mentioned her plans to earn a living through it and possibly even go on to be a famous dancer. He responded by asking her what the meaning of all that was, which got Daniella thinking. The volunteer encouraged Daniella to join one of OM’s ships, and she began to consider it.

Weeks later, while scrolling on social media, Daniella saw an advertisement for Doulos Hope, and felt a strong conviction that she needed to be a part of the work on the ship. In that moment, she fell to her knees and prayed. In hindsight, Daniella believes that it was the moment she truly accepted Christ into her heart and devoted her life to God’s unique plan for her.

Now, Daniella serves in Doulos Hope's bookfair and participates in the ship’s dance group. Working with the group presents new and challenging dance opportunities, as Daniella creates the choreography — something she has never done before. When faced with this new challenge, Daniella prayed, “[God], I give You my talents,” surrendering her skillset — both the familiar and emerging — unto Him. Reminded of the heart of Moses in Exodus 33:15, Daniella refuses to move forward without God, just as Moses refused to go forward into the promised land without the Lord’s presence.

With God’s presence in Daniella’s life, she has developed a vibrant passion for sharing the love of Christ through dance. She notes that, “You can really do ministry with a dance.” Dance can bridge cultural and language barriers that somtimes hinder communication. When faced with cross-cultural connection challenges, “It’s nice to think that you have another way to talk about Jesus.” Daniella has found that dance has meaning beyond personal enjoyment and career opportunity — it is a powerful tool of connection and a language unto itself. Dancing on board Doulos Hope is filled with a purpose — to glorify God and to share the story of Christ across different cultures and languages.

Some Jesus followers, like Danielle, speak the language of dance. Others know the language of painting, football, cooking or mathematics. Every member of the body of Christ has unique talents designed for connection with others — all for the glory of God. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NLT).

Daniella has a one-year commitment to serve on board Doulos Hope, where she will continue to devote her unique talents to ministry. Then, she plans to return to Spain and continue dancing as she pursues God’s plan for her life. Some important advice she has for anyone looking to join TeenStreet or one of OM's ships: “My mom always said that you have to jump in the pool. If not, you’ll never know. It’s a gift, making mistakes. We are all learning and you have to learn from the mistakes you make. In the end, you are doing this for the ministry of God.”

The gift of making mistakes is that there is room and freedom to learn from them. When Jesus followers jump into the pool of uncertainty, they find that God’s presence does follow them — whether that looks like joining an OM ship or venturing out to seek Christian community through a TeenStreet event. For Daniella, her journey to serving the Lord all began during her time at a TeenStreet event that spoke to her through the language of dance.

Please pray for TeenStreet events happening around the world this summer — that more youth would join and grow in Christ alongside a community of other young Christians. Join with us in prayer for Jesus followers – those at TeenStreet, on the OM ships and across the world — to discover and surrender their unique talents to the Lord as they continue to grow closer to Him.