For over 30 years,
DYM has been helping people discover
their calling and live with purpose—
right where God has placed them.

Mission

DYM exists to join God where He is already at work and to equip people to discover and live out their unique role in His mission.

Vision

We envision a growing movement of everyday followers carrying the Good News of Jesus into the rhythms of real life--people bringing their own God story to discover their mission connecting people to people, anywhere God may send them.

A group of people dressed formally pose outside a building with a CAUSE COFFEE sign, smiling at the camera.
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Our Values

God Is Already at Work

We respond to where God is moving. The people of God are the vehicle for His redemptive work.

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Every Believer Has a Role

Ministry isn’t just for pastors and professionals. Every follower of Jesus is called and gifted to participate in God’s mission.

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Mission Is Relational

Transformation happens around tables. We value real relationships, honest conversations, and shared life.

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We Love God and Love People

This is the heartbeat of everything we do. It’s simple, but never small.

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Our Story

Seven people stand side by side with arms around each other, facing a bright outdoor scene, silhouetted from behind.

1996

DYM became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, officially named DeSoto Youth Ministries, Inc.

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A group relaxes fireside around two campfires at night, some chatting while others look at their phones.

2020-Present

Fireside began gathering college students and young adults weekly, creating a space of laughter, conversation, and spiritual growth.

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A group of young adults poses and smiles together outside a house on a sunny day, ready for a Fireside gathering.

Today

DYM continues to equip everyday believers to discover their calling and join God’s mission in ordinary places.

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1990

It all started with one simple promise: “If no one else will do it, we won’t let it slip through the cracks.” Bill and Donna Wilting began hosting youth, launching the journey that would become DYM.

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Donna and Bill Wilting, DYM founders sit together on a dock in front of sailboats at a marina, smiling and posing for the photo.

1996–2010s

Ministry grew from coffeehouses and concerts to mission trips around the world. Over 60 trips later, teens and young adults were discovering their mission across cultures and contexts.

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A four-member ban performs on a small stage for a seated audience in a dimly lit, The Crossing Venue.

2017

Cause Coffee opened inside DYM’s building—100% of profits given to local and global needs.

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Charming white house-style café, Cause Coffee, features potted plants, stone steps, and a welcoming front porch.

2019

Fresh Start KC was launched, helping families transition out of homelessness.

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Fresh Start Initiative Apartment

2020

After the passing of co-founder Bill Wilting, leadership continued through Co-Founder Donna Wilting and new Executive Director Chad Chambers.

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Donna and Bill Wilting, both wearing black shirts, watching a sunset outdoors. The man is wearing a white cap.

Our Team

Donna Wilting
Co-Founder & Co-Director

Donna has led DYM from day one. Energized by helping people discover purpose, she’s been a visionary leader, event planner, and mentor to countless people. She continues to invest in college students through Fireside and leads with warmth and hospitality. Helping organize 62 mission trips, she developed original dramas and trained international student mission teams, and co-led scores of spiritual enrichment trips, retreats and conferences.

Contact Donna

Donna Wilting, a smiling woman with bright blue eyes and dark hair, poses indoors with soft lighting and string lights behind her.

Chad Chambers
Executive Director

Chad’s story started in the rodeo arena where he first met Jesus.  His gritty, real–life faith has fueled his story in ministry from a ranch in Colorado to thirteen years mentoring and leading teens at DYM, then sent back for a time as a rodeo chaplain.  Whether he is sharing the gospel on a mission internationally, with families or over coffee, Chad is passionate about helping people walk through their own discovery in mission.  Now, back leading DYM as Executive Director his strength combined with honest people skills are evident through real relationships forged daily. 

Contact Chad

Allison Chambers headshot at Cause Coffee and DYM.

Allison Chambers
Accounting & Admin

Faithful Service Behind The Scenes

Allison is a backbone of DYM.  With gifts for organization and a heart to see others thrive, she’s coordinated many international trips through the years making sure every detail was in place so ministry teams could flourish.  She’s worked tirelessly to bring this non-profit up to date and in line with the many details required to run a thriving ministry organization.  Her steady presence, servant-hearted leadership, and commitment behind the scenes help keep DYM running smoothly and focused on the mission to join God where he is working and equip others to do the same.   

Allison Chambers headshot at Cause Coffee and DYM.
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DYM is more than a ministry. It’s a family of people discovering their God-given mission and living it out together. Whether you’re a student, a community member, or a partner—we’d love to connect.

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