About JDS
A 9-month journey deep into faith, adventure, and mission.
Jungle Discipleship School exists in the war-affected jungles of Burma (Myanmar). We are not a tourist trek or a short-term worship experience — we are a residential discipleship community forming apprentices in Kingdom living.
Place matters.
JDS sits in Southeast Asia’s jungle — near the Burma–Thailand story that has shaped so many Karen and Burmese families. Students learn Scripture, community life, work, and outreach in the same environment where the Church is under pressure and hope is costly.
Daily life includes worship, Bible study, practical skills, jungle rhythms, and missions that take the gospel, medicine, and joy deeper into villages and among internally displaced people (IDPs).
How the year works
JDS Year 1 — Foundations
The core discipleship curriculum all students complete. Build a solid foundation for the rest of life as a follower of Jesus.
JDS Year 2 — Leadership & BAM
Optional second year: deeper discipleship, leadership training, and a Business as Mission or ministry plan.
Word
Bible teaching that forms apprentices, not spectators.
Community
Shared meals, work, and life with Burmese and international students.
Immersion
Jungle place as classroom — hiking, farming, local language and culture.
Outreach
Hands & Feet trips to villages and IDPs with gospel and practical help.
Team
JDS runs on missionary volunteers and a small staff. If you want to serve, see Jobs.
David Small
Canadian missionary and author. David started JDS and spends most of his time inside Burma teaching and leading the school. Author of Nameless Faceless People: Ten Years With The Free Burma Rangers.
Koh Plor Say (KPS)
Based in Calgary, Canada. Born in Karen State, Burma; fled war as an infant; grew up in a refugee camp along the Thai–Burma border before resettlement to Canada. Helps raise funds, teach, encourage, and network.