How long have you been in YWAM?
We have been involved with YWAM since September of 2008. We first completed our Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Pichilemu, Chile. Not to long after our wedding, we attended the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) in Danshui, Taiwan in 2010. We are currently serving as staff for the School of Biblical Studies in Muizenberg, South Africa.
What is YWAM?
Youth With a Mission, founded in 1960, is an interdenominational, international missions organization spanning 149 nations. YWAM’s core mission statement is ‘to know God, and to make Him known.’ Our many ministries fit into three main categories: evangelism, training and mercy ministry. We are currently operating in more than 1000 locations in over 149 countries, with a staff of nearly 16,000. Here are some words used to describe the work by YWAM:
Franklin Graham, President, Samaritan’s Purse“It has been my privilege over the years to observe and participate with Youth With A Mission on numerous projects around the world. Their focus on evangelism is always great. YWAM has a tremendous team of dedicated servants of the Lord and I always marvel at how God has been able to use them in so many strategic areas of the world.”
Bryant Myers, Vice-President, World Vision“YWAM is a unique contribution to world mission. YWAM has been highly effective in attracting mission entrepreneurs, especially among young people, and mobilizing them for a wide range of important mission work. Sprawling, sometimes messy and very nimble, YWAM’s entrepreneurial spirit is the envy of the larger, more structured missions. YWAM’s dependence on the movement of the Spirit of God in directing its work is a witness to all of us.”
David Cummings, Wycliffe, former president“For breadth of involvement, magnitude and creativity, few organizations can match the dynamic distinctives of YWAM. God has greatly used Loren Cunningham and the thousands who have served with YWAM. And many, many will be eternally grateful as a result.”
Dr. Bill Bright, Founder and President, Campus Crusade for Christ International“I thank and praise our wonderful Lord for the world impact YWAM has had in helping to fulfill the Great Commission. Loren Cunningham along with the leadership and staff of YWAM has always been a great inspiration and blessing to me and it has been a great joy and privilege to work alongside them for the gospel. Their faith, boldness and zeal for our dear Lord have been a significant factor in this greatest-of-all-time spiritual harvests for Christ’s kingdom in the past 40 years.”
Paul Eshleman, The Jesus Film Project“YWAM is a wonderful blessing to the whole body of Christ. Their courageous pioneer spirit is helping to take the gospel to the most remote corners of the world.”
Dr. Hans Finzel, Executive Director, CB International“Youth With A Mission is one of the most cutting-edge ministries I know. I appreciate their open structure and passion for winning people to Jesus with all and any means possible. I encourage everyone to support and get involved with the exciting ministries of YWAM!”
Denny Rydberg, President, Young Life International“Thank God for Youth With A Mission! It’s a clear path for kids in a cluttered world. It’s a clear path to Jesus Christ, a clear path to significance and satisfaction and a clear path to discovering what we were created for sacrificial service to God and man. Thank you, YWAM, for 40 years of dynamic ministry to Christ and kids!”
What sort of schooling do you have that prepared you for this?
Both of us have our Associates in Arts Degrees from local community colleges. When the calling of the Lord bought us to turn our focus from a secular education, we came to the School of Biblical Studies through YWAM. This nine month, inductive course took us through the Bible five times and allowed the Lord to bury his Word deep into our hearts. We have continued in this program with the Directed Reading Course, which has taken us further into the history of the Bible and the Church. As of right now, we are one outreach short of attaining our Biblical Studies degrees. We plan to continue our education and we are continually seeking the Lord in this area.
How long do you plan to be in the mission field?
Our desire is to continue to seek God and obey the Great Commission. We have committed two years to this particular School of Biblical Studies ministry, but in no way will our life in ministry be complete in that time. We hope to be rooted in South Africa and we will continue to follow God in the direction that he leads us. Our heart is to teach the Bible and make it known to the world.
What about children?
Someday. We are both looking forward to having kids and we are excited to be parents. God has called out family to missions; when kids do finally come along, that calling will be the same. As for now, we are a team of two.
Is South Africa where you plan to work long term?
Yes! God has placed a very heavy weight on our hearts for southern Africa. We have been blessed to experience other cultures in the other ministries that we have been involved in. However, South Africa has been the goal the entire time. Though things might change in the future, at this time we see no point in time at which we would leave South Africa.