Who is YWAM

YOUTH WITH A MISSION

YWAM is an international movement of Christians working to help make a difference in a needy world. Founded in 1960, it is now one of the largest interdenominational and international Christian ministries, with about 12,000 volunteer staff [and thousands more affiliated workers] based in over 800 locations in over 135 countries.

In addition, tens of thousands more people from scores of nations are involved on a short-term basis each year. Coming from many different backgrounds and working in a wide range of situations, YWAMers are united in their desire to be part of changing people's lives for the better. They have responded to the "Great Commission"--Jesus' command to His disciples to go into all the world and share the Good News.

They believe the gospel of Jesus is not just about words, but also actions. So they share their faith through many different kinds of practical help--from agricultural training to running medical clinics--as well as telling about the Christian beliefs that inspire their actions.

WHAT DOES YWAM DO?

Youth With A Mission's activities span the globe and the dictionary.

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe everything from accountancy spreadsheets to zoom lenses finds its place in the work of taking the good news to the world--by word and deed.

While many staff continue to work in remote places that are traditionally seen as "missionary fields," a large number are also focusing on the world's needy, vast urban centers.

Although varying widely, all YWAM projects and events help form one of the three main strands which weave together throughout the mission:

• Training
• Mercy Ministries
• Evangelism

References:

"I know of no other organization in the Christian missionary field that has produced and continues to produce such outstanding, mature and Spirit-led young men and women."
David Aikman, author and former TIME Magazine editor, Washington D.C.

"Loren Cunningham has been one of the most adventuresome visionaries of our time. What he has accomplished staggers the imagination. God gave him a dream and he lived it out - very few of us do that."
Dr. Tony Campolo, Professor of Sociology, Eastern College, St. Davids, Pennsylvania

"My life has been so powerfully impacted by missions. I've been involved with trips to India, Calcutta, India, to Romania, Bucharest, Romania, to Ecuador. And just have seen God move through those trips powerfully in my life and seen how God uses that to change people's lives in those countries. I have had some very close friends of mine who have worked with Youth With A Mission and been on mission trips and have just been, their lives have been radically turned around by working with this ministry. So, I just encourage people considering going on a missions trip to link up with YWAM because it is an incredible ministry."
Rebecca Saint James, musician

"Whenever I'm traveling and speaking internationally and meet high-committed, servant-oriented Christian leaders, I think to myself, "Another YWAMer!" I'm rarely mistaken. I am so grateful for the work of YWAM and for the intensity with which you do it. God's best in the new millennium."
Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church

"We all rejoice in the way God has blessed this organization in reaching people all over the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep up the good work. You have my support and my prayers."
Billy Graham

"I see many activities for organisations throughout the city from a position of Lord Mayor, but I can say that YWAM is very very focused on their assistance and mentoring and development for young people. I think they are a very credible organisation, and their particular influence on young people is unique and very worthwhile of support."
John Tate, Lord Mayor of Newcastle