YOUTH WITH A MISSION
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 tell 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.
There are three strands of
ministry weaving throughout all that YWAM does:
Evangelism is an integral
part of both training and mercy ministries, but also an emphasis of its own.
Drama, music, performing arts and sports camps are among the creative tools YWAM
staff use to share their faith in a way that makes sense to their
audience--whether it be teenagers, elderly refugees, or an unreached people
group.
YWAM also engages in church planting, in coordination with
churches and denominations, or on its own among people groups who don't have
churches among them yet.
Mercy Ministry meets some of
the practical and physical needs of over 400,000 people annually. Caring for
street children in South America; aiding in the recovery of drug addicts in
North America and Western Europe; feeding and housing refugees and women in need
in Africa and Asia, operating ocean-traversing ships demonstrating and declaring
the Good News practically and verbally, are just some of the ways in which
helping hands are extended.
Training - Our goal
is to encourage students in developing personal character, cultivating a living
relationship with God, and identifying unique gifts and callings. The
Discipleship Training School (DTS) is an intensive Christian training course
with 12 weeks of a teaching phase and 12 weeks of practical outreach phase. In this DTS we
will focus on training, discipling, and mobilizing young people for youth and
family ministry through outdoor experiential learning, community living, and
core teachings of knowing God and making Him known.
