Loren Cunningham’s vision first took shape in 1960. Fifty years later, nearly 4.5 million people have been involved in Youth With A Mission.

“God called us tor break some norms, and change the paradigm of missions. Although we didn’t know what all that meant, we were used to do the radical. When YWAM was founded, people didn’t think missionaries were anything but westerners speaking to non-westerners under a shade tree, often with a pith helmet. That was never what God thought!” (Loren Cunningham)

“We have always recognized that it takes everyone and that God has uniquely made different people. We are called to release young people into their destiny. Our focus is to develop potential in others.”  (Darlene Cunningham)

“God is willing to use ordinary people of all backgrounds! He is no respecter of nationalities, color of skin, or background. He is willing to use anyone.”

“All Nations are sending Nations, they all have the Great Commission in their Bible, no matter what language they read it in. We need each other desperately. At this point, YWAM is a majority non-western mission! It is an incredible experience to see the riches of Jesus revealed through the human creation, blended together in this adventure that we have experienced in these last 50 years.” (John Dawson)

At the final 50th Anniversary celebration in Hawaii, one participant described her feeling like being at a United Nations event because of the over 100 nationalities present.

“It has been an enormous privilege of blowing the bugle and we have been honored and humbled by what God has done. Her certainly is the “wave maker.”

This video segment about YWAM’s 50 anniversary was shown on CBN. We trust it will encourage and challenge you to get involved. He wants you, He loves you, He likes you!

You can find much more information, pictures, videos and a sampling of the international music from and by YWAMers: YWAM Music (Check out “Warriors come home,”  ”I’m calling you home,” and “Shout it out loud” by June Mataia for sounds of the Pacific Islands.

Also of interest ...

• What is YWAM?
• Natives captivate German Hearts
• Father, Faith & Family
• Maverick Flying Car

October 13, 2010 – Steve Saint (Son of Nate Saint) of I-TEC drove his road-legal flying car from Florida to Oshkosh, probably the largest Air-show in the world to exhibit its capabilities. Since then the FAA has also issued the Maverick a S-LSA aircraft airworthiness certificate. I-TEC hopes to be in production by EAA Oshkosh 2011.

As Steve shares in the short video, the Maverick Flying Car was developed to primarily serve humanitarian and mission applications.

Also of interest ...

• 50 Years Later-YWAM is still innovating
• A new aircraft for missions and mountains, built in IDAHO
• Volunteer champions making a real difference
• Natives captivate German Hearts

Learning and growing together

A culturally sensitive presentation of YWAM values and Discipleship Training School (DTS) teachings, with lecture phase and outreach lasting no longer than 4 weeks for each Mini-DTS. Subjects focused on are:

• The Character & knowledge of God
• Hearing the voice of God
• Evangelism & Missions
• Prayer & Intercession
• Principles for healthy relationships
• Principles of cultural redemption
• Identity in Christ & Spiritual Warfare
• How to read, study & apply the Bible
• Biblical unity and vision

The Native Mini-DTS will:

• incorporate Instruction that is highly interactive and makes use of story-telling, one primary way of learning for Native people
• provide ministry opportunities that instill purpose and destiny to Native American people to counteract the pervasive hopelessness and despair on many Reservations, by providing them with an opportunity to contribute their unique gifts and talents to help fulfill the Great Commission.
• The Native Mini-DTS’s are structured in such a way, that all teachings of a regular DTS will be presented over the period of 6 Mini-DTS’s.
• It allows the participation of Native Americans in a DTS-type program, who find it difficult to leave home and family for an extended time.
• It makes it easier for a whole family to participate, as costs are kept to a minimum
• Throughout the Mini-DTS’s we desire to encourage authentic Native American cultural expressions of the Gospel and Worship
• Instructors and advisors of the Mini-DTS’s will if possible be of Native origin or otherwise familiar with Native American culture and background
• The work would be highly supportive of already established indigenous churches and ministries in a variety of Native communities, as it will likely occur at local churches
• Spiritual growth and preparation to become representatives of Christ in all of lives arenas for the participants
• The raised up leaders would provide positive role models for their Native communities to be emulated.

Cost

We are trying to keep the costs for each student as low as possible in order to encourage many to participate, however, there are expenses to provide accommodation, meals, lecture facilities, utilities and travel expenses for staff and guest lecturers. The student’s tuition includes books, meals and accommodation for the duration of the Mini-DTS. Generally, the cost is $ 300 per person. There also is a $ 20 per single or $ 30 per couple/family nonrefundable registration fee in addition.

It is our desire to not turn away any student for lack of finances. Perhaps your church, community, tribe or individuals would consider helping raise scholarship money for those wanting to attend but facing a challenge to meet the financial obligations.

How can we arrange for a Native Mini-DTS at our location?

Here are some general guidelines to follow when you consider establishing a Mini-DTS at your location. Each setting, whether on a reservation or in an urban setting will be unique, and we are flexible in negotiating the details for each situation. As we partner with you, we ask that the local church ministry consider providing the following facilities:

• Class-room/hall
• Kitchen/Dining area
• Accommodations
• If possible local transportation for students
• It is ideal if someone from the local community is in charge of the menu planning, food purchasing and meal preparation.

We will provide staff and speakers. Brochures or flyers that can be distributed in your area to advertise the upcoming Mini-DTS will also provided. You may distribute and receive applications and fees or elect to have students send them directly to us.

The greatest potential for discipleship is realized when there is a community setting. For example, students and staff spend much time together during the Mini-DTS, working and learning side by side. A typical daily schedule looks as follows:

Also of interest ...

• What is YWAM?
• Father, Faith & Family
• Stories of two Native American Men
• 50 Years Later-YWAM is still innovating

This is the new Quest Kodiak Aircraft, built in Sandpoint, Idaho. It is specifically built to be used for missions and humanitarian work around the world. It is very powerful and can get into rough and tight places.

Also of interest ...

• Maverick Flying Car
• Volunteer champions making a real difference
• 50 Years Later-YWAM is still innovating
• What is a Mini-Discipleship-Training-School (DTS)?