50 Years Later-YWAM is still innovating

YWAM Still Innovating Mission Work

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.