About YWAM
Who we are
Driven by God’s love we go to the ends of the earth.
A Global Movment
Youth With A Mission is a global movement of Christians from many cultures, age groups and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world.
Also known as YWAM (pronounced “WHY-wham”), we unite in a common purpose to know God and to make Him known.
Back when we began in 1960, our main focus was to help youth get involved in missions.
Today, we still focus on youth and we also include people of all ages. We currently have tens of thousands of staff (called “YWAMers”) from nearly every country, including places like Indonesia, Nepal, Mozambique, and Colombia
A Family of Ministries
We reach out in 180+ countries through three main areas — Evangelism, Training and Mercy Ministry.
Our ministries cover every sphere of society, including ship-based medical care, performing arts teams, Bible training programs, business coaching, sports ministries, anti-trafficking work, and many more.
Our Story
Waves of God’s Faithfulness for 60 Years
From a late-night vision of waves of young people reaching every continent, given to a 20-year-old in the Bahamas, to a global ministry with over 20,000 workers, the growth of YWAM is the story of God’s inspiration, God’s grace for many mistakes, and the creativity of the Holy Spirit’s leading. The heart of YWAM–to worship God, to serve God’s global purposes, and to champion young people–remains as strong as it was in the beginning.
We want to cultivate healthy communities and empower, equip and disciple the next generation out of overflow.
YWAM Kona
In 1973, during an all-night prayer meeting near Honolulu on the island of Oahu, God spoke to Loren Cunningham and other staff and students about starting a YWAM base on the Big Island of Hawaii.
So Loren and Darlene led a team of YWAMers to Kona. With lots of prayer, hard work and several miracles, YWAM purchased the Pacific Empress Hotel and land. And this is where YWAM Kona continues to stand today.
Over the last 50 years, the campus has developed from an overgrown, abandon hotel to a campus full of life. Each year we train 1,500 students and send them around the world to share the gospel.
University of the Nations
Training that will activate you. We train young people so they can fulfill their missional calling. Our aim is to develop our students’ character, technical skills and knowledge so they can transform lives.
Disciple Training School
DTS is a 6 month experience that will transform your life by pushing you to know God and make Him known.
YWAM Kona
Together we are fulfilling the vision God gave Loren Cunningham. We want to send waves of young people from every nations to every nation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Wave Maker
Loren and Darlene’s life message is one of faith, love and trust in God being who He has said He is.