Who We Are
Driven by God’s love we go to the ends of the earth.
A Global Movement
Who We Are
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.
Loving God’s World
What We Do
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.
YWAM functions as a family of ministries rather than a centralized agency.
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.
Wave Makers
Our Founders & Elders
Loren & Darlene Cunningham
Loren and Darlene’s life message is one of faith, love and trust in God being who He has said He is.
OUR DNA
Our Purpose, Beliefs and Values
Know God and Make Him known.
The combination of our purpose, beliefs and values makes up the unique family characteristics of YWAM—our “DNA.”
Get closer to Jesus
One of the best ways to take your first step into YWAM is to attend one of YWAM’s six-month Discipleship Training Schools (YWAM DTS). Find your place within God’s redemption story.
Find out how you can join
There are endless ways of getting involved in hundreds of locations throughout the world