2010 marks the 50th anniversary year of Youth With A Mission. Global celebrations will reflect the diversity of the mission and it’s activities.

YWAM began with a dream which young college student, Loren Cunningham, had of waves crashing on the shores and spreading to the interior of all the continents of the world. In his dream, the waves turned into young people who were sharing the message of Jesus to all nations.

At the time, the idea of young, untrained men and women being involved in mission work was novel and unexpected. But the first efforts at mobilizing short-term service teams in 1960 were life-changing for those involved, and Youth With A Mission quickly grew. YWAM’s motto, “To Know God and Make Him Known” has inspired hundreds of specialized training programs and unique opportunities for young people of all ages to explore their faith in God and express His love to others.

Click here to read the history of YWAM.

Today, YWAM operates in over 1000 locations in more than 150 countries. YWAM’s volunteer staff, who are each supported financially by local churches and individuals, number over 16 000 and thousands more every year attend one of YWAM’s foundational programs: the Discipleship Training School (DTS).

Loren and Darlene Cunningham are leading the anniversary celebrations with a series of “Founders Journeys” on all continents where they will reflect with local staff, students and alumni on the past, present and future of the YWAM movement.

With no less vision and enthusiasm than it began with, Youth With A Mission is recognizing the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to re-commit itself to efforts that will demonstrate the love of God and further His purposes among current and future generations.