Main YWAM Page, or to YWAM CommunicationsThe In Touch Renewal Camp at the University of the Nations' Kona campus in Hawaii, United States from March 15 to 21 brought back floods of memories for the more than 50 attendees, some of whom were present when it was founded in March of 1978.
The campus was originally chartered as Pacific and Asia Christian University, but in 1989 the Youth With A Mission training center was renamed to fit its expanded vision. Students can now pursue degrees in one of seven colleges, from Christian ministry and the arts to communication and humanities.
"However, we are not degree oriented," said U of N Provost Dr Howard Malmstadt. "We want students to take only those courses which can launch them most effectively into the mission field to which they are called."
U of N courses are offered on more than 200 "extension campuses" at YWAM centers around the world. The modular-style programs see students focus on one discipline for three months, after which they have the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned with a practical internship.
"It's amazing to see how much has happened in 20 years," said reunion camp participant Libby Goehner, of Steilacoom, Washington State, who with her husband Lee was a student in one of the first schools run at the new university. "God has done some miraculous things here."
Trudi Gill, another student from that era, recalled how tough the living conditions were at the ramshackle hotel that became the first campus of Youth With A Mission's new international university. "When I was first shown to my room, rats and roaches scattered everywhere. It took quite a while to turn it into a livable facility."
The Kona Renewal Camp was organized by Peter and Donna Jordan, who helped pioneer the university and now lead In Touch, a ministry to thousands of YWAM alumni worldwide.
"In Touch has three goals-- encouragement, reconciliation and networking," said Mrs Jordan. "We give opportunities for spiritual renewal, help bring healing and reconciliation to some who have been hurt through YWAM, and connect them again with the mission."
The Jordans and Bible teacher Tamera Winslow were keynote speakers for the camp, where participants who ranged in age from 20 to 75 mingled with some of the U of N's current crop of students - many of whom are following in their missionary footsteps.
Current U of N schools leave this month for outreaches to China, Mexico, Ukraine, Bosnia, the Philippines, India, Israel and Korea.
Last October the Kona campus held a more formal celebration to remember God's faithfulness in helping YWAM acquire the property back in 1977. An estimated 700 past and present staff and students attended the dedication of a Stones of Remembrance memorial, and a "love feast" honoring those who pioneered the new university.
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