Central Europe Celebrates YWAM 50th Anniversary

YWAM Central Europe held their 50th Celebrations in Timişoara, Romania from the 16th to the 19th of April. 150 people from all over the region and beyond came together to look back over what God has done, see what He is doing and seek for what He is wanting to do. Although YWAM Founders Loren and Darlene Cunningham were not physically present for this Central Europe 50th celebration, they sent video greetings to Romania from Seoul, where they were celebrating the 50th with YWAM Korea.  Al Akimoff, founder of YWAM Slavic Ministries and the “father” of YWAM in this region, shared many stories of his time working in the region when it was still under the Iron Curtain. Ursy Botting with YWAM Slovakia enjoyed Al’s stories, realizing that: “Even though I wasn't there at the beginning, I still have my part in the big story. God still does great miracles now.”

Event #15: Hong Kong welcomes founders to 50th celebration

As we gathered together on the night of April 11th, it was evident that God’s joy had fallen upon us. There was a buzz in the air as friends and family from churches and organizations around Hong Kong joined us for our opening night celebration. We worshipped Jesus loudly and proudly; we enjoyed videos and pictures that rang in the Jubilee celebration; and we welcomed Loren & Darlene, as well as Darlene’s mom, “Mama Dar” to Hong Kong. A traditional Chinese music performance reminded us of why we do what we do - to see all people, of all cultures, using their gifts and styles to glorify God, that one day every tribe, tongue, people and nation would bow before Him. So natural of our founder, Loren used this theme very nicely to share with us the history of YWAM International and the importance of Missions in today’s age.

Event #16: YWAM 50th Anniversary Event – Seoul, Korea

April 13th 

YWAM 50th anniversary in Korea began with Korean traditional worship, with more than 3,000 people gathered for the event at Manna Church in Bundang, just outside of Seoul.  The Korea National Leadership Team (NLT) gave thanks to David E Ross and Ellen, the founding leaders of YWAM Korea and surprised David by a meeting with his first Korean teacher, HyeRee Park.  SungGun Hong, the YWAM Regional Leader for East Asia then gave the message, expressing hope that this event will be a time to give thanks to God who has been with us in the past and present, and asking for new anointing for the future.

Mongolia April 18 & 19, 2010

When you look at Mongolia in the winter you see a brown, barren, dry, and desolate landscape. The wind is biting and you don’t dare go outside unless absolutely necessary.   You wouldn’t believe you were looking at the same place in the summer.  The land is transformed by the rain that comes in early summer.  There are literally streams in the dessert, which quench the thirst of the people, the land and the animals.  There is new life, where once there was none.  The areas that were once dry and cracked are now full of growth and teeming with colour.  Since the collapse of Soviet control and influence in Mongolia in 1991, Mongolia has been going through a similar transformation.   The gospel is being shared and lives are being altered by God’s living water.