ywam's history and values

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where it began

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is a global Christian missionary organization focused on training and sending young people around the world to share the gospel and serve communities. YWAM operates in over 180 countries and is known for its Discipleship Training School (DTS) program, which combines classroom teaching with practical missionary outreach. YWAM courses equip young people for missions both locally and globally. YWAM was introduced in Australia in July 1968. Jim and Jan Rogers came to Sydney on July 1. It was the first stop in the Around the World Crusade. (our outreaches were called crusades) They intended to introduce YWAM to each place they went to worldwide and then move on. YWAM has been active in Australia since the 1960s, with various bases established across the country.

Bondi Beach, a suburb of Sydney, is known for its vibrant beach culture, attracting tourists, surfers, and locals, making it an opportune location for YWAM. Bondi Beach’s international appeal provides a unique opportunity for cross-cultural engagement. The area's diverse population and steady flow of international visitors align with YWAM’s vision for reaching people from all backgrounds. While specific efforts or plans to start a YWAM base in Bondi Beach are not widely documented, establishing a base in such a high-profile location align with YWAM’s mission to reach young people and diverse communities, (and the call God has spoken to us.) - YWAM Bondi Beach focuses on outreach to the local community, engaging with both residents and tourists, and addressing social issues prevalent in the area, such as homelessness and mental health. Engaging with locals and visitors through street evangelism, arts, and sports ministries. Partnering with local organizations to provide practical help.

our founders

Our Founders Loren and Darlene Cunningham are the founders of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), an ever-expanding global missions movement born in 1960 which has reached into every nation on earth. Loren was born in Taft, California, Loren’s family heritage is rich with generations of Christian ministers.

Darlene Cunningham was born in Vancouver, Canada. From an early age, she was aware of a distinct calling from God on her life. The course of that call became clarified forever when she met a handsome, single young man-with-a-vision named Loren Cunningham. Upon marrying Loren in 1963, she became the co-founder of Youth With A Mission, the ever-expanding global missions movement Loren had started in 1960, which has now reached into every nation on earth.

By Gracen and Jacobi Beaman

At YWAM Bondi, my husband and I are driven by a profound sense of purpose and calling to see God's Kingdom expanded through discipleship, missions, and community engagement. Our heart for YWAM Bondi is to be a place where people can encounter God in a transformative way, not just through teaching and training but through genuine community, worship, and relationship. The desire here at Bondi is to cultivate a culture that prioritizes intimacy with God above all else. We believe that every action, decision, and program should flow from a place of deep communion with Him. Whether it's through worship, prayer, or quiet reflection, it is encouraged that everyone at the base to continually seek God’s presence and guidance. We are passionate about discipleship that goes beyond knowledge, and into transformation. YWAM Bondi is a place where individuals are not just taught about God, but where they are also challenged to live out their faith in practical, impactful ways.

The approach we take to discipleship emphasizes both the heart and the mind, aiming to see every person grow in their understanding of who they are in Christ and how they can serve His Kingdom. Believing in raising up leaders who are both spiritually mature and practically equipped; Our heart is to mentor and invest in others, helping them discover their unique gifts and callings. We see leadership as an opportunity to serve and empower others. Our heart behind YWAM Bondi is to be on a journey of faith together with those we lead. We see the base not as an organization, but as a family on a mission, united by a common purpose to know God and make Him known. Me and my husband are committed to walking this path with humility, always seeking to grow, learn, and be led by the Holy Spirit in everything we do. YWAM Bondi is a vibrant, welcoming community where everyone belongs.

My husband and I value hospitality, believing that an open heart and an open home are essential to building trust and genuine relationships. The base is a safe haven where people from all backgrounds can find acceptance, healing, and empowerment. We encourage a spirit of adventure and boldness, believing that God can use anyone, anywhere, to make a difference. Together we lead YWAM Bondi with a strong emphasis on integrity, transparency, and compassion. We understand that leadership is not just about making decisions but about caring deeply for those we lead. Jacobi and I strive to listen well, to be approachable, and to create a culture where people feel valued, and heard. The commitment we have to integrity means that we seek to lead in a way that honors God, making decisions that reflect His character and aligns with His Word. Compassion drives us to be attentive to the needs of others, to offer support and encouragement, and to create an environment where people can thrive spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

At the core of our leadership is a commitment to radical obedience! My husband and I are dedicated to following God, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones or making difficult decisions. This obedience is not just for us but is something we want to model and instill in others, encouraging them to trust God fully and step into the unknown with faith and courage. We are passionate about equipping and sending out individuals to share the love of Jesus locally and globally. Our heart behind leading YWAM Bondi is to be a launching pad for missions, where people are prepared to go into the world and make disciples of all nations.

base leading

our values

KNOW GOD

Our relationship with Jesus is more important than what we can do for him. We want to spend time hanging out with him, falling more in love with him and getting to know him on a personal level.

(2Kings 19:19; Job 42:5; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 103:7-13; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Hosea 6:3; John 17:3; Ephesians 1:16-17; Philippians 3:7-11; 1 John 2:4-6)

COMMUNity

We are devoted to making an environment for growth, support, and accountability to prepare people for missions.

(2Chronicles 29:20-30; Psalms 22:25-28; Psalms 122:1-4; Joel 2:15-17; Mathew 18:19-20; Acts 2:44-47; Acts 4:32-35; 1 Corinthians 14:26-40; Ephesians 2:11-18; Hebrews 10:23-25).

integrity

5

We are dedicated to living a life with biblical morale, honesty, and righteousness. To also consider the needs of others, and live above reproach.

(2 Corinthians 8:21, Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 20:71, Chronicles 29:17, Psalm 26:11)

MAKE GOD KNOWN

Our ultimate desire is to see God transform lives,

societies, nations, and generations globally. Spreading the gospel or simply showing christ through everyday life is one of the best ways to make God known.

(1Chronicles 16:24-27; Psalm 68:11; Psalm 71:15-16; Psalm 145:4-7; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Acts 13:1-4a; Romans 10:8-15; Romans 15:18-21)

worship

4

We are called to praise and worship God alone. The very reason we were made was to give glory to God.

(Exodus 20:2-3; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 2Kings 17:35 39; 1Chronicles 16:28-30; Nehemiah 8:2-10; Mark 12:29-30; Romans 15:5-13; Jude 24-25; Revelation 5:6-14; Revelation 19:5-8)

FUN

6

Missions is the most exciting thing you will ever do in your life, and we are privileged to live in such a fantastic location. We want you to enjoy the ride! living a life with God can be just as fun as it can be solemn.

(Proverbs 17:22, Philippians 4:4. Ecclesiastes 8:15, James 1:17, Luke 15:23-24, Psalm 149:3, Psalm 16:11)