We, as Christians, hold to the belief that the Bible is the ultimate standard of truth. Living our lives fully planted in God’s Word is not an option, but a command. Obeying those precepts with a joyful heart is a choice. Yet, actually seeing the Scriptures come to life as He intended is one of the highest honors that we, here on earth, are able to experience. Watching God’s plan work among His body of believers delights His heart, and our own. Working with the sent-out ones who serve with YWAM has caused the verses in 1 Corinthians 12 to come alive for our team. “For the body is not one member, but many” (1 Corinthians 12:14). Working together, with the people of YWAM as a unified team, all for the glory of the Father, has been a joy.
Here are 10 ways that we have been blessed by partnering with YWAM workers.
- The people of YWAM are people who encourage.
Encouragement is something we, as sent out ones, yearn for and need often. The people of YWAM are some of the most encouraging people I know. Their experience with mission work, as well as their hearts for people is contagious, motivates our team, and creates a deep sense of community and trust. When I think about the many YWAM members that I have had the privilege of working with, I think of their hearts to love and encourage.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessolonains 5:11, NIV).
- The people of YWAM are faithful and steadfast servants.
YWAM workers have proven over and over again to be faithful co-laborers with a heart for engaging the lost in new areas. We live in a lost and dying world— one that is full of religion, yet unfortunately lacks a relationship with Christ. Taking the Gospel to people and places that don’t see or understand their need for God can be discouraging and hard work. However, the YWAM teams have remained steadfast and faithful.
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV).
- The people of YWAM are trustworthy.
They are some people proven trustworthy to continue work in difficult places, even willing to travel to new regions to partner with other believers. They are people of their word, reliable, and also available to be used by the Father.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8, NIV).
- The people of YWAM bring a unified presence to various ministries.
One aspect that we have found in working with YWAM workers is a heart to promote unity. We have seen this to be true in the local church, nationwide, and across the globe. Being a body that is unified, supportive, and full of love is both pleasing to the Father and proves to be a powerful example for the lost. It was God’s design that we work together to create a pleasant aroma that draws others to Himself.
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2: 15-16, ESV).
- The people of YWAM see the value of encouraging the local body by traveling to other cities to partner with the larger body…they are doers of the Word.
Some nations across the world have very small bodies of believers located in many cities. It is important to encourage the smaller fellowships and allow every part of the body to be built up and encouraged. We have witnessed this type of sacrificial love many times with YWAM workers. They are intentional to build up the body of Christ all over the nation.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22, ESV).
- The people of YWAM are willing to take risks and try different things to get the Gospel to the nations.
Sometimes in ministry, you have to be brave to step out and try new things. YWAM workers have been faithful in using their gifts and talents to reach this nation in creative ways. Trying new things and working outside of the box of normal ministry can feel scary, especially in a culture far different from your own, yet YWAM workers take risks and sacrifice for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus.
I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2, NIV).
- The people of YWAM are servant leaders.
We see the ultimate example of a servant leader in Jesus. Servant leaders lead by doing, loving, and working alongside the body in an effort to make much of Jesus. YWAM workers are true servant leaders who set a high example to the youth they are training.
“The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).
- The people of YWAM are very intentional with relationship building.
Building relationships is not only important in the cultural setting that we live and work in, but it is essential. The people of YWAM love the people they serve deeply. They see each person as a beloved child of God and treat them like family.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35, ESV).
- The people of YWAM have a deep love for different people and cultures.
Understanding the people and culture of the places where the Lord calls you to plant your life is essential in reaching the hearts of a nation. YWAM workers are lifelong learners who embrace the differences of people, cultures, and traditions in such a way that creates bridges to the Gospel.
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:21, NIV).
- The people of YWAM are Godly examples of living a life surrendered to Christ.
There is an old saying by a man named William J. Toms that goes, “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.”
While I would love to believe that this quote is an exaggeration, it is an unfortunate reality. The people of YWAM are Godly ambassadors for the King of Kings and represent His Kingdom well.
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV).
This list is by far all-inclusive. There are so many ways that YWAM is building the Kingdom of God around the world. My final thoughts are echoes of Paul and Timothy’s words to the people of Philippi. “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-6).
Kristen Hepner
Kristen is a mother to 7 wonderful children, wife to an adventurous husband, and a published author, who constantly encourages people to seek a deeper walk with the Lord. She and her family have lived in Serbia for 12+ years, serving the Lord to see His kingdom come on this earth, and embracing the will of God for their lives. She blogs at www.Kristenhepner.com , and you can find her book “Surrendering” on Amazon and on Kindle.