Day 30
The Mind of a Missionary Devotional
Crashing on the Shores
Loren Cunningham
“And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” — Matthew 24:14
While traveling in the Bahamas as part of a Gospel quartet in 1956, Loren found himself in a quiet room, reflecting on the world and his place in it. As he lay in his bed, he saw a map of the world, alive and moving. Waves crashed onto the shores of each continent, receding and then covering them entirely. But as he looked closer, these weren’t just the curling tips of surging water; the waves transformed into young people, covering the continents, moving with purpose and passion. The vision was clear: The youth were to be the vanguard of a global evangelistic movement.
A dream that would forever change the trajectory of his life and millions of others was set in motion. God unveiled a divine revelation, the call to mobilize young people for global missions. “Put your dreams on the altar,” Loren felt God tell him. “They will be resurrected into something even grander.”
Four years after this profound experience, Loren Cunningham and his wife, Darlene, founded Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in 1960. The couple had no desire to establish just another mission agency but a revolutionary movement, challenging the conventional norms of missionary work. YWAM introduced the idea that young people could be missionaries regardless of their backgrounds or qualifications. They didn’t need to spend decades preparing; they just needed a heart willing to serve.
The origins of YWAM were humble, but the vision was grand. It was built on the belief that when equipped and sent, young people could make a significant impact in the Kingdom of God. And indeed, they did. From its inception, YWAM became a conduit for young missionaries, channeling their zeal and passion to places that had not yet heard the name of Jesus.
The impact of Loren’s ministry was profound. From a vision in a room in the Bahamas, YWAM grew exponentially. Today, the organization boasts an estimated 18,000 staff, serving in over 1,100 ministry locations across more than 180 countries. Every year, they train upwards of 25,000 short-term mission volunteers. Through the lives of willing goers, millions of people have been touched, souls saved, and communities transformed.
But the heart of the movement was never about numbers. It was about obedience to the Great Commission and giving Gospel access to those who remained in spiritual darkness. Young people who had never considered going overseas on missions finally had an opportunity to serve in foreign fields. The short-term trips unlocked the possibilities of long-term service. YWAM removed the barriers of traditional mission agencies, helping young men and women get their feet wet in cross-cultural ministry. “If we want to be known in Heaven and feared in hell,” Cunningham told young missionary recruits, “we must be willing to lose our reputation here on earth.”
One of the most significant impacts of YWAM is the countless lives transformed through their DTS (Discipleship Training Schools). The curriculum and various outreach opportunities empowered a generation to reach people from all walks of life. From remote tribes to bustling urban centers, from the educated elite to the marginalized poor, YWAM has been instrumental in spreading the love of Christ far and wide.
Every wave faces resistance from the shore, and every movement faces obstacles. But the waves of YWAM missionaries were relentless. They were driven by a singular passion: that every tribe, tongue, and nation would hear the Gospel. They were inspired by Revelation 7:9, the vision of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne of God, worshiping in awe and wonder.
Loren Cunningham, who left his earthly service on October 6, 2023, was a testament to what God can do through a life surrendered to Him. He reminded us that when God gives a vision, He also provides the means to fulfill it.
The man of God multiplied his impact on the world by challenging young Christians to respond to the Great Commission command. As the waves of YWAM missionaries crashed onto the shores of unreached nations, God entered millions of new names into the Book of Life. One day, not long from now, Loren will greet these rejoicing multitudes as they enter through the gates of God’s city.
– Personal Response –
Passage: And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
Point: God calls ordinary people—even young people or those new to the faith—to take His Gospel to the ends of the earth with boldness and urgency.
Ponder: What would happen if you surrendered your dreams to God and said, “Here I am. Send me”? Could He use your life to impact nations?
Prayer: Lord, awaken my heart to your vision for the nations. Help me lay down my fears and join Your mission with courage and faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Proclamation: I will not wait for perfect conditions. I am available now—ready to go, give, or pray for the Gospel to reach every nation.
Practice: Explore a mission opportunity, whether local outreach, a short-term trip, or supporting a missionary. Say yes to one bold step of obedience this week.
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