Life Outside of YWAM

When I left YWAM in 1995, since I left with no self-esteem and little faith, I wondered if God would care for me away from the base. I was timid, quiet & afraid. Being a “starving artist”, I thought that surely even if I could pay the expensive rent & afford the overpriced food in Hawaii, I would not be able to go on another overseas trip.

God knows the desires of our hearts. He has always provided for my needs & many of my wants, but still I doubt when I am put to another test for trusting Him. 

Since that time, God has allowed me to go on trips to Italy, Brazil, Canada & Australia. This past June, a retired doctor friend offered to take me with him on the trip of a lifetime. When I asked what my portion would be he said, “Nothing”! I just had to accept the gift, which was an example of grace. We went to New York for 3 nights and stayed right at Times Square & then did a 7-night crossing on the Queen Mary II before spending 4 nights in London.

I cannot relate in words what an amazing trip this was. I would never even think to have desired to do something this extravagant! Whilst in London, we went to a small café for lunch. We saw a photo of some organ pipes on the wall.  My friend remarked (since he is an organist), “I would like you to paint something like that for me.” The above is the painting I did for him after we got back as a thank you gift!

There IS life outside of YWAM, an abundant life! “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Well done, my good and faithful servant.

The 12 years I was at YWAM Honolulu, I rarely saw true servanthood of YWAM leaders. Those who were the servants were usually those on base who did not have many qualities YWAM could “use” on the outside or a charismatic personality. The unsung heroes would quietly serve the Lord in whatever capacity. God saw these people though & that is who matters!

The past few years since I started the Spiritual Abuse in YWAM Facebook group, many have come and gone. Some are probably YWAM “spies” to read what is being said about the group & then leave. There are 92 members at the time of posting this. There is a core group of members who have joined for the long haul & who want to get the word out as to the reality of the abuse people have suffered at YWAM.

I have heard stories of abuse from many continents.  It is a spiritual cancer that is found throughout YWAM. YWAM has such potential to be used of by the Lord if it had sound doctrine, but even more than that, showed true servanthood no matter where one was in the hierarchy of the organization & actually loved one another as Christ loves us. I know I have a long way to go in my life outside of YWAM. I am thankful for God’s grace every day