LTS Mexico Update 

52 Nations Converge for LTS Mexico
by Dawn Gauslin

(Scroll to bottom of page for final updates)

The YWAM Guadalajara community multiplied more than 10 times in size at the end of March 2004 as 300+ Youth With A Mission leaders and their families from across Latin America and around the world converged on this beautiful hillside campus overlooking Lake Chapala. There was an air of anticipation and faith, as old friends and new friends, speaking 48 different languages, met one another and bonded together in the pursuit of a deeper revelation of God for themselves and for YWAM.

We began by focusing on Jesus through worship and recounting all the miracles He did to bring us here. With that foundation, we moved on to lay concerns for our families, staff we’d left at home to lead ministries, and personal burdens, at the foot of the Cross.

Words can’t convey the excitement that erupted on Friday, April 2, as we celebrated the "Roll Call" of the 52 nations represented in this LTS. As a 4K map (info below) was projected on the front wall and that nation’s anthem rang out, participants from the country raced forward to hold up their flag. Everyone applauded and clapped and whistled in support of the gifts of God invested into us from the strengths of each nation. It was a small snapshot of the joy in God’s heart pictured in Revelation 7:9, with every nation, kindred, tribe and tongue gathered around the Throne of God. By the end of the morning, all four walls of our large meeting hall were fringed with bright, colorful flags of the nations, a constant reminder of YWAM’s international call.

The flag of Mexico, our host country, was saved for last and when the anthem began to play, a great roar of screams and applause was set loose. The air was filled with confetti and flying sombreros. But more than celebrating a country, we were celebrating the fact that NOW is God’s time for Mexico, and He brought the world here to be a part of launching her into becoming a mighty mission’s sending force. As the nations have come TO Mexico, so Mexican missionaries will flow out TO the nations, and the LTS is just a part of God’s plan to help bring that about.

After focusing on Jesus, and then the nations, we zeroed in on the individuals God brought to the LTS and had people introduce themselves according to the year they entered YWAM through the "DTS doorway." Altogether, we came into YWAM through 93 different DTSs in 41 different countries, spanning from 1969 to 2003.

We ended the morning by having the "generations" bless one another. God has brought distinctive generations to this LTS, with the preschoolers in the Wee-LTS, the children in the Youth-LTS, the young "Davids" in Slingshot (a six-week leadership development track for 18- to 30-year olds running alongside the first half of the LTS), and the multi-generational LTS participants (including "Mama Dar," who is 90 years of age!). Groupings by generations clustered by the four walls of the classroom and each in succession turned to bless the other generations. Then they all walked toward the Cross in the center of the room. As they moved toward the Cross, they also grew closer to one another, symbolizing our emphasis on Jesus integrating the riches from each generation.

On Friday afternoon, the host base staff took groups of LTS participants on a walking tour of the lovely little pueblo of Chapala, pointing out places of interest. Afterwards, many lingered at the handicraft stalls along the lakeside, or enjoyed Mexican candy, fresh fruit juices or numerous other local delicacies.

The whole campus was abuzz all day Saturday, April 3, with Mexican staff scurrying to-and-fro, full of secrets and surprises. At 5:00 p.m., music bellowed from the sound system, beckoning everyone to come to the cobblestone parking lot. There a huge Mexican fair had been created, with colorful streamers lining the sky, and haystacks, sombreros and serape blankets adorning the grounds. YWAM Guadalajara base director, Jose Curiel, greeted us and welcomed everyone to the wonderful land of Mexico. Then, to our surprise, a live band, Mariachi Maranatha, burst through the adobe-brick gate, playing guitars, violins and trumpets. They were spectacular, as they wove their way through the crowd, in their festive costumes! While they continued to play, the participants made their way to tables of typical Mexican foods: tamales, tacos, posole (a special soup), refrescos (local beverages), postres (desserts) and MUCH more. YUM! After the feast, everyone came into the auditorium to experience traditional dances of Mexico, done by a troupe of young Christian dancers. It was a night to remember!!

There were other memories of our first days together, not quite so fun but also very important: the three-story building meant to house everyone was only 85% finished when the participants arrived, with no toilets, showers or windows. This was despite the hard work of the base staff and more than 150 volunteer builders over the previous months (for which we were SO grateful!). God had done MAJOR miracles to get the building even 85% complete.

Being YWAMers, the participants embraced the conviction that this too was part of God’s "school of pioneer leadership," and they rolled up their sleeves and went to work! The staff, their friends and family, and YWAMers near and far gave offerings for the plumbing and Randy Thomas, the leader of the Trinidad, Colorado YWAM base rounded up a dozen builders to drop everything and come at a moment’s notice. By the end of week one of the LTS, we had toilets and cold showers on all three floors, thanks to the heroic efforts of many! (...windows, sinks, stair rails, paint and other "finishing touches" were yet to come!)

WEEK 1 (April 5 - 11, 2004)

Darlene Cunningham, LTS Mexico Director and the Co-founder of Youth With A Mission, began the first full teaching week of the LTS, speaking on the "Belief Tree."

The soil in which the tree grows represents our worldview; the roots are our beliefs; the trunk is our values, out of which our policies (the branches) and programs (the fruit) are developed. The fruit of our lives and ministries must carry the DNA of godly beliefs and values in its seeds in order to multiply life and fruitfulness. Midway in Darlene’s teaching, God broke into our midst, with many participants sharing fresh revelation on YWAM’s calling to value and release youth, one of our Foundational Values.

David Hamilton, International Associate Provost of YWAM’s University of the Nations, shared the week with Darlene, speaking on Implicational Thinking, our Apostolic Call, and a new global framework to facilitate the completion of the Great Commission, called 4K. 4K breaks the nations of the world into 4,323 "Omega Zones," each with scores of categories of information that will help YWAM and other mission organizations know exactly where the most unevangelized peoples are and how best to reach them. Sarah Lanier, UofN resource teacher and author of Foreign to Familiar, taught on Personality and Culture, giving helpful insights into how to relate inter-culturally as we work internationally. Peter Warren, the Director of YWAM Denver, came to visit for two days and shared with the LTS about five hurdles that must be overcome to be an effective spiritual leader. And Darlene concluded the week sharing on YWAM’s History and Foundational Values.

A highlight of this first week of the LTS was the meditation times we had each evening from Palm Sunday leading up to Easter, pondering Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. Each night, the Cross was beautifully decorated, integrating elements from different scripture passages. Students, staff and children offered their gifts of worship, dance or other expressions before the Cross, such as the night when "Mary" offered a beautiful dance around the Plaza and broke her alabaster jar of perfume at the foot of the Cross. These Holy Week meditations were particularly significant in light of the large number of Latins among our student body, as often times in Latin America, Easter traditions have become very pagan. Instead, these meditation times highlighted the true meaning of the Cross and "redeemed" this as a holy season, to be celebrated by ALL who love Jesus. On Easter Sunday morning, we gathered at daybreak in the Plaza to celebrate the Resurrection. Just as the program finished, the rays of the sun burst over the mountain to the east; a wonderful sign of the victory the Light of Life has brought to the world!

WEEK 2 (April 12 - 18, 2004)

Week 2 brought a rich potpourri of teaching. Loren Cunningham, Co-founder of YWAM and President of the UofN, and Joseph Avakian were the primary speakers, joined by Alejandro Rodriguez and Terry Snow. Animated and articulate Joseph kicked off the week, teaching on the leader’s call to be a communicator. (Joseph, a long-time YWAMer, is the founder of Vijual, a cross-cultural communication service and training company based out of Germany. He’s also the designer of the current YWAM logo.) Joseph shared how God, the ultimate communicator, created us in His image to be communicators. We all communicate, but the questions are what and how? As we break out of the box of our own obstacles of fear, comparison, pride, etc. and become co-creators with God, we also become better communicators. Joseph, an Armenian born in Lebanon, married to a German, and living in Germany, gave us many practical skills for working and communicating cross-culturally.

 
Loren spurred everyone on with a clear picture of how "do-able" the Great Commission is if we will follow Jesus’ model: if every Christian will reach and disciple 120 people, investing in 11 who will do the same, within just nine cycles, the whole world can be evangelized! He then turned to point out how the Good News should not only save souls, but the Gospel lived-out should transform society. He interviewed Terry Snow, Director of YWAM Haiti, where they have developed a grassroots community in St. Marc that stands as a light in the middle of that dark land. 200 years ago, Haiti was one of the richest nations in the world, but they committed themselves to the gods of voodoo and have become totally spiritually, physically and financially impoverished. Terry and the Christians are claiming the nation back from the power of voodoo, and have put the principles of the Gospel into action at every level of the community infrastructure in St. Marc. Terry stayed in Haiti throughout the recent war and was spared by God’s grace and the protection of the citizens because of all that he and YWAM have done for the people.

Then Alejandro Rodriguez, National Director of YWAM Argentina, shared another model of influencing society from the "top down," especially the area of government. God has given YWAM Argentina amazing doors of opportunity to speak to government and business officials, challenging them to stop corruption and live according to Biblical principles.

Loren spoke strongly about God’s call to YWAM to re-align with the beliefs, values and words of the Lord upon which this mission was founded. He also drew the participants into a very active discussion centered on understanding the scope of YWAM’s influence in the various spheres that influence society, especially looking at the boundaries of our involvement in the sphere of business.

WEEK 3 (April19-25)

Joseph, Alejandro and Terry stayed into Week 3 and blessed us with more rich teaching. We then heard from Tom Bloomer, the International Provost of the University of the Nations, sharing vital understanding of our call to be "transformational" leaders rather than "transactional" leaders. Markus Steffen, the International Director of GENESIS (YWAM’s global, interactive video teleconferencing ministry), gave an update on the worldwide multiplication of GENESIS and how it is serving to train even those in isolated locations. During a recent "One Voice" global link, a total of 10 YWAM locations were connected to each other, and have experienced a wonderful sense of God’s omni-presence among the nations. At the end of Markus’ time, Loren took up an offering to purchase equipment needed to get GENESIS up-and-running at the YWAM Guadalajara base during the LTS. The amount needed was USD $17,000. Everyone was amazed when the amount that came in from the LTS participants–many of whom have had to trust God for every penny just to get to Mexico–was nearly USD $17,000!

The University of the Nations Advisory Board met for three days alongside the LTS for their biannual meeting. This is a group of godly international businessmen, bankers, ambassadors, developers, etc. who give their wisdom and advice to the UofN leaders on specific issues and global trends. Chris Crane, President of "Opportunities International" shared with the LTS about the micro business plan Opportunities has implemented in many nations around the world, serving to train people in developing contexts to start and maintain businesses in order to improve their quality of life. ChongHo Won of Advanced Data, Inc. has recently assisted the UofN in a major way by creating a system to centralize our global records, which up until now have been kept in five different regions of the world. As he demonstrated the statistical data this worldwide system has been able to produce, the exponential growth of students, courses, nationalities, languages, etc. were an amazing picture of God’s hand upon the University of the Nations.

During Week 3, Sarah Lanier led a process to divide the school into "Gateway Groups" that continued to meet throughout the LTS to enhance relationships and assimilate the teaching content. Debbie Rottier, author of A Cup of Cold Water, spoke on the biblical mandate for a leader to be hospitable, not delegating this important ministry to an individual or department. The week concluded with an exam, complete with prayer by a staff member for each student, and coffee and cookies served throughout to enhance the students’ memory skills. :-)

WEEK 4 (April 26 - May 2)

Week 4 was spent with Darrow Miller, a close friend of YWAM who is an International Vice President with Food For the Hungry. Darrow’s teaching is always a highlight and a cornerstone in the LTS, as he speaks on Worldview and Discipling the Nations–examining our beliefs in light of the scripture and bringing areas of dualism, secular humanism and other false beliefs into alignment with God’s word. The week was filled with new insights, as we realized that all of our "ideas have consequences" and we cried out to God for a renewal of our minds, to think and live according to His perspective. One particular false belief which God seemed to emphasize throughout the week from many different angles had to do with gender injustice–the belief that men are superior to women–rather than believing that both are created in God’s image, having equal value. On Thursday morning, a spontaneously-created arts troupe powerfully portrayed through a dance and drama God’s sorrow over aborted children and abused of women.

On the final morning of Darrow’s teaching, professional photographer, Susi Childers, highlighted areas of gender injustice through a computer photo presentation she created called "A Voice for the Voiceless." She also shared the struggles she has faced in becoming a photographer-missionary, as so many in the Church live in a divided sacred-secular world that does not embrace the possibility of being called by God to be a minister within a vocation not considered to be "religious." Yet Susi’s photographs of women from around the world–the Arab world, Africa, the Amazon–communicate God’s broken heart over those who don’t know Him, tortured and silenced by non-biblical beliefs about women.

WEEK 5 (May 3-9)

Week 5 brought to the LTS Maureen Menard, the International Director of the Discipleship Training School Centre. Maureen spoke with passion about God’s desire for the DTS to be a place where the Person of the Holy Spirit is free to work in and through every person. She challenged DTS leaders, staff and base leaders to take an active role in making sure the DTS in every location is fulfilling the vital role God wants it to have in imparting His heart for the lost,  equipping people for "traditional" geographic missions and releasing transformers for Jesus within every arena of society. Trent Sheppard, one of the young leaders of "The Factory" youth movement in Harpenden, England shared some key insights into perseverance in our call, challenging us to commit to "never give up."

Thursday night proved to be a wonderful look at the University of the Nations through the eyes of South African Colleen Milstein, International Committee member with the College of Communication. Colleen’s passion is Frontier Missions, and she highlighted the UofN as one of God’s key tools to reach the unreached. Several commented that this was the first time the vision for the University of the Nations had totally captured their hearts.

On Thursday and Friday, May 6 & 7, participants chose to attend one of many "Special Interest Tracks." The object of these tracks was to equip participants with skills in specific areas needed for them to function more effectively in their leadership. The tracks included Event Management (led by UofN International Dean of the College of the Arts, Julie Spence), Male Sexual Identity Issues (led by Mike Caven, co-founder of Resurrection Life ministries with his wife, Pat), Female Sexual Identity Issues (led by Pat Caven), DESTINY by Design (led by Gwen Bergquist, International DTS Centre staff), Tools to Unlock "The Book" (by Marguerite Swart, School of the Bible leader), and Cross-Cultural, Team and Conflict Resolution Leadership Skills (by Sarah Lanier).

Words cannot convey what happened midway through Week 5. Slingshot joined the LTS for a final corporate session and prayer over their departing participants. There was an anointed time of worship at the outset, then Matt Whitlock, part of the transitional leadership team at the UofN-Kona Campus, shared a word about the "shakings" of God and our need to diligently pursue Him. There was a strong awareness by all that God was presencing Himself among us in a supernatural way, but no one has yet found adequate words to express what happened, because it was at such a "spirit" level.

People began "crowd surfing" as a symbol of abandoning themselves to the new things God wants to do in our midst. As Matt came forward, the "hilarity" broke, and everyone seemed to simultaneously recognize in the Spirit that God's hand was upon him in a special way. When he "fell" into the crowd, they lifted him up. His wife Elissa joined him and they held the two of them up before the Lord for a very long time. Then the people formed prayer lines and there was a HUGE release of faith, as people prayed prophetically for one another. Healings happened...bondages were broken...much one-on-one ministry took place.

 
 
Many commented afterwards that May 5, 2004 is a date that will mark the historical calendar of YWAM–a day of new releases of faith, God placing His hand of anointing upon individuals, new initiatives that relate to "do-able" 4K strategies and much, much more. It went on for hours and hours. Only time will tell all that the Spirit of God was truly up to.....

WEEK 6 (May 10-16)

Darlene Cunningham taught Week 6, speaking on the Character and Conduct of a Leader outlined in 1 Timothy and Titus. Under the requirement to “manage your household well,” she gave very practical and down-to-earth input for husbands and wives working as ministry teams. She also shared helpful hints for raising children on the mission field, always remembering the goal of teaching them to make wise decisions that will lead to life.

 
 
Judy Orred, who is an elder at YWAM King’s Mansion, Kealakekua, Hawaii and the leader of SLINGSHOT, shared very helpful insights on how to cultivate a lifestyle of seeking revelation from God.

Week 6 also brought the very sad news of the murder of Nepali YWAM staff member, Mukunda, by Maoist guerillas. Makunda had recently translated Loren’s book Is That Really You, God? into Nepali, and was traveling by bus to a remote location in Nepal where he planned to pioneer a new YWAM work. The LTS took up an offering of about USD $2,500 for his wife, Sabina, and three children–especially his unborn child.

In addition to repeating most of the Special Interest Tracks of the previous week, the following SPI tracks were offered during Week 6: Redeeming Culture through Arts and Sports (by Henry Davis), Learning Styles (by Werner Pfau and Helena Vaernes), Photography is Missions! (by Susi Childers), Addictive Behavior (by Linda Subris), Pioneering Principles Made Practical (by Dawn Gauslin), and Community Development (by Giacomo Coghi), all of whom are current or former LTS staff as well as holding other leadership responsibilities within YWAM/UofN.  Military-trained Chip Wanner also offered a SPI-track on Management Principles.

WEEK 7 (May 17-23)

Maureen Menard returned for Week 7 to complete her teaching on the DTS Guidelines and also to host meetings between the LTS and the regional DTS leaders. Paul Martin, who recruited 150+ builders January through March to work on the Pennsylvania Building (including 42 Amish) came to peruse the campus, now filled with more than 300 people. He gave a life message to the LTS: whatever the circumstances, never give up!

 
 
An important event of Week 7 was the opportunity to host and hear from the YWAM Regional Leaders for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean: Rick & Karen Allegretto (Regional Director), Edgar & Carol Chavez (Central America Director), Bill Landis (Caribbean Director) and Jose & Adriana Curiel (Mexico Director). John Allegretto, with the DTS Centre and Don and Barb Johnson, Directors of YWAM Nicaragua, were also among our distinguished guests.

Tuesday morning, May 18, began with intercession for Mexico, led by Mexican Mauricio Palacio, a prophetic artist who was a participant in the LTS. As he disclosed the centuries of pagan worship and human sacrifices underlying the religion and culture of Mexico, those from the nation cried out to God for forgiveness and cleansing. We all then prayed for restoration of God’s dreams, to serve as a solid foundation for all God wants to do in and through Mexico.

The second half of the morning was focused on exuberant worship of God in the languages of many nations, while Mauricio painted a prophetic painting, based on Isaiah 6. As you may know, the flag of Mexico has at its center, an eagle devouring a serpent. Mauricio saw this in a new light: the eagle, a symbol in scripture of God’s majesty and strength, overcoming the symbol of evil.

In Mauricio’s painting, the King of Kings has broken through a dark cloud that hovered over Mexico, with a burning coal in His left hand to cleanse the land of sin, and a sword in His right hand. A golden eagle follows Jesus, soaring with outstretched wings, ready to overcome the enemy. At the bottom, the globe of the world, with Mexico at its center, reflects the approaching light. A snake, representing the pagan religious cultures of Mexico, lies dead, fatally stricken at the neck over Mexico. The blood of Christ washes away the sin of bloodshed and idolatry that brought a curse for many centuries upon the land. The painting represents a landmark on the spiritual history of Mexico, as believers repented of the sins of their ancestors and claimed God’s healing of their land, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. It portrays the declaration of the LTS: “Now is God’s time for Mexico!”

 
 
Finally, somewhere in the middle of Week 7, the LTS Project Workshop began, amidst this calalytic environment of faith and vision. Christine Colby, who is the International Director of the Community Development Centre and a member of the GLT and ILT, and Linda Connorton, UofN International Assistant Provost, joined David Hamilton to give leadership to ths dynamic planning process. Rather than doing individual, personal projects as some past LTSs have done, this school will align with YWAM’s corporate framework, and each team’s project will focus on one Omega Zone, taking an integrated approach to vision, planning and action that begins with understanding what breaks God’s heart.

Another powerful move of God’s Spirit erupted on Ascension Day, May 20, as several young leaders from Slingshot (most of them aged 17-19) shared a simple yet profound global vision to help launch 4K called “Operation John.” Their plan is to recruit 100 teams of 10-15 young people to go to 52 Omega Zones (one per week), thus getting YWAMers into all 4,323 Omega Zones within a one-year time period. Each team will be involved in intercession, photography/film, and research to “prepare the way” for permanent YWAM teams to go into each O-Zone.

 
 
The response of the LTS to this vision was faith-filled and electrifying, as each one recognized that it was a God-breathed idea. Again, powerful, prophetic prayers were released over these young men and women, and the “older generation” of the LTS picked up the “younger generation” of Slingshot and carried them–and their vision–on their shoulders. It was another “red letter day” for YWAM, as a new dream on God’s heart was embraced and a fresh tidal wave of laborers were released to help accomplish the Great Commission. School leader, Darlene Cunningham noted, “I believe God allowed us the privilege to receive and bless this Operation John vision because of our quick response way back in Week 1 of the LTS to repent of our failure to release young people. If we had not repented and brought this area into alignment with God’s heart, I don’t believe we would have been blessed to receive this vision.”

 
 
Among the baby visions born during Week 7 was the birth of another healthy baby: Ezra Joshua Carrasco was born to LTS students Jesse & Meagan Carrasco! We believe this young man will have a unique anointing upon his life, being born into this environment of faith, among 52 nations of aunties and uncles!

 
The main auditorium and all the dining verandas were filled with hundreds of people on Saturday afternoon, May 22, as students, staff and friends from churches in Chapala and Guadalajara all gathered for a huge Missions Fair. Each YWAM location set up displays to share about their ministry opportunities, complete with brochures, flags, photos, videos, etc. Besides the colorful flags and costumes of the nations and the sounds of ethnic music and dances, there were also many delicious aromas filling the air, as LTSers sold exotic foods from far away places. The Missions Fair was a great success–a wonderful cultural smorgasbord that served to provide information to fellow students and local Christians as well about global missions opportunities!

WEEK 8 (May 24-30)


The LTS Project Workshop continued throughout Week 8. Alongside, we had the privilege of hearing from Sean Lambert, Craig McClurg and Jim Walker of Mission Adventures, a wonderful YWAM youth ministry based in Ensenada, Mexico. Many of the LTS projects incorporated Mission Adventure-type ministries into their scenarios. Mark Anderson, the International Director of Impact World Tours gave a wonderful report on the move of God’s Spirit that took place throughout New Zealand during the recent IWT, as well as sharing a concept for discipling radical youth and impacting society through Neighborhood Centers. And Larry Ballard, the International Director of the Family Ministries Centre gave two weekend marriage enrichment seminars in a lovely garden retreat setting (one in English and one translated into Spanish). The students and staff who attended shared rave reviews about how Larry’s insightful teaching as well as the “get-away” setting blessed their marriage relationships.

On Friday night, we celebrated our "official" entry into the campus, as YWAM had recently signed the legal ownership papers for the property. During the event, various ones in full costume recalled the history of the land. We wrote character qualities God demonstrated in bringing us into this good land on "stones of remembrance," followed by a time of cleansing and dedicating the property to the Lord.

 
WEEK 9 (May 31 - June 6)


Monday morning of Week 9 (May 31) was a rich potpourri of teaching by Don & Barbara Johnson, leaders of YWAM Nicaragua, and Braulia Ribeiro, President of YWAM Brazil. On Monday afternoon we had a Pentecost celebration during which we meditated on key scriptures which focused on the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling of His people.

Tuesday the auditorium and verandas were a flurry of papers and charts, as the students were given the whole day to work on their LTS planning projects (...with the promise to Darlene that they would listen attentively to her teaching the rest of the week and not secretly work on their projects during her sessions!) Sarah Lanier spoke on Leadership Styles and Domain, paving the way for Darlene’s important instruction on Biblical Principles for Giving and Receiving Correction–the end goal of which is always to see the individuals restored in relationship to God and man. Students then worked in teams on some real-life “difficult situation” scenarios, discussing the scriptural principles and course of action they would take, if they were the leadership team in such circumstances.

Al & Carolyn Akimoff, Directors of Slavic Ministries, visited the LTS and Al entertained and instructed the class on Friday morning, sharing many life-giving stories from their 40 year history in YWAM.

Midnight Friday night was a special occasion, as the LTS participated in a GENESIS event called One Voice, a global worship celebration. (GENESIS is YWAM’s interactive video-conferencing ministry.) During the two-hour event, 10 locations were linked together: YWAM Guadalajara Mexico, Denver Colorado USA, Lausanne Switzerland, Chatel Switzerland, Kona Hawaii USA, Harpenden England, Jeffreys Bay South Africa, Barbados, Cheju Island South Korea and Perth Australia. Though technical difficulties restricted the LTS from being able to see the other locations, we heartily worshiped and prayed throughout the event. There were points where we could clearly hear and join the others in worship; the first was when YWAM Chatel, Switzerland was leading in the song, “I stand in awe of You, Lord.” We felt this was a real victory over the forces that have tried to control the area of communication in Latin America as, with One Voice, we made this declaration of worship to the living God together with our brothers and sisters around the globe.

WEEK 10 (June 7-13)


On Monday morning, students arrived at class with their completed LTS projects. Many had worked day-and-night throughout the weekend. Their bleary eyes popped open when they saw a huge, colorful map of the world painted on the entire floor of the classroom! Thus began the LTS Project Celebration, during which each team’s vision was shared while they stood on the Omega Zone of the map where their project will take place. It was a powerful morning, as each group placed their project at the foot of the Cross in the center of the room and was then commissioned by Loren Cunningham. Each person also took an apple from the large clay pots by the Cross, the seeds of which were to represent the multiplication of our calling and DNA into each of these Omega Zones. At the end of the presentations, the whole room burst into worship, celebration, and a prolonged time of praying over the map of the world.

Loren, who had ministered across the globe since he left the LTS at the end of Week 2, returned to us full of stories of God’s faithfulness in Kona, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Morocco. His teaching in Week 10 centered on the importance of YWAM rooting out any vestiges of a “sacred/secular” dichotomy–affirming that everything done in obedience to God is sacred. He also focused on Pioneering, Spiritual Eldership, Management, Alignment and Faith and Finances.

Fijiian Metui Veisauyadra, a catalytic multi-cultural worship leader who is a regular part of our LTS staff, joined us for the final weeks of the school. He is also the Director of YWAM Coatesville, Pennyslvania and shared with us the innovative ministry plans they are undertaking there. Peruvian Viviana Velie, from YWAM Publishing also joined us for several days, sharing a contagious passion for publishing quality books in Spanish.

At the end of the week, we dedicated our youngest pioneer to the Lord: newborn Ezra Carrasco. Loren also commissioned all the teams of pioneers heading into new horizons following the LTS. Then, unbeknownst to them, the LTS students had planned a time to affirm, bless and pray over Loren and Darlene before Loren’s departure. It was a deeply meaningful time for them, as participants from Kona raised up their arms (like Aaron and Hur, holding up Moses’ arms in the battle in order to achieve victory), the national directors from Mexico washed their feet, and the people of 52 nations crowded around to pray God’s blessing and refreshment upon them. The students and staff had also each written a card with scriptures and words of the Lord on them, many of which brought confirmation and great encouragement to the Cunninghams.

The climax of Week 10 was the Friday night University of the Nations graduation ceremony. Six individuals received UofN degrees in Christian Ministries: four Associate of Arts degrees and two Bachelor of Arts degrees. Once again, the auditorium had been transformed: a huge background had been constructed on the stage and three satin floor-to-ceiling streamers in the colors of the Mexican flag bracketed the platform.

As the graduates came down the aisle at the announcement of his/her name, life scripture and future vision, each one was shrouded in a shawl of bright woven Mexican cloth as their graduation "robe." They gave wonderful speeches, sharing how the Lord had used the unique, God-inspired elements of the UofN in their development. After receiving their diplomas, they stood at the front of the stage and were commissioned to “go forth” and use their degrees to help fulfill their destinies in God. To everyone’s delight, a mariachi band then entered the hall, blasting out a celebrative recessional. In true Latin style, food, fun and festivities  followed at the Plaza!

WEEK 11 (June 14-20)

WEEK 12 (June 21-23)

"Honor one another above yourselves" Romans 12:10 instructs us. We did just that during our final days together in the LTS: we expressed thanks to ALL the host base staff and childcare workers who faithfully labored day-in-and-day-out to serve the LTS. Jose and Adriana Curiel also described how all the construction efforts of both students and staff will serve far into the future, as they outlined the vision and events that will take place at the YWAM Guadalajara campus.

Darlene shared thoughts on how to Re-Enter our home locations with wisdom and humility. And we ended the LTS as we started it: with a focus on the Cross, participating together in the Lord’s Supper.

The Commissioning Ceremony on the final night brought a flurry of excitement: not only had we finished well, but many friends from YWAM bases across Mexico had come to celebrate and to add their "amen" to the things God accomplished in and through the LTS. As each individual name was read out and each certificate of completion received, there was a burst of applause.

The celebration lasted well into the night. But it was more than an acknowledgment of human efforts and a course completed; it was a celebration of the visions and dreams God had put in people’s hearts. As these participants go out in obedience to BE who God has challenged them to be and DO what He has called them to do, it will be an expression of God’s will being "done on earth as it is in heaven" that will bring great joy to His heart!