about us
What is YWAM?
Youth With A Mission is a global movement of Christians from many cultures, age groups, and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Also known as YWAM (pronounced “WHY-wham”), we unite in a common purpose to know God and to make Him known.
our vision
Our Story
Ywam Las Vegas was founded in 1996 by Richard and Kara Thompson. Their vision was to mobilize young people to share the gospel with the people of Las Vegas and its millions of tourists that visit each year.
Today, that vision has expanded to include several churches and ministry partnerships focused on international mobilization, evangelism, youth leadership, and worship and prayer.Our discipleship training schools focus on unreached people groups, orphan care and anti-trafficking efforts. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus that partners with the local church to see the Great Commission fulfilled locally, regionally, and globally.
Serving the Church
We love the Church! Some call YWAM a “para-church” organization but we call it part of the global body of Christ. As part of the Church body we partner with local churches, youth, pastors, leaders and ministries as well as being active members and participants in local fellowships.
Changing the city
We love Las Vegas! Some call it sin city but we call it grace city. We are expanding our current ministries highlighted in orange above such as foster children, inner city youth, EMT workers and international tourists as well as pioneering new focused ministries to some of people groups in white letters. First up is a ministry that combats human trafficking.
reaching the nations
We love the Nations! Some say “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” We say, “What happens in Vegas will change the world!” We are sending more and more trained and effective missionaries out to the most unreached parts of the world, especially India and Nepal.
Serving the Church
We love the Church! Some call YWAM a “para-church” organization but we call it part of the global body of Christ. As part of the Church body we partner with local churches, youth, pastors, leaders and ministries as well as being active members and participants in local fellowships.
Changing the city
We love Las Vegas! Some call it sin city but we call it grace city. We are expanding our current ministries highlighted in orange above such as foster children, inner city youth, EMT workers and international tourists as well as pioneering new focused ministries to some of people groups in white letters. First up is a ministry that combats human trafficking.
reaching the nations
We love the Nations! Some say “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” We say, “What happens in Vegas will change the world!” We are sending more and more trained and effective missionaries out to the most unreached parts of the world, especially India and Nepal.
our beliefs
Youth With A Mission (YWAM) affirms the Bible as the inspired and authoritative word of God and, with the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, the absolute reference point for every aspect of life and ministry. Based upon God’s word, who He is, and His initiative of salvation through the atoning work of Jesus (His death, burial, and resurrection), the following responses are strongly emphasized in YWAM:
· Worship: We are called to praise and worship God alone (Exo 20:2-3; Deu 6:4-5; 2Ki 17:35-39; 1Ch 16:28-30; Neh 8:2-10; Mar 12:29-30; Rom 15:5-13; Jud 24-25; Rev 5:6-14; Rev 19:5-8).
· Holiness: We are called to lead holy and righteous lives that exemplify the nature and character of God (Lev 19:1-2; Psa 51:7-11; Jer 18:1-11; Eze 20:10-12; Zec 13:9; Luk 1:68‑75; Eph 4:21-32; Tit 2:11-14; 1Pe 2:9,21-25; 1Jo 3:1-3).
· Witness: We are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him (Psa 78:1-7; Isa 40:3-11; Mic 4:1-2; Hab 2:14; Luk 24:44-48; Act 2:32-26; Act 10:39-43; 1Co 9:19-23; 2Co 2:12-17; 1Pe 3:15-18).
· Prayer: We are called to engage in intercessory prayer for the people and causes on God’s heart, including standing against evil in every form (Gen 18:20-33; Exo 32:1-16; Jdg 3:9,15; 1Ki 8:22-61; Eze 22:30-31; Eze 33:1-11; Mat 6:5-15; Mat 9:36-38; Eph 3:14‑21; 2Th 3:1-5).
· Fellowship: We are called to commit to the Church in both its local nurturing expression and its mobile multiplying expression (2Ch 29:20-30; Psa 22:25-28; Psa 122:1-4; Joe 2:15‑17; Mat 18:19-20; Act 2:44-47; Act 4:32-35; 1Co 14:26-40; Eph 2:11-18; Heb 10:23-25).
· Service: We are called to contribute toward God’s Kingdom purposes in every sphere of life (Deu 15:7-11; Deu 24:17-22; Psa 112:4-9; Pro 11:10-11; Zec 7:8-10; Mat 5:14-16; 2Th 3:13; Tit 3:4-8; Heb 13:15-16; Jam 2:14-26).
Ywam Vegas minstries
Discipleship Training School
The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is the basic discipleship training school accredited by the University of the Nations designed for the individual who seeks a lifelong involvement in missions through intercession, giving, going and mobilizing. Several hundred young people have been mobilized to about 25 nations from YWAM Las Vegas.
Foster Connect
Foster Connect unites local Christians to the cause of the fatherless; FC offers a growing network of Christian foster families in the Las Vegas valley. This network offers resources such as a support group, special events, respite care, and more. Foster Connect has recruited and disciple hundreds of families in fostering kids in the Las Vegas valley as well as helped placed hundreds of foster kids into Christian homes since its inception. Many forever-family adoptions have resulted!
UMA
청년 대학생을 위한 미션 어드벤처
University Mission Adventure (UMA) is one of YWAM Las Vegas’s customized programs designed to assist college students and young adults in discovering their God-given vision and establish a network among students all around the world with emphasis on Korea
UMA는 한인 대학, 청년들을 대상으로 진행되는MISSION ADVENTURE 입니다. 한국과 미국을 포함한 전세계의 한인 젊은이들이 모여서 하나님 안에서 각자의 비전을 발견, 확인하며 서로 네트워크를 형성하는데 그 목적이 있습니다. 또한 이 네트워크를 통해 하나님의 꿈을 품은 지도자로서 자신의 비전을 발전시키고 이루길 원합니다.
MAX
Mission Adventures Experience (MAX) is a one week training and outreach hosted throughout the year in Las Vegas for youth groups from all over North America and beyond. Since 1999 thousands of youths have participated and thousands of people in Las Vegas have been served, blessed, and made decisions to follow Jesus.