Loren Cunningham, born on June 30, 1935, in Taft, California, was destined to become a pivotal figure in global missions. Raised by parents who were Assemblies of God ministers, Loren was immersed in a rich spiritual heritage. At just six years old, he sensed God's calling, and by 13, during a revival meeting in 1948, he felt a powerful urge to embrace the Great Commission. This call was solidified by the words of Mark 16:15: 'Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.'
Early Mission Calling
At 18, Loren embarked on his first mission trip to Mexico, witnessing the transformation of 20 lives as they embraced faith in Jesus. During his college years at Central Bible College, he formed a gospel music quartet, the Liberators, which further fueled his passion for sharing the faith.
Divine Vision of Young People
In 1956, while in the Bahamas with the Liberators, Loren experienced a life-altering vision. In this vision, waves of young people were crashing onto every continent, bringing the message of Jesus to the world. This was not just a dream but a divine commission that spurred Loren to action.
YWAM Movement Takes Shape
This vision became the foundation for Youth With A Mission (YWAM), which Loren founded to mobilize young people globally for missions. YWAM grew into a powerful movement, with thousands of young people participating in missions across the world. Loren's unwavering commitment to this vision has left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Legacy Lives On
Loren Cunningham's life was a testament to God's power to use ordinary individuals for extraordinary purposes. His passing on October 6, 2023, marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues, as YWAM carries on the vision of bringing waves of young people to share the message of Jesus Christ.
