Honoring Loren Cunningham’s Legacy

Passing of a Pioneer
Founder of Youth with a Mission (YWAM), Loren Cunningham, died in his sleep at his home in Kona, Hawaii, on Friday, October 6. The 88-year-old was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in March. His heart for global missions famously took him to every nation in the world for the sake of the Great Commission (Mark 16:15). A statement by his staff announcing his passing said: “Now he has added one more ‘stamp’ to his well-worn passport: Heaven!”

Global Impact of YWAM
Global missions movement YWAM, founded by Loren in 1960, has reached out to every nation on earth through evangelism, training, and mercy ministries. Full-time staff from over 200 countries serve in more than 2,000 YWAM locations. The ministry has paved the way for millions of students and volunteers to engage in diverse ministries, from YWAM Ships to Olympic outreaches.

YWAM Singapore’s Gratitude & Legacy
“We are saddened to hear the news of Loren’s passing today. But we are grateful and celebrate the life of this amazing man of God from whom we have received the legacy of faith and obedience,” said a spokesman for YWAM Singapore’s leadership.

YWAM Singapore, located in their new seven-story premises on Lorong 9 Geylang, stands as a testament to God’s provision. Loren first visited Singapore in 1963 with his bride, Darlene, during their round-the-world honeymoon. Since then, the couple has visited YWAM Singapore during significant global YWAM gatherings held there.

“Loren recognised Singapore as an Antioch nation that receives and sends out nations to be a blessing,” the spokesman added. “He championed pioneering initiatives out of our island state, believing that societies would be transformed by the Gospel. We are grateful for the example and legacy of Loren who is both a father and leader to many of us.”

Loren’s legacy of global outreach will continue, say global staff. “The future of Youth With A Mission, University of the Nations, and YWAM Ships is in good hands! The largest number of leaders and volunteers in YWAM are young. They are confident, capable, and committed to leading YWAM into all God has for the coming 60+ years.”

Personal Testimonies
Hudson Kim, who oversees local and global pioneering work and partnerships, and heads YWAM Ships Singapore, shared his deep gratitude: “I met and received God into my life and subsequently became a YWAM missionary because this man simply obeyed 63 years ago. I am deeply grateful.”

He added, “Loren heard God and saw a vision that was unfathomable. He obeyed simply because he believed it was the Lord and he persevered and went to the ends of the world championing young people to preach the good news. Loren and Darlene constantly reminded the family of YWAM globally: Hear God, Obey, and Persevere.”

Joseph Chean, YWAM Singapore’s National Director for 12 years until he became the Strategic Coordinator for Antioch 21, shared a wisdom Loren imparted to him in 2006: “Joseph, whatever you plan and implement as a YWAM leader, think in terms of three generations, its implications and its impact.”

A Legacy of Obedience and Vision
Loren’s call to missions came at 13 during a revival meeting, inspired by Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” His family heritage was rich with generations of Christian ministers, and his 1956 vision of young people spreading the Gospel globally led to the founding of YWAM. This vision has been realized through various YWAM programs, including training courses and mercy ministries that impact lives worldwide.

Dedication to the Gospel
Despite YWAM’s extensive global outreach, Loren always deflected glory to Jesus, emphasizing that the mission was far from complete. His dedication to the Gospel and education earned him multiple degrees and honorary doctorates. Loren authored six books, including “Is That Really You, God?” which has been translated into over 150 languages.

Read more here:
1) Cunningham Legacy Tour Central Asia – May 2024
2) Loren & Darlene Cunningham
3) “He was an unwavering force for the Gospel”: YWAM founder Loren Cunningham, 88, goes home to the Lord

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