If you’ve ever wondered what there is to get involved with to make your faith based in something big, here is an answer. YWAM is a Christian organization that focuses on discipling people to be able to profess who they are in Christ in their every day actions and attitudes as a testimony to the true changes of Christ.
There are over 166 bases like this one all over the world, this is one of MANY. This base is located in Lindale just off of HWY 16. It is split among two locations. One in Lindale and one more directly in Tyler Texas. There are about 400 people working with this ministry currently and many many students.
There are many opportunities to get involved with this ministry, they organize several functions you can be a part of if you would like. Take Action is an event for Youth that takes place every year, the production is done here, then travels to Houston and Chicago. This is a whole day event that focuses on bringing real issues to light in a teens life and offers support and discipleship to begin a new work in their lives. It’s a production of music, dancing, acting and media. Such a sight to see and is well worth the investment to go to or send your kids to.
The location in Lindale also dedicates part of its time to facilitating Dwell nights. A Dwell night is a night were people gather, from YWAM and friends in town, to dwell/soak in the presence of God. The gym is cleared of chairs and tables, rugs and pillows laid about, lights dimmed and stations placed around the edges of the room that highlight prayer needs or art inspiration. There is a time of worship together and waiting on the Lord, sometimes there are speakers but its mostly worship.
These times have proven to be so rich and full of Jesus. A time of being ministered to and ministering to others. Anyone is welcome to come, they usually happen about once a month. The YWAM web page will have dates of these particular events.
Something else you might be interested in getting involved with are SST’s. These are camps held in the summer for teens. Hard core spiritual time with God, adventure challenges and outreach to Mexico (depending on which week you go, other options are available). Its basically three weeks of awesomeness. If you are looking for an intense and real Christian experience near Tyler, TX this summer then this is what you need to look into.
SST stands for Summer of Service and Training. Hundreds flow in every summer and hundreds flow out and most of them leave with a flame still burning with the desire to know God more and to make him know. There are stories after stories of teens leaving and coming back, going into missions, transforming their schools and transforming their families. This is something real! Anyone is welcome to apply and come… you are invited!
Any of these events listed are listed on the YWAM Tyler website with tons more information and videos to watch and testimonies to read. Please go check it out.