YWAMers gathered For Such A Time as This

YWAM staff, students and international leaders gathered together for a week long workshop from 7th to the 12 of September. This was for the 2009 University of the Nations Workshop taking place in four different locations, Switzerland, South Africa, Ukraine and Egypt. The theme for this year’s workshop was “For Such A Time As This” based on the story of Esther.

Lydia and Pam participated with the South Africa gathering in Worcester. An estimated 2000 people were recorded to have taken part in this event around the globe. The four locations connected together via Genesis and shared the richness in their cultures bringing the international feeling to life. In the opening ceremony Loren Cunningham talked about the foundations God has laid for 49 years and challenged the mission to continue dreaming whilst pursuing intimacy with God.

For five days we took part in the daily cooperate meetings where we pursued God together for where he was taking us as a mission and individuals. There were definitely challenging times, as we explored the endless opportunities God is calling YWAM to. Alongside the morning sessions, afternoon were filled with workshops, to further teach and uplift on 10 different topics to choose from daily. One of the workshops was the Communication workshop that AfriCom facilitated. The emphasis was on the value and potential of good communication within the mission. AfriCom also assisted a team that were responsible for daily reporting the conference on the U of N website. With so many gathered, networking opportunities were endless and it was great to work with some potential communicators and photographers in the mission.

Lydia said one of the highlight of the workshop for her was when many stood up together to signed the Jubilee covenant. Illustrating the heart of many who wants to serve God earnestly and be committed to be part of seeing the Great commission fulfilled.

One the last day of the conference a large map of the world was unfolded in the meeting hall. And after a message from Loren Cunningham a torch was simultaneously lit in each of the four locations. This flame was then passed on from candle to candle that each person held. The evening ended with prayer for the nations as people walked on the world map. For indeed we have been chosen for such a time as this to pray and go spread the gospel to all nations of the world.

Check out www.uofnworkshop.com for more stories and updates on the five days.