YWAM

We are at a base called YWAM, Youth With A Mission. They have bases all over the world. Their core ministry is to hold Discipleship Training Schools (DTS). The schools are 6 months long. They have schools for young people right out of high school or in college, young couples, and many others. The first 3 months the students are at a base learning from lecturers that help them grow in their relationship with the Lord, learn about missions, how to be effective in discipleship, etc. The last 3 months, they go into the mission field.

The group that is leaving this YWAM Oakridge camp is leaving in 2 weeks for India. This is an adventure DTS, where every other week they have gone out and enjoyed adventure trips during their time here (bungee jumping, kayaking, hiking, canyonning). This YWAM Oakridge camp has a director, 4 other staff members and a family that lives here full time. There are multiple buildings set up like a camp- dorms, houses, dining hall, meeting rooms, offices, etc. This base is also involved with loads of other ministries including programs for the local students, open meetings for the community, organized youth group outings for local teens, aiding in disaster relief in nearby islands, and they own a coffee café in town.

We got connected with this camp through Mission Builders International. They are a company that sends groups or individuals to Christian camps/facilities/organizations all over the world. Our role is to help the staff with anything they need at the time. They have lots of projects lined up for us and we are digging right in. This place is beautiful and we are so blessed to serve here.

There are sheep EVERYWHERE in New Zealand

Our neighbors

Passed a waterfall on route to town

New Zealand is beautiful! Everywhere you turn it's a new scenic view with unique features. This is the hill opposite the base.

Cool trees everywhere. New Zealand has no native deciduous trees (only evergreen), so all the oaks, palms, etc. were all brought in.