Before completing my graduate studies, I had planned to devote my time to either career development or volunteering for a meaningful cause. Regarding career development, I intended to study French in Quebec City or France. For volunteer work, my goal was to teach English in Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, or a similar destination. I conducted thorough research, taking extensive notes and reaching out to various organizations offering French language immersive programs. The associated costs were surprisingly high, but that wasn’t the primary obstacle.
Simultaneously, I contacted organizations involved in teaching English as a foreign language. What I discovered was that, despite one’s willingness to commit time, effort, and resources, volunteers were responsible for covering all expenses—flights, accommodations, meals, and program fees. While this is understandable for volunteering, some programs did provide partial waivers for meals, requiring the volunteer to independently manage the rest of their expenses.
The Decision
Having experienced the challenges of my Master’s program, I sought an opportunity that would be both fulfilling and enjoyable while making a positive impact. After thorough research, I chose to volunteer with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). This decision was influenced by the advice of my friend Beth, a seasoned YWAM volunteer. Following her recommendation, I decided to apply and selected YWAM LA from the various YWAM bases worldwide. Going through the application process, my application was approved, and I completed the necessary steps, including submitting my travel itinerary and making the required payment. I was scheduled to arrive at the YWAM LA base on August 2, 2023, and depart on August 23, 2023.
What is YWAM?
Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is a global Christian movement founded in 1960, dedicated to serving Jesus worldwide. Originally focused on involving youth in missions, YWAM has expanded to include people of all ages. With tens of thousands of staff (YWAMers) from nearly every country, they aim to know God and make Him known. YWAM engages in various ministries, including Evangelism, Training, and Mercy Ministry, covering a wide range of activities such as ship-based medical care, performing arts teams, Bible training, business coaching, sports ministries, and anti-trafficking work in over 180 countries.
https://ywam.org/about-us
The volunteer work
Upon my arrival, the team warmly welcomed me and displayed great hospitality. They kindly offered me the renowned In-N-Out burger, sensing my post-flight hunger – a request I seldom decline, especially after traveling from Florida to LA. The first night served as an introduction, allowing me to meet the individuals on the base and extending an invitation to a midweek service, a gesture I appreciated given my need for it. There was a gift basket and a note in my room.
At the base, there were both full-time missionaries and volunteers like myself. It was intriguing to witness individuals who had committed their entire lives to spreading the word of God. This dedication left me contemplating my own place in the missionary world, particularly after just completing my master’s degree and facing imminent relocation to New York for a Ph.D., prompting me to question, “Lord, where do I fit in all of this?” This introspection stemmed from the perspective of someone embarking on a significant life transition.
I’m taking a slight detour here, so please bear with me. Each weekday morning involved various activities that all base members were expected to participate in. The schedule included worship on Mondays, meditation on the word on Tuesdays, praise and worship on Wednesdays, base cleaning on Thursdays, and Bible study on Fridays. These activities were subject to change based on the guidance of the Spirit. The primary responsibilities of volunteers were to assist with any tasks needed around the base. Personally, I contributed by cooking, cleaning various areas such as the kitchen, trailers, boutique, and guest house.
Amenities on the base
In brief, YWAM LA provides trailers, essentially equipped with rooms resembling a typical home. Additionally, there’s a boutique, which I personally adore. If you arrive at YWAM LA unprepared, lacking clothes or shoes, they have you covered with a container brimming with generously donated clothing and shoes. Although each trailer has its own kitchen, there is also a main kitchen on the base. A prayer chapel is accessible most hours of the day for personal time with the Lord. An auditorium hosts daily worship, Bible study, and other events. Not to be forgotten is the breathtaking landscape surrounding the base. Oh there is a gym not the Planet fitness and LA fitness kind but enough equipment to get you to build those muscles and get you in shape. There is also a hammock – there I thought I had to save up money to go to Bali to enjoy a peaceful time on a hammock. But YWAM LA said “look no further! say no more!”
Invitations
I express gratitude for the amazing and gracious missionaries on the base who actively included me in various activities and events, such as birthdays, worship nights, and “California must be saved” events. I embraced every invitation with enthusiasm. Notably, weekends served as a collective day off for everyone, and I utilized this time to explore the beautiful city of Los Angeles. This exploration was made possible by the invitations from these remarkable individuals. I participated in activities that I never thought would occur in my lifetime, like worship on the beach. To be in the presence of the Creator, surrounded by His creation, and immersed in the rhythmic and soothing movement of waves crashing against the shore was truly heavenly and worth every moment.
The YWAM LA Go Team invited me to participate in a mission at Hollywood, and really, who could decline such an invitation? It was the easiest yes. It felt like a dream—praying on a rooftop with a view of the Free Mason building, interceding for the salvation of Los Angeles, the entire state of California, and America as a whole. That was certainly not something I had anticipated, but it turned out to be a unique and impactful experience.
Relations
I was fortunate to cultivate friendships and relationships that will undoubtedly remain with me for a lifetime. Truly, we are created for relationships. I encountered individuals from various corners of the globe—Argentina, Portugal, Brazil, Israel, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia—all living their lives through the lens of Christ. These are people who have experienced transformative change through the saving grace of God. Young, dedicated individuals who, with the freedom to pursue anything in this world, have chosen to live out the principles of Matthew 28:19-20. I was both amazed and inspired by their commitment.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/MAT.28.19-20
I forged wonderful friendships with steadfast servants of the Lord—individuals whose faith has been tested, who endure in hope, and who remain faithful. I am truly grateful that our paths crossed.
The Nudge
As Steph dropped me off at the airport, both of us on the brink of transitioning into different phases of our lives, she shared her plans to attend a nine-month Bible School in Hawaii and follow her calling to continue missionary work in Japan. Meanwhile, I was a day away from relocating to New York for my Ph.D. During our conversation, I expressed how I felt a nudge from God to start a Bible study in my apartment once I settled down. Now, almost six months later, that prompting is still present.
In conclusion, stretching oneself to volunteer and sacrificing time and resources for a worthy cause, even if the returns are intangible, can be rewarding. My brief time with YWAM LA was immensely valuable, and I aspire to embark on such experiences again. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that will stay with me forever. Leaving YWAM LA, I gained everything I had hoped for—fulfillment, impact, and, most importantly, fun while doing it.
As seen 🙄
If you look closely, you will find me in there somewhere <3
