_{“Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proberbs 29:18a}

YWAM Value #5 is: Be Visionary

YWAM is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God. We support the pioneering of new ministries and methods, always willing to be radical in order to be relevant to every generation, people group, and sphere of society. We believe that the apostolic call of YWAM requires the integration of spiritual eldership, freedom in the Spirit and relationship, centered on the Word of God.

I love the phrase ‘Innovative Disrupters.’ Every great business or organization had a moment like this; think of Apple with iPhones or Tesla with electric vehicles. Being visionary is in the original DNA of YWAM. One of the reasons why YWAM has continued to be relevant after 60+ years is because it hasn’t lost sight of its original DNA.

The nurturing and releasing of fresh vision has opened a path for any believer, young and old, to pursue what God has put on their heart for reaching the nations. What an amazing community to be a part of.

May we each be willing to step into new things. And may we also be willing to come alongside others; nurturing the fresh vision that has been laid on their hearts as well.

All to the glory of God. Amen.

Our time in Perth and Busselton was so rich and meaningful. In Perth, we not only got to reconnect with dear friends, I taught in the worship school and had the opportunity to speak with the YWAM Perth Staff team for the weekly all staff meeting.

Sometimes it is so hard to truly give an update because so much happened but I can only choose one or two things to share. One thing that God did in Perth was connect me to an Indigenous Australian. He is a master didgeridoo maker and at one point he was asking about the missions work that I engage in.

I mentioned one of the projects I’m a part of is to see new scripture songs written in indigenous languages and sounds; especially of people groups just getting the Bible in their language for the first time. As we talked he began to cry. I asked him what God was doing in his heart.

He said, “I’ve never considered writing new songs in my mother tongue, from scripture, for my people, and with our instruments. For the first time I’m feeling such a release and freedom to use my sound for God’s glory and for worship.” We had an amazing time together.

After a full week of ministry in Perth, we drove 3 hours south to Busselton. There, I partnered with a church called ‘Cornerstone’ in hosting a Worship Seminar for the local worship teams. We had about 30 people come for the afternoon seminar.

I had three sessions of teaching. The first session I taught on the heart of worship and explored answers to the questions; what is worship, why do we worship, and the power of worship.

In the second session I taught on Worship and Theology; particularly exploring the importance of theology as it relates to songwriting. I like to call the songs that we write for the church “Portable Theology.”

Finally, in the last session I had a panel discussion with the Lead Pastor and Worship Pastor of Cornerstone church. We touched on many topics and a really great time was had by all of us.

I concluded my time, with Cornerstone, leading worship for their Sunday Service. I wish I could tell every story of God’s hand at work. I’m so grateful to see Him move and touch people’s hearts and lives every where I go.

I’m incredibly grateful that the Lord has me in Nepal currently. Would you join me in praying for the work of the Gospel that is being done here? I arrived early Saturday morning on Oct 18th and went straight to church service after dropping off my luggage.

I get to join with some of our School of Worship Staff from Kona that are here doing worship training and songwriting training with musicians here at the YWAM base alongside many of the Bible translators. This coming week, I will be helping to facilitate new scripture songs being written in indigenous sounds, languages, and instruments for the purpose of bringing these scripture songs to villages in the Himalayan mountains. This will help bring scripture to some of these villages for the first time and also help boost scripture engagement.

We, as School of Worship, were blessed with extra funds to purchase equipment that they needed for this project. I had the opportunity to hand deliver half of the equipment. What an exciting time to be alive and see the furthering of the Gospel, through song, to unengaged people groups.

Pray for Liz and the kids while I’m gone. May they experience tangible blessings of the Lord. I’m grateful for the ways that my family commissions me and sends me on these missionary journeys. Pray also for our School of Worship that is currently running in Kona. It’s a wonderful group of new students.

Thank you for your partnership in this important missions work around the world. You have blessed us and many around the world! May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and may the Lord give you peace. Amen.  🙏

Grace and Peace be with you in Abundance,

-Chris, Lizzi, Kai, Laila, Rhema, Moses, and Zion ♥️-