February 2018

Dear YWAM Family….

We are counting the abundant blessings of God throughout 2017, as He keeps pouring out His faithfulness as we start into 2018. Hope you are experiencing the same. There have never been more exciting opportunities before us than the ones we are facing right now! What an amazing time to be alive!!

Here’s a bit of an update on my health. As most of you know, I became very ill during the YWAM Together event in September 2016 in Kansas City and was quite ill for most of the next year with an illness that affected my lungs and my energy level – the doctors did a myriad of tests but never figured out the cause. At the University of the Nations Workshop we held in Costa Rica in September 2017 – just one year from the start of my illness – it was like there was a “tipping point” in the prayers I know you all had been pouring out for me during that year, and I sensed a definite turning point and healing touch from God. When I returned to my doctor in Hawaii, I expected to hear that the x-rays showed that my lungs were clear – and that’s exactly what the doctor said! But because of many months of having to be on steroids (which I hated!!!), I had to slowly wean myself off of them and had some “steroid withdrawal” symptoms. I’m still not 100% - or maybe I’m just having to face the reality that I’m not 29 years old any more!! J Thank you again for all your love and prayers throughout this journey!

You’ll recall that one of our strong declarations at the YWAM 50th anniversary events around the world in 2010 was a commitment to work to End Bible Poverty!! So what do you suppose Loren is doing these days? He’s continuing to sound the rallying cry to end Bible poverty! Many, many partnerships and initiatives have been launched, and God has blessed our efforts so that the number of totally Bible-less languages has now dropped from 1,776 in September of 2016 (when we first tallied the number) to 1,585 today (February 2018)! Let’s keep working toward ZERO!

Loren has had several opportunities over the past few months to meet and share ideas with key people in Washington D.C. regarding current issues. Earlier this month Loren and myself, plus David and Christine Hamilton (leaders of the Innovations for Transformation center based out of King’s Mansion) and Paul and Susi Childers (Kona Campus directors) were invited to D.C. for the Presidential Prayer Breakfast. It was an amazing time of “God connections” with key people in the body of Christ. But the highlight of the time for all of us was touring the newly opened Museum of the Bible. The presence of the Lord was in the place, from start to finish. We spent hours there and would happily have spent days, as they have done such an excellent job in honoring and elevating the Bible, the Word of God. If you are ever near Washington D.C., be sure to go there. It’s free!

One of our big personal joys in 2017 was the opportunity to travel through Europe together with our children and grandchildren. During the month of June, we retraced many of the early “words of the Lord” to YWAM, heard stories of God’s provision then and now, and interacted with people who have met Jesus and been discipled through YWAM. It was a very significant time together as a family – and we were hosted so wonderfully by many of YOU, the YWAM family. (We have attached a photo so you can print it and put it on your refrigerator or prayer board, if you’d like. We so value your prayer!)

We’re looking forward to seeing you at YWAM Together September 2-8, 2018 in Thailand: “All Peoples; Every Sphere; One Family.” Don’t miss it – come with your hearts prepared to receive from the Lord and be enriched in fellowship with one another. It is when we gather together in faith that God shares with us the new dreams and visions He has for the future!! www.ywamtogether.com

Thank you for being a co-worker together with us in the call of God!

Blessings in 2018!

Loren & Darlene


75-5851 Kuakini Hwy #210
Kailua-Kona, HI. 96740