Loren Cunningham, US, Founder of Youth With A Mission
March 26, 2026·8 min
The episode opens by introducing Loren Cunningham as the founder of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), highlighting his financial generosity through donating book royalties and waiving speaking fees. It notes YWAM's policy of missionaries not receiving salaries, trusting God for provision, and mentions the ministry's founding in 1970 with a floating mobile school. The core narrative focuses on a specific incident where God told Loren, who grew up in Los Angeles with no farming background, that He wanted to give him a farm. Loren initially doubted but sought confirmation through prayer and scripture, leading him to James 2:26 about faith requiring works. In obedience, he purchased barbed wire, a milk can, and a hay wagon, explaining to curious students that God would give YWAM a farm. One student, Jojo, prayed about it and became convinced, sharing this with her parents. Weeks later, Jojo's father met a Swiss local who said God told him to give his farm to a mission, directly aligning with Loren's faith act. This farm, named Homestead Manor, became a key base for training and sending missionaries globally, rather than for agricultural use. The host, Beto Archuleta from Landing Place Church, reflects on the story, emphasizing how Loren's obedience led to divine provision and impact. He connects it to listeners by asking where God might be calling them to step out in faith. The episode concludes with a prayer for listeners to put their faith into action, reinforcing the theme of trust and obedience in Christian living.
