Memories and Condolences
…from around the world:
[ Read Loren Cunningham’s obituary and add your memories / condolence messages here ]
Judy Brannon-Pontious
God bless you, Loren, for answering Gods call and as a result transforming so many of us. As a former YWAMMER, I can truly say that the time I spent at the DTS in Lausanne and in ministry from there, totally transformed my life and has shaped my future. I was a Christian, raised in a beautiful, loving Christian home with two parents who loved and served the Lord, but my time in YWAM took me from being a passive believer to seeing God work in ways I’d never imagined - day to day, in the smallest, most seemingly insignificant details, as well as in major, huge answers to prayer. Enjoy your rest and your reward in heaven and know that your legacy has been and is still crashing just like those waves in your vision all over the world.
Johan Qahoush
Powerful to know the life he lived and also that I got to meet him in person in Hawaii. Such a joy to know that he is with the Lord!
Jung hyun Nam
I am so honor your friendship. RIP Jesus gave us.
Helen Rudinsky
I am grateful for the years I had in YWAM. Those years help me develop and strengthen my faith.
Eric Williamson
If I share anything I think one of the most precious memories for me of Loren is the time I accidentally woke him up.
There was one time I was asked to help set up a GENESIS link for David Hamilton from the system Loren had at home, and I showed up at 6am to set it up, but the gate was locked.
So I rang the doorbell, and waited. A minute or two went by and Loren opened the gate.
It turned out he knew nothing about the meeting, and Darlene had gone out for a morning walk. So it took a couple minutes to sort it out, but when we went in to set things up, it was actually Loren who got everything working because he knew all the quirks of his home set up.
And I think that attitude of helping and serving no matter what the task at hand that I learned from him in the years I staffed in Kona.
I’m praying for you all and grieving for your loss and rejoicing for his gain.
Hyejin Jang
You were truly the child of God. Your life has revealed Jesus to so many people, including me. Your passion for the kingdom of God has become a great challenge for us. I will follow your example, love God, live according to the Bible, and see you in heaven. thank you and love you!
Primrose Lim
When l lived in Kona, in the YWAM community, many people on staff came & went, often, & relationships were hard to establish. When you bump into someone at the campus, to stop & chat, most of them, while talking to you, are looking past your shoulder, giving you the impression that they're are in a hurry. Not Loren. At weekly campus gatherings, people would come up to him (w/o appts) before the start of the meetings, while he is seated, & talk to him. He would give them his full attention. He NEVER seemed to be in a hurry to get away, or for them to leave.
Once, we were having a small meeting with new people, & we were asked to introduce & say something about another person present. He introduced me. And said among other things, how responsible I was & all he needs to do, is say something & it'll be done.
He was, what you see, is what you get.
Wonderful man, Loren!
Megan Pearson
My five siblings and I all did a DTS right out of high school, then my parents after all of us. My husband and I took our family to India for 10 years with YWAM. Now my three oldest, plus a daughter-in-law are doing YWAM schools and getting launched out into all the world. There is no greater joy to see my children walking in the truth and obeying the Great Commission. I have deep gratitude to Loren and family for the fruits of your labor in the harvest field. Thanks to Loren, who like an aircraft carrier, that has launched each of us into the battle for souls. We are eternally grateful for his obedience and life work.
Keith Cook
Having read Loren’s inspiring books challenged my missionary evangelist heart to trust God more and take the message of Christ’s love to over 80 nations so far. I would not have had any idea a worldwide evangelistic vision was possible if not for Loren’s vision. I had the opportunity to talk to him and glean from his many years of experience. He was so kind, and so humble. I will never forget being asked to pick him up and take him to an engagement when he came to our town. He carried a tiny suitcase and while driving him to the meeting he told me he had just gotten back from visiting several nations and would leave from our meeting and go on to share in several more before returning home. He definitely wanted the whole world to know Jesus. I will miss you my dear brother.
Brian Homesly
I attended DTS back in 2001(baptized in the Holy Spirit during my DTS)and Phase 2 at YWAM Denver and worked on YWAM Venezuela staff. I am forever grateful to Loren Cunningham for founding YWAM that taught me to know JESUS and make Him known. I know that Loren is now enjoying Heaven. Condolences to his family and may God grant you peace!
Nick Papamichael
I remember when I first read his book is that really you God?
I was working for the music band The Newsboys, and I met a young lady who was employed by Last Days Ministries. She started to share about YWAM. After I finished my contracted time with the Newsboys I ended up back home in Australia and the Lord was opening a new door in YWAM it was that Book that catapulted me to go and do a DTS.
From that point, God introduced his shelf to me as Dad.
On outreach in SAHBA Maylasisa, he said to me Nick: I'm Not Your God, I'm Not Your Father, I'm Your Dad! Thank You, Loren.
Marimuthu A
I met Loren thrice and what a wonderful man of God he was.What a privilege to serve God thru Ywam for the last 26 years.A wonderful Man of God.Will miss him.
Selwyn Samraj
And when the days of his service were complete, he returned home. Luke 1.23
When we go home we will see face to face and say a big thanks for all that he did across the globe.
Alex Nanlohy
Thank You for being a great Model of Faith. You have a Heart Of Jesus for the lost. I thank God that I can serve in YWAM and see so much incredible people in YWAM. Rest In Peace with Father in Heaven. Heaven is Your Home.
David Tokios
I was honored to be a part of the YWAM and Cunningham family for a large part of my life and the person I am today is due to the love from Darlene and Loren. I was blessed to travel the world with David and his dad, filming around the world capturing stories throughout the Pacific and beyond. I also was blessed to have Loren marry us in New Zealand after filming around the South Pacific. Recently being able to see Loren and Darlene in Lausanne Switzerland back where YWAM had started its early life was such a blessing. I love you and will miss you. To Darlene, Karen, David and family, my heart and love go out to you and know that I am with you in spirit and I am praying for God's grace and mercy to comfort you throughout this time.
All my love
David Tokios
Martin Wikstøl
YWAM has been a great part of my walk with Christ! Thank you for everything you’ve done for The Kingdom of our Lord and Father God, Loren! You are finally home with The Lord. Blessings upon Loren’s family. Love, Martin Wikstøl, Norway.
David and Trudy Bateman
Aloha Loren, you have now graduated with highest honors into the presence of God the Father, His Son Jesus, our ultimate spiritual teacher, and the Holy Spirit, the manifestation of love and joy shared between them. We can just see you at His feet with all the other great scholars of antiquity from the Old Testament, the inspired apostles and disciples of the New Testament and those great theologians to present time sharing and still learning from one another. We can only imagine the great joy you now experience in all of this magnificent celebration. And we see a big smile on Jesus' face as He welcomes you into Heaven and this fellowship of the greatest teachers and theologians, evangelists, and loving disciples the world has ever known, and places the Crown of Glory on your head. Congratulations, our friend. You have well earned this great honor and all the peace and joy of Heaven.
We experience both sadness and joy, like Paul, at your passing, wanting to join you and Jesus, but at the same time knowing the full work of salvation is not yet done. Philippians 1:23-25. Your YWAM Ohana will now pick up the mantle of your marvelous legacy, and continue this great evangelical work that you and Dar started over 60 years ago, and take it to even greater levels, that both of you may never have dreamed of. We are humbled, privileged and honored to have been able to call you hoa and ohana. Mahalo nui loa.
Aloha a me a hui ho, Dave and Trudy
Ruopfu Yhokha
I have always wanted to meet you once in this life but i guess we'll meet on the other side of the shore. See you there!
Lovanambinina Sambatriniaina RANAIVOARINORO
Loren is impacting my life through his testimony. He is a man of vision, a hero of faith.
Willie Cunningham
I was hitching to Sussex NB when I was picked up by Loren. He shared a story about his sister who just got engaged and lost her engagement ring while hanging laundry on the close line. He told me that they prayed together believing God to find the ring. He emphasized that our prayer must be in Jesus' name with thanksgiving because thanksgiving is an expression of our faith. Loren went out and started crawling under the close line looking for the ring. suddenly he felt his little finger digging In the grass and out came the ring. 1969 God spoke to me about sitting on the fence and that I must give my life to Him, which I did.
Shafaqat Arif
In 2022 I did DTS. I was seeing the fulfillment of what the servant of God had seen. God has done great things through His servant and even me, a sinner, found life in Him. I used to be in the slavery of sin, but thank God that I am not in this slavery now. So when I read about Mr. Lauren Kenny Gum, I saw him and learned from his life how God's will must be fulfilled in our lives. I was hoping to God that God would introduce me to Lauren Kenny. Now that he is no longer in this world, I am not very sorry for that. I am a little sorry that God will meet me but it will be a little late. Still, I thank God that God will surely meet me because I am living with this faith that God will meet me with my calf and God will help me in all these ways. These things are clearly stated in the letter to the Hebrews. If not in this world, then in the house of God we will meet. Then our companions will be the same and God will be with us. And I still thank you and say that God is grateful to you and keep you even in this situation. There was hopelessness in my life and that I could never change but I still changed and it was because of YWAM. Thank you so much Sir Lauren Cunningham and thank you so much ywam team. More blessings. Rip.
Gabriel Francis
I was visited by Loren in 1999 north of Namibia, where he spoke to pastors in Ovambo land. We were leaders of the Ywam base in Namibia.
Silas H Sarcar
I am just remembering his life with Jesus and such an impact Jesus had that caused him to be such an impact for Him. I was in deep gratitude and awe to imagine the welcoming of him by Jesus at Home.
Sally Ide
I was in Kona in 1986 for a PCYM course. I loved hearing Loren speak about his various missions around the world. He had a huge impact on my life. Once in UK, he met my three sons after a conference. We will miss him so much but pray for his legacy to run hard and fast!
Jennifer Hodgson
I loved the times he came to Australia 🦘 YWAM Canberra and spoke many times.
It is always great 👍 listening to him. Thank you Loren for your vision and young people.
I am glad I was one of those people. As a child in Hawaii when you and your family were there as well. Also as an adult doing a DTS and being on staff in YWAM. It has been an enjoyable time meeting you and the family. Special memories
Tabita Huluban
The last time I saw Loren was in a leaders gathering in Prague! I was so touched by his passion for the word, for mission, his humbleness and his love for Jesus! I looked at him and said: i want to be like Loren! He truly is my model! You will be missed, Loren but you are with the one that you loved and served with so much joy and commitment
Kijung Paul Moon
It is not possible for me to describe my life journey without YWAM, neither possible to describe YWAM without you, Loren. Thank you so much for your race of faith on earth. Have rest in the great fellowship with the Lord Jesus and with other saints. I will miss you.
Wesonga Dickson
Very fondly remembered, when he spoke to us, at Youth With A Mission Base at Hopeland, Jinja, Uganda. RIP Loren You have fought the Good fight of Faith.
CASSIO ALVARO TEIXEIRA COSTA
Loren Cunnigham a maior viajem de sua vida!
Todos nós no mundo da missao sabemos do ghrande legado, exemplo que Loren deixou para todos nós, o mais sincero pesames a todos os familiares.
Samantha Davage
Apart from the messages Loren would give at YWAM Kona Thursday gatherings, one memory always sticks out when I think of him. While I got to work closely with Loren and Dar for a half a year I was privy to see them both in action as they hosted many heroes of the faith in Kona. One evening, after such an event at their house, I sat with Loren and he got to know me a little. He asked me and others at the table where we were from, and he had a little anecdote for each of us from the country we named. Imagine being able to say "I've been there too" and connecting on something when talking to people from the nations. I will never forget this.
Loren's humility, drive, and obedience to the Lord will always stick with me. The way he and Dar champion others astounds me. The grace they show is second to none.
Thank you Loren for all your kindness, leadership and vision. This world would not have been the same without you. And for this we are thankful.
Jon Syrbe
Literally I could write another book solely focusing on the gift Loren has been to me and thousands because of his impact and influence on me. Now, stating up front it is of course all the Lord, however, it was tangibly through His using Loren, and Loren's level of surrender and commitment, that I have had the privilege of being mentored by him and some of the greatest global leaders, and live and serve in more than 50 nations.
I have had some of the greatest things that have happened to me in my life because of Loren-of which I will state just the top 7:
1. YWAM, and Serving on Mercy Ships (7 years).
2. Having my final cleft lip & palette surgeries done in Senegal aboard the M/V Anastasis.
3. Doing the School of Biblical Studies.
4. Because of that-being able to do an around the world teaching tour and more since, and that led me to meet my wife in India.
5. My 3 beautiful children that came because of that.
6. Found and developed a significant number of my closest friends that I still have today.
7. Because of him-thousands more have been touched and impacted just like me.
I so love and appreciate knowing Loren, learning from him, being loved by him, and his hugs, encouragements, and so much more. And, thank you too dear Darlene.
William Payne
One of my greatest heroes Loren Cunningham has finished the race. It is so sad to know that he is gone but so so very exciting to know that he is with Jesus and we will all see him again.
I first met Loren in 1983 when we arrived in Kona, Hawaii for our Crossroads DTS. He and his amazing wife Darlene have been an immeasurable inspiration ever since.
Loren spoke in our school and challenged us to give it our all for Jesus and we heard the call. 40 years later we have gleamed so much from this amazing man of God.
I lived a total of four and a half years in Kona while Loren and Darlene were there. Meeting them in various places around the world, we were inspired and challenged by them both time and time again.
I do not have words to express how thankful I am to the Cunningham family.
Here is a man who listened to God, heard His voice, obeyed His command, followed God's call and launched a World Wide Missions Movement that has permeated every nation and every sphere of society. Countless thousands have heard the call as well. And millions have been impacted, transformed and ushered into the Kingdom of God because of the vision,determination and humility of this one incredible man and his equally amazing wife.
Thank you God for sending us Loren and Darlene. And thank you Loren and Darlene for your lives wholly committed to Jesus and to building His Kingdom. Thank you for the example you've been.
Condolences to Darlene and the Cunningham family. Love and Blessing and prayers for you all.
Bill, Tinie and the Payne Family.
Kathaleen Trombly
Thank you, Loren, for being the example of Jesus and how we should live, carrying out our God given missions and visions - To Know Him & Make Him Known!
May God bless your efforts for a millennia to come!
Claire Mataia
It's a honor to be serving with a mission birthed out of courageous, humble obedience. I'm so thankful for Loren's example of child-like faith and lion-like courage to walk in obedience his life long. My prayer is that the following generations of ywamers be known for the same faith and courage because we had examples to follow like Loren. Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the JOY of your Master!
Paul Hampsch
Being a ywamer my encounters with Loren and Darlene we seeing true humility and love. My heart is both broken and rejoicing. Loren is with our precious Jesus. I believe that the moment Loren entered the Kingdom heaven came to a brief halt and shouts of joy rang out. My prayers for you and the family is the peace and strength of the Lord sustain you.
Patricia Pardo
Agradecer por la vida de Loren y su pasion, legado y obediencia a la voz y sueños de Dios, porque esto hace que millones podamos tener un lugar para desarrollar nuestro llamado. Una carrera digna de imitar. Dios consuele y de paz a Darlene, hijos y nietos...
Lennart Jobse
I met Loren during his visit at the Togo YWAM base 2017. Inspiring leader with a great vision. Our prayers are with the family.
Marlinde Bredewout
Dear family Cunningham,
I am so sorry for your loss. You all lost first of all a lovely Husband, an wonderful Dad, an awesome Granddad and as YWAM family we lost a great father leader, mentor, teacher, inspiration, example lovely, servant of the Lord and more.. He is at the best place we every can imagine without any pain and with his best friend Jesus. But the empty place, tears, lost are there. And that is ok, too! In 2022 I had a little chat with Loren on zoom during my DTS equip about one of his biggest friend, brother Andrew (because I'm dutch) I'm so grateful for that conversation and what my take a away was, is that it is oke to pray in my mother tongue in the midst of all English speaking people. I still do. My first time I saw Loren, He visited YWAM Heidebeek where a change in leadership was with my brother in law. (Willem-jan Boon)
Back on those day a still was off track. But the Love of Christ and the YWAM DNA was planted during my teenagers years throughout King's kids. Now, I'm serving the Lord and willing to go. Recently I said 'Yess' to God for long term mission. What God started, He will finish it!
The Lord showed me this morning (7-10-2023) how significant it is about the date and the time Loren went to Jesus.
Looking at the numbers; 6 is the number of human which Loren was. 10 (October) is the number of purpose of accepted. Loren was a friend of Jesus. 4 (o'clock) is the number to reign and twenty stands for holy. Loren reigns in heaven with Jesus in His holiness. He wears the crown of righteousness. He was a true friend of God and God is perfect in His timing.
Thank you Darlene for who you are as his wife. In laughter and tears, In prayer and rejoicing, in rich and poor times, In sickness and healthy till the end being ready to give him back to the Lord. I would love to give you a big hug....
I pray and bless you as a family that the Lord comfort you all in His perfect love and peace. That He will fill in the cap of your family and that God will continue what He has started because it is not done yet!
With love
Marlinde Bredewout
Marijke Dam
Memories both in Heidebeek, Mombassa and Kona.... He spoke as if the Father in heaven was reflected through His words, it was totally His heart!! I was blessed he called me the flying Dutchman, blessed to dance the waves in Kona and to "eat" his books and listen to his sermons , especially in coronatime together with his dear wife!! I pray for you,Darlene and familymembers!
Priscilla Muñoz
Gracias al Señor por un hombre como Pablo en nuestro tiempo. Por su obediencia al Espíritu Santo, extendiendo el reino de Dios en el mundo. Desde Chile, mi gratitud al Señor y su familia por el legado misionero.
William Barron
Thanks Loren for your loving Service to Our Lord. Praying for you Dar. I will always remember being with you guys in Kona.
Liane Goessens
Dear Darlene & family,We just found out that Loren went to be with Jesus and are sharing our deepest condoleances. He definitely had a life well lived. Remembering you both from the Olympics in Barcelona, where we met in the small hospitality house behind the train station.What a great time that was. Lots of evangelism was done and thanks to Loren a lot of people got trained.Thank you for being there with him. Wishing you lots of strength for the time to come. God is good. To Him all the glory. Blessings/love, Liane Goessens-Seffern
Alejandra Castro
I came to Ywam 24 years ago and 18 ago I move to serve the Lord in Asia among a minority muslim group, I had been blessed by Loren obedience to the Lord, I had the privilege to teach about his teaching and books in minority languages. I remember the last time that I saw him in HKG, for the 50 Ywam anniversary , he was encouraged to hear what God was doing in Asia and sharing his plans of a big gathering, he was a visionary and humble man of God, now he is with Jesus and his work of obedience will keep multiplying.
Cheri Meadowlark
Loren had our DTS over to his home for icecream. As I sat with him to talk about God's call on my life, I felt accepted and and inspired to be all that God called me to be. I got to help lead worship at the Friday night Rallies, and discover my.passion to help others discover the gift that they are. Thank you Loren for being part of that discovery. You will be missed.
akuo usou AKUO ÜSOU HERE FROM KOHIMA, NAGALAND, INDIA. Condolences to the Loren Cunningham family and Ywam families
Trevor Haylock
I have to say sorry for the loss of your husband, father , friend . Loren is a great man of God a leader of leaders. I have read several of his books and did my DTS . I have a heavy heart today.
Apisit Viriya
We are so blessed to have been able to connect with Loren these past few years. Our church, and our ministry friends/partners, have been so blessed directly, and indirectly by Loren's life and ministry. Our prayers go up for Loren's family and the YWAM family.
We also celebrate a life that was SO well-lived. We praise the Lord! And we rejoice knowing Loren is with God in the fullness of His glory!
Karen Lafferty
One of the things I always appreciated about Loren was his unique perspective on things. I know he developed a strong team around him (Darlene being one of the Chief advisors) to help him formulate many of the projects and visions he inspired or started. Together they came up with the unique phrases and YWAM vocabulary like Ending Bible Poverty, The Christian Magna Carta, University of the Nations (A "different kind" of university), the poem "So God Made the Missionary", and of course our YWAM Foundational Values .... so many more.... These have become our "YWAM DNA" (there's another one). I understand these things because I've lived them for over 40 years. I, and so many others, are richer for it. Thank you, Lord, for giving me, and this hurting world, Loren Cunningham. We are all richer because of this gift.
Ravikumar Nuthangi
During golden jubilee celebrations in Chennai, South India. Me and wife had desire to meet them, fortunately our leaders arranged a dinner with Loren and Darlin, we had a good time, they prayed for us, we cherished that memory. We are very happy to part of God's mission through Loren Cunningham.
Libby Wallace
It was an enormous pleasure to meet Loren and Darlene during our Family DTS in Kona in 2014! He was so full of life, on fire for God and incredibly kind. His legacy is a part of our faith walk forever!
Dee Robbins
Words are difficult to express how very grateful I am for Loren's life! Integrity; kindness; showing me how to listen to and walk with Jesus; believing for BIG things; faith in action; shaping our marriage and our family; creating community; always a quick sense of humor; discipling individuals and nations; all this and more. What an honor and privilege to have shared an era with this amazing man!
Ivy Murugi
"When we surrender our personal rights to the Lord for His sake and the sake of the gospel,we discover the secret of inheriting the whole world for Him.
Your life is living proof of the fact that you lived out this statement in your book Making Jesus Lord.
Fare thee well Man Of God.
Richard Won
A godly servant of Jesus Christ who has finished very well. Thank you for serving Jesus. Thank you for serving us in Ywam.
Cheryl Weber
I was on staff of YWAM's School of Writing 2016-2108 at the U of N's Kona campus and so appreciate Loren and Dar opening their home to our staff and students for our end-of-school celebration feast. Loren had such sweet, humble, godly spirit. We all look forward to seeing him again in heaven! Grace and peace to those left behind to continue the task the Lord gave him and all of YWAM!
Bryan Whitlock
I joined YWAM back in 2005 in Ethiopia, and remain dedicated to the Kingdom values it carries out internationally...what a legacy Loren has left of pursuing Jesus and His commission fearlessly!
Mark Mosier
Many years ago in the mid 90s, I met Loren and his family at Kansas City Downtown Airport where they were waiting to take a tour of Air Force One as his daughter was a flight attendant. They had asked me, a stranger, to take a family photo for them. Then they asked me to join them. It didn’t take long for me to appreciate Loren’s kindness and unselfish Godliness. That was my beginning to following WYAM. He left am amazing legacy to say the least with WYAM and his family. Can’t wait to join you Loren. Mark Mosier
Jonathan Maigari
We are living testimonies because PAPA Loren gave us a platform and dare us for the flame to go on! Nowander:-The entire family of YWAM Kaduna and YWAM Communities and Nations Transformation Center (The alumni,the board, students,staff and friends) send their condolences to the entire Loren family,The Cunningham,the eldership and entire family of YWAM. Peace, Love and comfort! Adieu Papa.
Heddy De Visser
Loren came to visit us in Belgium a few years ago. I am 66 now , but YWAM has been in my life since I was 16 years old. We serve YWAM for 40 years now. When he came this last time his message was as fresh and inspiring as when I was 16. I thank God and believe his vision will continue through all of us.
Javi Amor
Leaders need to understand unity and diversity. It takes many kinds of people doing different kinds of work, contributing their best ideas and efforts to create the most productive, prosperous society. If leaders don’t value creative differences in people, their nation will miss out on what it can achieve. - Loren Cunningham
*Loren made it possible for some of the greatest things in our lifetime to flourish. His 88 years blessed countless more. Many know him as the Founder of YWAM. He was such an effervescent soul, with an appeal to appeal to all people.
I find myself in deep reflection of the ways our paths crossed and what significance those moments played in my life. They were short, simple and sweet.
We both like cars and we even raced each other once. He beat me in his donated Tesla, I in an old beat up Titan V8 work truck. But the V8 did sound way better and he would agree.
This picture was one of several. Somehow when I look at this one, I get different things from looking at it. It is filled with beauty and wonder, a great memory most divinely captured.
Of all the roads traveled… and he’s traveled many on earth. His next destination wins them all. HEAVEN.
See you there Loren! We will miss you and the memories but we will celebrate with great joy knowing that you lived to “Know Him and to Make Him known.”
Much love Kapuna!
Mark Brokenshire
Thank you Loren for an amazing example of a life well lived. I am so grateful for the example that you and Darlene have been over the 43 years I have been in YWAM. I am grateful for the example that if God is put first and hearing Him is a priority that the whole of life is ordered and blended well. Thank you for the opportunities that you have made possible to myself and so many others to walk in the anointing afforded by your obedience, integrity and sacrifice. May you enjoy your rest in the "shadow of the almighty" Ps 91:1. You will be greatly missed but your legacy will go on for generations to come.
Liz Norris
We are immensely grateful for Loren's obedience and his passion to see Jesus made known in every nation. In 1973 Kevin and I were among hundreds of NZ university students who said "yes" to the GO and each of our four children, and my parents, have spent time serving in YWAM. Words can't adequately capture what we are feeling, but we honor Loren for the way he has led in partnership with Darlene, with humility, integrity, and such kindness, always pointing us to the One he loved and followed.
Scott Sells
My future wife Nancy Schwab was the DTS leader at Amsterdam for 10 years and I met her through eharmony. So when I met her I was like what is this YWAM and who is this leader Loren? Long story short I had been really really hurt by people in the church and all but said if this is Jesus, I will pass. But on our honeymoon we went to the Amsterdam base first and we so warmly welcomed that I actually saw the book of Acts unfold and said WOW I want to know more about this YWAM
So Nancy and I had two twin boys and did a Family DTS in Kona and Darlene spoke to our class and I met Loren.
And all I can say is thank you Loren and Darlene, I saw Jesus through you and through my wife that it was a huge catalyst to Go God- Love Him and Make Him known. So thank you Loren. We barely met but you showed how one man + 1 (Darlene) can change the world!
Helen Turner
Thank you Loren, and Darlene, for giving yourselves. Your example was powerful for those of us who have studied and worked with YWAM. You opened the world of missions to me in a new way. My life has been deeply impacted by your commitment to the Lord and willingness to serve no matter what.
Mara Cole
Thank you Loren for following and fulfilling the vision God gave you so many years ago. We are so grateful for your obedience and faithfulness. We became part of the YWAM family “officially “ in 2015. When we completed our ANAG DTS as a family. A first for the Harpenden Base. Prior to that we were very aware of YWAM and had several friends who had joined the organization. After our outreach was completed on the Island of Lesvos with YWAM ships our lives were never the same. We were definitely spoiled for the ordinary ever after. What a legacy Loren and Darlene leave behind with generations of youths whose lives changed forever for the gospel.Words fail to express our gratitude and thankfulness for your life Loren, that was so well lived and focused on furthering the kingdom!
Serving with Joy,
Mara, Christian, and Bryn Cole
Monterey Bay California
We Pray Monterey
Siby Moleakunnel
Loren Cunningham is one of the visionary giants among his contemporaries like George Verwer, Brother Andrew, Billy Graham, Bill Bright, and Robert Pierce who all had a great passion for God and they all shouldered a great burden for the lost.
Though I don’t know Loren personally except for meeting him a single time and reading a couple of his books in my early YWAM days, the key elements I would take and cherish from him as the most important value in my life are 1. “Keeping Jesus, the center of our lives, 2. Experience God and hear Him on a daily basis and 3. Obey Jesus without any delay”. These were his sincere answers to my recent question for what are the three most important things for Loren’s entire spiritual journey as a volunteer Christian missionary. I think, perhaps these elements are the most important for a disciple of Jesus and His missions. In his demise, my deepest condolence to his physical and YWAM family.
Siby Moleakunnel, Delhi, India
Nathan Rottier
I never thought I would be running a YWAM Ministry in Africa; I didn't know how God and sport could come together. But growing up around Loren in the 90s rubbed off on me. The question why not? If God wants it, we must do our part and lean in. Loren gave me a Bible on my 21st birthday and wrote a note reminding me that God lights our path and to follow him. That was a turning point for me in my faith walk. I am thankful for the life of Loren. What an inspiration on how to live a life saying yes to God.
Daniella Rottier
It’s hard to put into words what this man “yes” and obedience to Jesus means to me.
He championed and believed in my family and so many others. He always had a twinkle in his eye and sweet smile. He loved to eat my chocolate chip cookies ever since I was a little girl. I won’t eat a chocolate chip cookie now without remembering you, Loren and the wisdom you have deposited into my life.
My parents met in YWAM. I fall in love with Jesus growing up in different YWAM communities. I discovered my calling and passions as I’ve become a YWAMER myself.
But a few things Loren taught me
It was never about how big YWAM was to Loren, but he simply spoke about hearing God’s voice and obeying. To know God and make Him know! To have tough skin but a tender heart. To live life with deep intentionality for God’s kingdom! To see every culture as beautiful and unique with gifting.
Now that’s what changed my life and history.
It’s privilege to continue to be apart of the wave and burn for the simplicity of the gospel to be shared to everyone. To see every nation. Every tongue have the word of God in their heart language and the opportunity to know their Creator!
I love you, Loren! Thank you for walking out who God called you to be and showing us it’s all about simple obedience and humility!
Eunmi Hwang
I remember that you remembered my name, even though we had met only once before. I remember you called my name 'Grace'. I remember I was able to make a brave decision to seek God with your messages. I've stepped out from my comfort zone with your books. YOU ARE MY HERO, Loren. I can't thank you enough for everything. I'm truly grateful for all of my memories on the U of N campus. Thank God for sending you on the earth for your glory.
Jason Joyner
The work that Loren Cunningham did throughout his remarkable life has made a deep impact on my life. Growing up in a small town in Idaho, it sometimes felt like God had forgotten about us. My pastor then introduced the youth group to YWAM, and three young ladies from our church did their DTS in Montana. I saw how God impacted their lives, so I went the next fall after graduating.
I received so much from the Lord at that time, chiefly being a remarkable healing from losing my dad at age 5 and the insecurity that developed from that. God called me to do a SBS in Australia a couple of years later, after Loren came and spoke in our little town during the Impact World Tour. God had not forgotten about us!
Upon returning home, I ended up marrying one of the women who first did a DTS from our church. We have continued to chase after Jesus through love and loss, through trials and joys. Now we have had two of our kids see their lives changed through doing a DTS, and one of our boys is doing the SBS right now.
The work God has done using YWAM in our lives is something we could never put a price on. Thank you to Loren and Darlene, and all the people who have helped build up YWAM through all these years. I am sad to see such a faithful servant pass, but we know it is only to greater glory, being with our Savior. The Joyner family will always be grateful for such a story as Loren's!
Wanda Palmer
Loren Cunningham made it simple for young Believers like me to become foreign missionaries. If not for his vision, insight and organizing YWAM, I may never have know the privilege of serving on the foreign field. I went on to become a missionary with Bethany Fellowship, married a godly man, and started a Bible training school in France. My years with YWAM opened the door for a lifetime of mission. I'm forever grateful.
Rob Berg
We had just procured a base for Mercy Ships in Lausanne at Rovereaz, and Loren and Darlene stopped by to visit. Loren's encouragement and interest in our project blew my mind. There were hundreds of YWAM bases with many miracles and incredible stories but Loren's encouragement and excitement made us feel like this was the first one! Loren wrote and demonstrated that God has no limits and we believed and lived that for 10 years in Lausanne.
Doug and Jill Fears
Dear Darlene and Cunningham family,
We are extremely saddened to hear of Loren’s passing and send our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your entire family. You have been in our prayers and will continue to be, as you walk down this path. We know you have many people who are reaching out to you to express their love to you, and we would like to do the same.
Loren’s ministry and contribution to the world and to the body of Christ has been enormous! He touched so many lives all over the world during his lifetime. So many people loved him deeply, and continue to love him, as do we.
We have been very touched and blessed by our time with both of you and with YWAM. You both have been so kind and generous with your time and love that you have shown us. Getting to know you and traveling with you and our time on the advisory board has enriched our lives greatly.
We appreciate the significant impact you both have had on the world, but also the kind and loving generosity toward individuals, whether in leadership or not, that you have so graciously given. While your accomplishments are many and significant, it’s the love you so generously have given that has made both of you so special.
We love you very much and pray for His comfort and strength to be with you and your family as you walk out this part of your journey.
With much love,
Doug & Jill
Tarja Hyttinen
We miss you! Through your ministry and serving my family found Jesus!
Kamanda Mansaray
Loren's legacy will continue. He has done his accomplishments on earth.
Take your rest with the lord.
Arjen van der Wolf
Being called to Mercy Ships through a picture/vision of a large white ship, never having heard of YWAM or Mercy Ships, was a blessing. Joining YWAM-Mercy Ships in 1992 started our adventure in the footsteps of Jesus, but also in Loren's footsteps. Meeting Loren in The Netherlands at Mission:Possible was inspiring and we look forward to meeting him again in heaven. Many blessings to Loren's family! Alize & Arjen van der Wolf, Mercy Ships Global Association.
Herman and Jettie Boonstra
We are so grateful for the way Loren was so personal and warm and interested in us and our ministry in Morocco, when he came to visit us all over there. I will never forget the way he spoke encouragement and boldness into us and our Moroccan friends, several of whom were in DTS-ses and even led them. He was so wise also in answering questions about the roles of women in the male dominated world where we lived and how liberating his teaching was for both men and women. It lead to a time of confession and renewal in our midst at that time. For us it was like a general visiting the ground troops and giving them new perspective and courage!
Dan Sneed
On Friday (October 6), when I heard that Loren Cunningham had gone home to be with Jesus that morning, I instantly thought of how he had reshaped the face of world missions. I also flashed back to the day he had helped reshape my life.
The year was 1985 or 1986—I do not remember for sure. But I do recall sitting next to Loren at a church conference and what he told me. His words were prophetic and exactly what I needed to hear at a pivotal point in my life and ministry.
At the time, I was pastor of a local Foursquare church, but had been struggling with a growing call to make myself available to international ministry and the development of young leaders. A change in direction would mean leaving a secure position and taking a big step of faith. Loren knew nothing of my quandary. Yet as certainly has happened thousands of times over the years, Loren heard from God and spoke specifically into someone’s life—that time it was my life.
Loren reached over, put his arm around me and said, “Dan, I believe God has called you to the world and I want to be part of releasing you to your prophetic call.”
That was all the confirmation I needed. In the ensuing years I moved into a global ministry with the Foursquare denomination. I was never on staff with Youth With a Mission—the organization Loren founded and for many years led. But I did have the privilege of teaching at numerous YWAM discipleship training and leadership schools around the world, and counseling many missionaries.
With this back story, I offer here my tribute to Loren Cunningham:
Loren believed that the great commission—to go to every nation, tribe, community, to every person with the message of Jesus was for every believer, not just a specially-trained clergy class or individuals with special gifting. Just prior to his twenty-first birthday, while he was looking at a world map on the wall, this vision suddenly seemed to come alive. As he tells the story, he saw wave after wave crashing on the shore of every continent then receding before another wave came until the entire earth was covered. In the waves he saw the faces of young men and woman taking the message of Jesus to every nation. That vision became the catalyst that birthed YWAM in the early 1960s.
Today YWAM has bases or outreach work in more than two thousand locations spread out in almost two hundred nations. In more than half a century, millions of men and woman have attended discipleship training schools and even more have been involved in outreaches around the world. It has been said that YWAM has become the largest mission sending Organization in the world. And as one who has ministered around the globe, I do not doubt that.
Loren was an amazing man with a heart after God and a huge love for people. He was always far more interested in championing others than promoting himself—as I discovered firsthand. He was a man of great spiritual authority but moved with amazing humility and grace.
Loren was a man of integrity, always approachable with a great sense of humor. Anytime I was privileged to be with him or even hear him speak I felt valued and cared for and always challenged to become everything I could be.
Loren had a way of inspiring a can-do spirit. He knew nothing is too hard for God, and that is the way he lived his life. His answer to difficult situations was “expand your vision.” He believed in young men and woman and invested his life in them. Even at 88 years of age, he embodied what youth with a mission is about. I guess in the light of eternity, 88 is just the beginning!
When I think of Loren I’m reminded of what God can do through one person who is totally yielded to Him. Loren’s passion was to humbly be that person and inspire others to join him. His message to a new generation is loud and clear: Let’s go for it! And as we respond in obedience, watch what God can do.
Faramalala Ravaoarimanga
Loren was a door opener for me. My mission venture started with him coming to Madagascar 40 years ago (in 1983) when I was appointed to be his translator when he spoke at the Christian organization AVOTRA in Antananarivo. Loren challenged the Malagasy to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all the creature, and make disciples... (Mark 16:15). I felt I heard the message directly from Jesus, and in response to that, I went to England to do my DTS in 1983, joined Mercy Ship M/V Good Samaritan in Florida in 1986-1987, doing Christian counseling and inner healing ministry in Madagascar for 21 years, ending up to be a clinical and pastoral psychotherapist for the Malagasy people. I am not an evangelist to help with the "justification," but I try to meet the felt need (the emotional need) of the Malagasy people, and it is easy to lead them to Jesus and then disciple them. I am more with the "sanctification" part. I've had the opportunity to train to pastors, church leaders, medical doctors, parents, individuals, you name it. And this has been accomplished because of Loren, and also because of a woman of God whose name is Rudene Kennedy. She is with the Lord now, but she was another door opener for me to bring healing to thousands of people in Madagascar! I am thankful and grateful for these two servants of God.
Jong Rak Lee
God took you in his loving arms, He saw you needed rest. His garden must be beautiful, for He only takes the best. You brought joy, happiness and laughter to all who met you. You will be deeply missed by everyone. Thank you. -From Pastor Jong Rak Lee(Babybox Korea)
Donna Jordan
Pictured with the eyes of my heart. Peter welcoming Loren, his friend, to heaven, along with the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 12. What an amazing journey we had walking together. These two laughed at each others' jokes and Loren was an amazing model of a true man of God who walked in God's ways.
Mary Homesly
My life was changed through Loren Cunninghams book Is That Really You God which God used to call me to do a Discipleship Training School and Leadership School and serve on staff at YWAM Denver
Andrea Johnson
Loren had a way of seeing people as individuals and giving validation to your dreams that you barely believe in yourself. He taught us all to dream with Holy Spirit vision. So many lives have been transformed because of his willingness to see with God's eyes and act on it. We were all blessed by this magnificent man. I know he's enjoying fellowship with Jesus like we can't even imagine. but, he will indeed be missed.
Sarah Pannell Gerhart
What a privilege, honor and blessing to have been so greatly impacted by Loren's life, vision and teaching. I am so grateful for the life he lived and I am so blessed to be among those who enjoyed such wonderful spiritual leadership from such a humble, godly man.
Loren would visit us on the Anastasis in those early years in Greece and challenge us to not ask of others anything we were not prepared to first do ourselves. In this instance it was to give wholeheartedly and sacrificially. As a result we experienced the overwhelming generosity of God through the fish miracle and the subsequent outpouring of support from many around the world to launch Mercy Ships. The Lord has since received so much glory through this ministry over the years.
Although I have now served over 25 years with another ministry, I attribute so much of who I am and my life in Christ to what Loren spearheaded in investing in my life and so many others.
What a party there is in heaven. Loren is simply setting the stage for us all to eventually be caught up in giving unending glory and praise to our God and our Redeemer. Thank you Loren.
Janet Lloyd
On behalf of Founder/President Jerry Jackson and the entire staff of Faith Comes By Hearing, we would like to send our love and prayers to Darlene and the YWAM staff, while we rejoice in our Lord receiving Loren as a good and faithful servant, surrounded by a crowd of witnesses standing before the Throne because of Loren's ministry all these years. We know his legacy will continue and rejoice in partnering with YWAM in Oral Bible Translation for all who have yet to hear His Word. May Jesus empower us to complete the task!
Magdy Saber
Dear Darlene and family,
Our thoughts are with you as you go through this time of separation. We pray for His Grace and Peace to surround you moment after moment. We keep precious and amazing memories of Loren, especially his passion to share the Gospel in the most remote areas. We look forward to participate at the celebration day in Lausanne on December 9th.
Magdy and Annelise Saber
John Chesnut
Dear Darlene,
We are so sorry to learn about Loren’s recent passing, yet rejoice that he is now in the presence of the God he served so well.
Loren’s legacy and passion for God’s Word was apparent in his desire to see the Great Commission advanced around the world. Loren has now joined the faith hall of fame as described in Hebrews 11 and we can only imagine the many lives that his faithful service has impacted for the Kingdom.
Please know that Kelly and I, as well as the Wycliffe family, are praying for you and the YWAM family during this time of grieving Loren’s loss while celebrating the legacy of faith he leaves behind. May Loren’s legacy remind all of us of the privilege we have in serving our God with faithful obedience so that more people can encounter Jesus personally.
Blessing to you,
John & Kelly Chesnut
Wycliffe CEO & President
Melody Green
Remembering Loren Cunningham: Our Friend and Spiritual Mentor
A great hero of the faith is with Jesus but his vision for souls lives on. Loren Cunningham meant more to both Keith and me than I can express in words—as a leader and a friend. We met Loren in Kona, Hawaii in 1979. The humble founder of Youth With a Mission gave us a tour of a massive dirt field. He pointed and said, “A large fountain with flags of the world will go there, student villages there, and classrooms there!” The fountain would include rocks YWAM missionaries would bring from every nation.
Loren agreed to be a father-figure, and mentor that day, when Keith asked. Soon after that Keith also wanted our Last Days Ministries to be part of YWAM. Many leaders would have jumped at the opportunity since Keith was well known by then. Not Loren. He was different. Having heard from the Lord, and showing great godly character, he said, “You don’t know us well enough, haven’t seen our flaws. But I’ll always be available to you.” We were grateful for his wisdom and that he would be part of our lives.
As we got to know Loren we saw that he wasn’t interested in any kind of fame for himself, and turned down opportunities to be on magazine covers and receive a lot of press. His vision was for God to be known — not him. Maybe that’s what made Loren most attractive to us.
Loren agreed to come on Keith’s 1982 fall concert tour to help cast vision for souls in all nations, as only he could do. I remember the two of them praying together intensely at the end of June, crying out to God for the release of 100,000 short-term missionaries from America—a vision that had gripped us too. But it didn’t happen quite that way when Keith’s earthly sojourn ended a month later.
Instead of the fall tour, Last Days Ministries launched the Keith Green Memorial Concerts, so Keith could deliver his final message in his own words, through a concert that had been recorded a few months earlier. Loren joined us at many Memorial Concerts around the country and riveted the crowds that came to honor Keith. He shared his heart for the nations and gave practical solutions. Keith’s concert and Loren’s message combined for a powerful one-two punch of God's challenge to believers.
In 2010 the YWAM Kona base hosted the 28th anniversary of Keith’s home going. At the event, Loren said as a result of the Memorial Concerts it was likely that about 200,000 people had gone into short-term missions with YWAM and other ministries. Not many people know that Loren had helped me select six other missions to staff info-booths at each concert so people would have choices. It was God’s Kingdom that Loren wanted to build, not his own.
Loren was a rare man. I’m grateful to have known him. He had genuine integrity, a mile-high vision, a sense of humor and a deep humility. He apologized if he made a mistake, be it to a few people or to thousands. He raised up men and women worldwide to be leaders and decision makers.
I saw Loren release some of the most trusted and mature leaders to serve in other missions and ministries—he knew they didn’t belong to him, but to God. He was not controlling. And if a leader faltered he didn’t reject them but drew them by his side for a season to help restore them.
Loren Cunningham cannot be replaced, but I draw comfort from the fact that the values God gave him are now embedded into hundreds of thousands of people who will go forward and do the same for a new generation. Loren’s legacy lives on. We who knew him and remain here are richer because of his life—and eternity is much richer too!
Jeff Rogers
To Loren.
Dear spiritual grandfather,
How can I ever forget?
Your hardworking wrinkled hands
on that over-read silky smooth Bible.
Your wisely innocent, raspy voice
with the echo of a thousand sermons.
Your wandering feet - now docked in sacred grounds,
yet yearning for the shores of a thousand nations.
Your experienced dark eyes,
and the distant promised land seen in their reflection.
Your heart.
Eternally young.
Eternally burning with passion.
Your lack of excuses.
Does pain even matter when you’re giving all for Jesus?
Your faith. The kind that moves mountains.
The kind that moves waves and nations.
Your sensitive ear for that all too familiar whisper.
We know it is really Him that’s speaking.
Proclaimer of the Word of Truth,
this world was too small for your vision.
I see your index finger pointing up,
Let’s give it all for Jesus.
Bob Varney
Loren, thank you for being such a fine example of how a Christian should live and lead. I didn't know about YWAM as a young man, nor even as a young Christian. God brought me to himself by friends in the Christian and Missionary Alliance church and in Campus Crusade for Christ. It wasn't until 2000 when the partnering in Table 71 began. As the years went by, I came to know Loren and Dar more and more.
I always marveled at YWAM’s structure – or lack thereof. It was because Loren always put God first. YWAM reflected God more than it directly reflected Loren. Every organizational leader introduces a culture to the organization he founds, forms, runs or oversees. The culture Loren planted in YWAM was really only about how God wanted to reach into the people He created; it wasn’t about Loren. What an amazing leader! Thank you, Loren.
I had the privilege of engaging with as well as observing Loren. As a result I learned a lot about living and a lot about spreading godly living to and through others. I’ve also engaged with many YWAMers around the world. It’s a great tribe that helps others flourish because of the way the YWAMers are serving God. The creativity and professionalism is to be commended. The heart for God is cherished. The impact all over the world with many different “faces” is remarkable. I will be forever grateful for Loren, for YWAM and for the spread of God’s kingdom in all the spheres of society.
John KEEFE I am thankful the Cunninghams and 1000s of YWAMers listened to the call of God. I met a YWAM team in October; 1972, Wurzburg, Germany, while I was in the service, following the Múnich Olympics. Loren's legacy will live on for eternity, in the lives of souls saved and lives inspired. God bless you all.
Mary Mitchell
Hello Darlene,
Just wanted to touch base with you and let you know that I received Dawn's e-mail that Loren is with Jesus. My heart goes out to you and I'm praying for the comfort of the Holy Spirit be yours. I know this will be an adjustment for you. At some point, I would love to have a chat on the phone with you. Let me know when you are ready for that. I love you, Dar, and will always cherish the memories of the way you and Loren blessed me throughout my life.
Love,
Mary