"Well, I don't want to kill myself anymore!" That was not the response I was expecting to hear when Mia was asked at a staff meeting interview how going through discipleship training and serving at our mission affected her life! As we applauded her answer, I realized a lot was packed into that simple arresting statement.

The chilly air in the theater lobby reminded me I should have brought a hoodie to stay warm. As my wife, and the 16 year old young man we invited to watch this film with us strolled past the marquee, he asked, "What kind of movie is this, anyway?" That's fair. The photos of hippies and what looked like a Jesus type character decked out in psychedelic garb made it clear this would not be a Liam Neeson thriller. 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is commonly known as 'America's Poet,' and the recent film by Sight & Sound, brought the story behind the beautiful Christmas song to life. Watching Longfellow's story unfold on the big screen was a fascinating experience. 

Word quickly spread among our missionary staff about the quality and story of the movie and quite a few went to see it. We realize people are searching for hope during this Christmas season. Pain and loss can debilitate even the strongest person of faith. How do we overcome when our painful discomfort seems more than we can humanly bear?

Fred Markert visited us at YWAM Tyler this past weekend and brought a convicting message we want to share with all of you. A portion of the notes from the message are here, and the audio clip. 

There is hope for America. All is not lost. However, there is something we as the church must consider...

ministry at the ukraine-Poland border

When war erupts we cry out, "God, what can we do?" Right now, there are solid ways to impact this crisis. Mercy Works, a ministry arm of YWAM Tyler, has sprung into action to help. I caught up with Debbie Lascelles, director of Mercy Works, to find out how we can use this window of opportunity before it closes.

Week after week of ministry at the border

After a dozen or so trips to McAllen, TX, and crossing over to Reynosa, Mexico, several times, Aimee has witnessed firsthand the heartache and the hope of immigrants at the border. 

Now What's in Store for Missions in Afghanistan?

In critical times of persecution and seeing those we love die because of their faith we can be at peace knowing Jesus is Lord over Afghanistan. 

Hope is alive and well at the US / MX Border

Every one of our staff who has gone to the Border has heard and seen difficult things. Cartels kidnapped a married couple with a young son and held them captive for eight days without food or water.

"To better the future we must disturb the present." - Catherine Booth

The Battle over homelessness, broken families, and injustice in Urban America.

"Oh my gosh, THESE are the prostitutes! I didn't even recognize them!" 

"I had this revelation one day as I was listening to the kids at our Street Church share their stories. I thought they looked somewhat typical. Just young people running around with backpacks on their backs, except most of them were homeless. We'd see drag queens standing on the street corners in stilettos and short skirts, but the street kids sure didn't fit the stereotype of a prostitute." - Kim Dale

Reasons the Border Crisis Should Matter to All of Us!

After several treks down to the US/MX border, Kyra's first hand stories and experiences are hard to ignore. It's time to focus on the real issues and ask God to show us how to engage. 

PEACE IN THE CHAOS

Living in a world that seems to be falling apart can be scary. Sicknesses are taking lives, families are separating, friendships are ending, and people are losing their jobs. There are many things that make it seem like we are in world-wide upheaval.