The University of the Nations (U of N) clearly has a world vision. However, this vision begins at home by loving our neighbors as ourselves. As long as Youth With A Mission (YWAM) has been in Kona, our staff and students have served the community in various ways.
Jim Orred, who meets regularly with the pastors in the Kona Ministers Fellowship, said, “We’ve got to find more ways to partner with the churches to serve the community. What they want is relationship with us, not to simply be invited to participate in a YWAM program. It’s also really important that individual staff invest in their local church.”
For three decades, YWAMers have volunteered with the Ironman Triathlon World Championship race in Kona. This year, 400 to 450 staff and students helped to host thousands of athletes from around the world.** The International Korean Discipleship Training School worked an aid station, handing out water, fruit, and big smiles. Many other staff and students worked security, directing crowds and traffic during this crazy fun time of year.