YWAM-BELIZE HISTORY

70s: YWAM-Belize was birthed in 1978 by a team from the YWAM base in Salem, Oregon, USA; working in Unitedville – Cayo District. Based as a ministry on "The Showground’s" property, YWAM was known as "Project Lord" – an agricultural ministry (Long Range Development) working with agriculture and honeybees.

80s: The property of the YWAM-Belize Banana Bank campus was donated in 1982. The first training school across the river began in 1983, the same year the Prayer Chapel was constructed. A boat was used to cross the Belize River from Roaring Creek to the YWAM campus. "Toy maker and Son" was a production organized by an outreach team from Ontario Canada in 1984. The accommodations were tents and clothes pins for the door. The first School of Evangelism (SOE) began in March 1985. A Jamaica outreach crew heralded an unprecedented feat; the plane was in flight from Belize but returned for the team who had missed their flight. YWAM Founder Loren Cunningham came for the 25th International Anniversary. Multiple ministries were birthed the following two years (1986-1988) including School of Biblical Studies; Health Care School; Living Room in Roaring Creek (Drop-in Center for Youths); Roaring Creek Preschool; Mercy Ministries and Dorcas Ministry (Children’s Home). A staff-based music group called Caribbean Jam was formed within this time frame too. The vision for King’s Kids began in 1989.

90s: The YWAM-Belize ministry released 20 people in February of 1991 due to various reasons. A King’s Kids Outreach connected with children in Belize during the Christmas season of 1991. YWAM-Belize literally became a "Bridge to the Nations" as the infamous swinging bridge was built in May 1992. Cleaning house began the same year as a washhouse was built and washing machines were donated. A staff member moved off campus and began House of Hope. Loren Cunningham returned to the YWAM base in February 1998. YWAM-Belize celebrated its 20th Anniversary in October 1998. The first Belizean team of pastors was sent to Senegal, Africa in November 1998. ‘01: The premier School of Frontier Missions (SOFM) began in September 2001.