World-changing Loren Cunningham transferred his citizenship to “life in the times to come.”
Everything in Loren’s life testified to his unconditional abandonment to the lordship of Jesus. Loren’s call to the Great Commission came while he was kneeling at the altar at a revival meeting in 1948, at age 13. God spoke to him through Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. » From his earliest days, he had an unwavering commitment to do whatever the Holy Spirit called him to do: spread the good news of Jesus, savior of the world, to every person on earth.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and they follow me. » (John 10:27) Loren heard the voice of the Good Shepherd from a young age and followed, whether the path led to costly sacrifices or great blessings.
A vision for all nations
Throughout his life, God gave him a vision that would change the world. First, in 1957, it was about mobilizing waves of young people carrying the Gospel of Jesus to all regions of all continents of the earth. Then, in 1969, the word of the Lord came to him to found a new type of training school. Very quickly, the fruit of these short and intensive residential training courses was seen for what it was: an unprecedented tool for multiplication.
God wanted to change the world and he was looking for someone with faith to say it
Today, YWAM is an ever-expanding global mission movement. Tens of thousands of full-time employees come from more than 200 countries and diverse Christian denominations and traditions, serving in more than 2,000 YWAM sites in nearly 200 countries. Millions of people have served in YWAM programs as students, short-term volunteers and full-time employees.
My wife, Marti, and I met at one of the first classes and Loren asked us to pray about going to England to plant another school of evangelism. There are now nearly 1,000 locations around the world where JEM courses are available.
Called for more
It seemed that Loren was always praying and listening to God about a vision that was forming in his gifted and devoted imagination. In 2003, we were in Singapore for a leadership meeting and Loren was scheduled to speak to a large group of Christian leaders at a dinner that evening. I asked him about the topic he was going to discuss and he responded, “I intend to convey the vision of bringing a Bible into every home in the country. China.” My answer? “Loren, you can’t do this!” As one of the leaders of YWAM, I felt obligated to have a plan to accomplish everything we talked about. Loren still spoke on the subject!
It took me a few years to understand the spiritual and visionary dynamics of what happened that night. Loren didn’t have a plan, but he did have a prophetic word. It was as if God wanted to change the world again and was looking for someone with faith to express, with faith, what he wants. Once again, Loren obeyed.
This was the beginning of his main message for the last 20 years of his life. His research confirmed that there was no lasting revival without the Bible first being available. So wherever he went, his message was now: “End biblical poverty now!” » In recent years, he has focused on the oral translation of the Bible and then on the essential importance of each person having access to the Scriptures in their native language.
Loren Cunningham’s legacy is made up of waves upon waves of people of all ages, but especially young people, bringing the good news to the world!
Finish well
Following his diagnosis of small cell lung cancer in January 2023, the Lord gave him several months more than medical professionals expected. During this prolonged period, he felt virtually no pain. He also had the miraculous mental and spiritual ability to focus on the oral translation of the Bible into his native language. About this, he could pray, think and talk to others on time. He therefore constantly refined his vision and his ability to explain it.
Many people have asked themselves: What will happen to JEM when Loren is gone?
There is no doubt that no one can replace him. However, he led us all to focus on the biblical paradigm of the Body of Christ as it applies to YWAM. He delivered a vital message on this subject in 2002, known as the “Tripod Message.” If we continue to practice the knowledge of the priesthood of all believers; if we strengthen and protect our relationships; if we recognize the wisdom and spiritual gifts of the elders among us, we will multiply more and more and be a blessing to the whole body of Christ.
From his earliest days, he had an unwavering commitment to do whatever the Holy Spirit called him to do.
Loren was never CEO of JEM. He always worked with teams of leaders and relied on the different spiritual gifts and strength of others. There are teams of elders and leaders all over the world and the vision God has given to YWAM is broad and clear. If we carefully nurture the health of our relationships, staying grounded in our biblical beliefs and pursuing the vision of bringing the good news to all people in every native language, we will prosper.
Loren and Darlene have been trusted friends and inspiring leaders to Marti and me for over five decades. They encouraged our relationship when we first met, they inspired us and challenged us. They set an example of godly living, good family life, teamwork and responsibility to others, and an unwavering commitment to Jesus and the Kingdom of God.
Thank God Dar, with his exceptional leadership abilities and anointing, is still with us. We honor her and will continue to support her and lean on her wisdom.
It can most certainly be said of Loren Cunningham, “I fought the good fight, I finished the race, and I stuck with it.” And now the prize awaits me: the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not for me only, but for all who long for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).