3and clarified our intentions to serve and be a blessing , the pastors were convinced that we weren ’ t a cult with questionable theology . We got involved with the Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore , some inter-church projects , and doors were opened to us to preach and minister to the body of Christ . During our 2nd and 3rd year in 1981 and 1982 , our small team averaged 22 speaking engagements a month and our weekly Open Meeting drew about 100 people . They were hungry for what God had to offer through YWAM . God really turned things around .
You were given marching orders to focus on evangelism at that time . What did this look like ?
We were involved in personal evangelism — along Orchard Road , selected high-rise neighbourhoods , then Clifford Pier and red light districts . A number of people from various nations came to the Lord through our Seaman ' s Ministry . We had a team that would take boat taxis and climb ladders onto the ships that docked in Singapore . Sometimes , we would have a meal with the sailors and we always shared with them about Jesus . We rarely got turned away . The crew was glad that people cared enough to go to them . We ministered periodically at workplace and home fellowships , Teen Challenge , and in the prisons . Christian books and YWAM teachings on cassette tapes were also distributed .
By end of 1982 , you had an international team of 40 YWAM staff . How did you bond ?
It didn ’ t take us long to fall in love with Singapore and it was crucial that we bonded with our team over our appreciation of the City and its people . We took them around and showed them the beauty of Singapore . Singaporeans who visited the base would introduce these foreigners to their local friends , who would sometimes take them out for meals , creating a ripple effect . We ate breakfast , lunch and dinner together , and some of the most wonderful conversations happened around the table . Everyone had a story about how they came to Singapore and learnt about YWAM , this unique organisation . We also praised and worshipped everyday . Taking the time to worship the Lord together … that tends to build bonds .
In the early years , some of the Discipleship Training School ( DTS ) students would stay on in the field and not even return for their graduation !
The original spirit of the DTS was to initiate missions and pioneer new work . YWAM didn ’ t start as Youth With a School . It started as Youth With A Mission . Some of us were involved in YWAM for years before the DTS came along . We weren ’ t trying to create students . Our intention was to create missionaries . The DTS is just a tool to do that .
How different would pioneering work be in this day , compared to 40 years or more before ?
YWAM has changed a lot and so has the world , but I ’ m sure there ’ ll be many similarities because we still have the same values and serve the same God . Being effective in any culture takes humility and learning all you can about that culture — what makes it click , what are the keys that build inroads , and what are the mistakes made .
Is there a personal or intimate account to your pioneering story in Singapore ?
We felt that Singapore was the Nation God had called us to , and that we ’ d likely die there . That was our dedication . But we had to leave for a mandatory Leadership Training School in Kona , and with our increased involvement there , it didn ’ t look like we would return . That caused us deep pain . When we visited 20 years later , it felt like we were coming home . As hard as it was , we had very fond memories . It grew us . You bond deeply with the people you go through the foxhole with because you share the same experiences . To this day , there ’ s a connection with Singapore that ’ s lasted over the decades . As hard as pioneering is , you lean into God and remain faithful to what He asks of you .
Our first training facility at Fidelio Street in 1980 . Photos courtesy of Dave Hall
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