YWAM Virginia
multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-faceted.
Since 1982, YWAM Virginia has been helping youth and teens from around the world deepen their walk with God.
With a variety of University of the Nations courses and ministry programs that start in the city of Richmond and reach throughout the world, YWAM Virginia is truly global in scope.
Thanks to our unique urban campus and the diverse nature of Richmond itself, YWAM Virginia has become a favorite destination of students from Brazil, Korea, and many parts of the USA.
Our staff, volunteers and students also reach into the city of Richmond and the world through our eight community ministries: AFRONetwork (reconciliation), Campus Ministry, Impact Teams (construction ministry), Jewish World Office, KKI (family ministry), NIKO wilderness challenge experiences, Richmond Ropes Challenge Course & Urban ministry (for at-risk youth).
Our Vision
At YWAM Virginia, we actively:
Disciple the City of Richmond by developing training, ministry & holistic community development programs in strategic areas of the city in order to influence each of the seven spheres of society.
Reach today’s Youth through cutting edge training programs & outreach opportunities.
Partner in short term missions & long term relationships with an emphasis on urban Richmond & adopted nations.
Promote recognition of God’s original calling to the Jewish people, Native & African Americans and other ethnic minorities.
History
The YWAM presence in Virginia-Washington D.C. began in 1980 with a mobile team under the leadership of Ron Boehme. After serving the Washington For Jesus project they developed a more permanent ministry center at 133 C St. in Washington. Under Ron’s visionary leadership the need for a rural training center was perceived. So it was then that the Rock Castle Training Center was established in Powhatan county at the St. Frances de Sales Catholic Girls School.
Greg and Ramona Musch were invited from Texas to head up “Rock Castle” in 1982. The training center was located at Rock Castle until 1989 when it was moved into inner city Richmond.
One year prior to the relocation to Richmond, a small team led by David and Sharon Swarr moved to Church Hill. The initial goal was to plant an interracial church under the auspices of the Mennonite Church (Jubilee Christian Fellowship). The vision soon grew to include a broader urban ministry. The result of the team’s studies, prayer and outreach led them to begin a community outreach center called The Neighbors Place. The Urban Kings Kids program was pioneered there along with a computer learning center, and an after school program.
In 1991-94 office and classroom space was leased next to Virginia Commonwealth University. It was felt that this was just a foreshadowing of a future time when there would be a ministry focused on university students.
In late 1994 the 11 acre Fulton Hill property which is known as “The Campus” was purchased. In mid 1995, the 240 acre Rose River Retreat Center facility in Madison County was also opened to serve as a University of the Nations training center. In 1997, David Swarr invited Jaime Araujo from Brazil to succeed him as Director.
In 2002 new offices were opened in Fulton Hill on Carlise Avenue. At this time, the Rose River Retreat Center was deemed no longer necessary and sold. After six more years of ministry to the city of Richmond, and the nations of Israel, Ukraine, Brazil, and Turkey, among others, Jaime passed the leadership to Chris Zinchuck.
In April of 2008 the Richmond Ropes Challenge Course opened on the Fulton Hill property serving all spheres of society within Richmond. Seventeen years after the vision was initially cast, Campus Ministries to VCU is officially being pioneered.
Today with a dedicated focus on Community Development, YWAM Virginia operates five University of the Nations Schools and eight ministries. We regularly send missionaries and outreaches to India, Brazil, Bakina Faso, Chile, Israel, and other nations.
What will this year bring? Join us and make history.