Youth With A Mission is a global movement of believers from many cultures, age groups and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. We reach out in 180+ countries through three main areas — Evangelism, Training and Mercy Ministries.
We are on a journey to know God better and to make Him known in Amsterdam and across the world. We are a group of people walking together, passionately following Jesus as a multicultural and diverse family.Our ministry happens right outside our front door because of the base's unique locations in the heart of Amsterdam.We are committed to train, equip and send out people who have a desire to know God and make Him known - in short, Live like Jesus, Love the City and Learn to disciple Nations!
Humble Beginnings
Founded in 1973, Youth With A Mission in the Netherlands began in 1972 with the recruiting of workers for an Olympic Outreach that year in Munich. In 1973, Youth with a Mission Amsterdam was founded. In July of 1973, the Ark (then two houseboats behind Central Station) was purchased for a summer outreach. Floyd and Sally McClung arrived in December of 1973 from Afghanistan to establish the Ark as a ministry to needy, young people. From that small beginning, many other ministries in the city have been established throughout the years.
Currently we have 4 Buildings in the Centre of the City:
de poort
YWAM Amsterdam’s main building is De Poort, which means ‘gateway’ in Dutch. True to its name, it has been a ‘gateway’ for manypeople to enter into short-term programs that expose them to God’s heart for cities and has been a ‘gateway’ out to serve among the least evangelised in urban frontiers. It is the centre for various training programs, seminars and short-term evangelism ministries.De Poort was built in the late 1800s as a seaman's hostel (Zeemanshuis). In 1984, Youth with a Mission began renting rooms to house participants with the Summer of Service program in the city. YWAM bought De Poort in 1985 and in 1988 began a lengthy process of renovations.The building houses our training schools as well as offices for several YWAM ministries in the city and the short term outreach programs, conferences and other events.
samaritan's inn
Samaritan’s Inn was purchased in 1980 and used to house a Summer of Service that year. In addition to providing office space and housing, the first Amsterdam Discipleship Training School (DTS) and School ofMissions were run from this building. Over the years it has served as the International Headquarters for YWAM, the host building for the Most Excellent Way ministry, Foolish Things Ministry, and the Ethnos ministry.Currently, Samaritan’s Inn is home to our Upper Room, The Schuman Centre, Look Up cultural centre, including Priesthood cafe, and the Dwaze Zaken Cafe as well as a number of YWAM Amsterdam staff members.
De Cleft
As God stirred hearts afresh to “seek the welfare of the city,” the Cleft opened in 1979 and began to minister as a “lighthouse” in the Promised Land (the name God gave us for the Red Light District).Besides being a gathering place for worship and discipleship, it is a base for various mercy ministry teams reaching out to share the gospel in word and deed to the hurting and broken people in and around this part of the city. It also houses a number of YWAM Amsterdam staff members.
Tabernacle
All of our facilities and the things inside them have been provided by God through the generosity of people who believe in what we’re doing. Because of this we have a responsibility to steward the things God has given us and care for our property so that it can be used for many more years to come.
Discipleship Training School
The Discipleship Training School gives you an opportunity to discover your passions and your part in God’s purposes for the world. It is for those who long to follow Jesus in new ways with a different perspective.
