YWAM-Surigao is only one of the 200 plus centers spread worlwide of the mission organization Youth With a Mission whose central location is in Kona, Hawaii.
IN THE BEGINNING WAS A STORM
YWAM's involvement in Surigao began when one of the strongest typhoons ripped through the islands on September 1984. Its 265 kph winds destroyed many properties and lives. The damage was so great it set back the full production of coconut, the island's leading industry, from 5 to 7 years.
The 700 Club was one of the first organizations to respond to the calamity by supplying medicines and other immediate necessities. They extended an invitation to YWAM to be involved as well. The first YWAM team on the scene was from a Discipleship Training School in Hawaii. The team contacted government health officials and surveyed the community to determine the needs. Another team from the Health Care School also in Hawaii brought in much needed medical supplies and set up medical clinics. In the evenings they showed the movie, "JESUS", dabbed in the language of the locals and then shared the message of the gospel with them.
Several other teams came trail blazing, doing evangelism and medical work. Then in June of 1986, David and Mary Anderson led an outreach team from the Health Care School in the Philippines and established a permanent work in Surigao. Soon may different DTS and Health Care School outreach teams came and greatly enhanced and expanded the different ministries.
It's been almost 20 years since, still the future holds many challenges for us as a base as we pursue YWAM's vision of mobilizing the people for mercy ministry, evangelism and discipleship, pioneering churches in the unreached islands around Surigao and beyond.
THE PRESENT STAFF
At present, YWAM Surigao is composed of 9 full-time staff. All staff work as volunteers which means they do not receive monthly salaries from YWAM. Support comes mainly from family and friends. Below are listed also their sphere of responsiblities:
ANNABELLE PLAZA Base Leadership Chairperson- Base Representative- Liason Officer- Presides over meetings- Communications- Office work- Hospitality- Base student ministry
RONNIE LASTIMADO Member Base Leadership Team- Church Planting Ministry- Inter-island Ministry- Church ministry
ELSIE LASTIMADO Church Planting Min.- Office Work- Accounting- Church ministry- Inter-island Min.- Children's Ministry
WALTER FUENTES Church Ministry- Church Planting- Evangelism and discipleship
EVANGELINE FUENTES Communications- School Ministry- Prayer and Intercession
GLADEYS MAY TIOAQUEN Preschool Ministry- Preschool Director- Hospitality- Church involvement in Talavera- Talavera Base Maintenance
WALTER BASKERVILLE Surfing Ministry- Hospitality- Youth Ministry- Outreach Coordinator- Base Student Ministry- Discipleship
EDIPOLO ACHAS Church Ministry- Slum and squatters Ministry- Evangelism and discipleship
JODELYN ACHAS Church Ministry- Slum and squatters Ministry- Evangelism and discipleship
