Values Matter: Stories of the Beliefs & Values that Shaped Youth With A Mission

by Darlene Cunningham, Dawn Gauslin, Sean Lambert

Why Values Matter...

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is a Christian missions movement like no other. Since 1960, it has launched wave after wave of young missionaries now into the millions who have impacted every nation on earth by simply listening to and obeying the voice of God. In Values Matter, YWAM Co-founder Darlene Cunningham shares inspiring stories of how God shaped YWAM into what it is today a large and effective wave-maker for missions through the spiritual DNA carried within its Core Beliefs and 18 Foundational Values. Darlene has lived, taught and led discoveries into these essential beliefs and values for decades on six continents. Her passion is to impart them into future generations of YWAM missionaries. This extraordinary book does just that.

Genres: Nonfiction

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2020

Reviews

[Xime Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, specially the way Darleen raises every YWAM value. The way that she place in each chapter testimonies, encourages my heart that if those values can be fulfilled.

[Álex Oliva Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Si bien, Los Valores Importan está enfocado en enlistar, explicar y contar historias relacionadas a los dieciocho valores de Jucum, es imposible no considerar la mayoría de ellos, si es que no todos, como una carta de navegación para dirigir nuestras vidas en Cristo y nuestros ministerios, independiente de si nos mantenemos en Jucum o no. Y es que, tal como lo señala el libro, cada uno de estos valores fundamentales, nacen de una cosmovisión bíblica, por lo que las verdades que exponen cada uno de los valores refleja la realidad de quién es Dios, quiénes somos, quiénes estamos llamados a ser, qué estamos llamados a hacer y cuál es nuestra responsabilidad para con la extensión del Reino de Dios en la tierra.

Y aunque hay una directa relación entre valores y normas, ambos conceptos son diferentes y tienen implicaciones distintas en cómo las personas ven el mundo que las rodea, en cómo se ven a sí mismas y en cómo interactúan con otras personas.

Me encanta que Darlene sea explícita en que “en Jucum no debemos establecer normas que no tengan relación con nuestras creencias y valores”, que “debemos estimular que nos hagan la pregunta: «¿Por qué hacen lo que hacen?»”, que “deberíamos ser capaces de explicar los razonamientos y los principios bíblicos que nos han guiado [a hacer lo que estamos haciendo]” y que de no poder dar una respuesta satisfactoria a esas preguntas, entonces deberemos buscar más revelación al respecto o realizar los ajustes que sean necesarios a eso que estamos implementando o haciendo.

[Michael Newville · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, a beautiful read about the heart of a mission often misunderstood. Darlene has such a clear and consistent way of communicating the vision and heart of God for YWAM. With the goal of impartation of DNA for the generation of Jesus centred world changers to come. She shares these truths with integrity (spoiler;), and with a Biblical and experiential foundation, and it could not have come at a more perfect time.
With COVID still rampant (especially here in New Zealand at the YWAM Base I am with), this encouragement and book is essential to “fanning into flame” the joy, vision, and passion of God and this mission.
A strong recommend to any YWAM; future, current, or past.

[Nate Maier · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book that really defines what YWAM is and what makes it special. I really appreciate hearing the stories behind the values from someone who was there when they were needed / established. Overall, this book is exactly what anyone should read as they try to understand what YWAM is or what makes it unique. It has helped me put to terms some of what makes me feel so at home in the YWAM movement. It is not that YWAM is "more christian" than other organizations but that it really values things that are close to the heartbeat of Jesus in my eyes and this book really hits on those things.

[Tali Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Values Matter is a list of amazing YWAM stories that line up with each of the values that YWAM have kept for years. Personally, I am more a fan of following a story all the way through, but if I have to read a collection of short stories, this would be the one.
Darleen Cunningham is such an amazing woman who has truly dedicated her life to God and the way she writes this books really shows how God is faithful in every situation.
A great read for those that just want a broad look into what YWAM chooses to hold close as values.

[Elaine Seah · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have values that affect our thoughts and actions whether we are aware of it or not. It is always good to intentionally know and set our values. If you are a Christian this is a good book that might make you rethink your life's value . This book are not great for cynics but good if u are looking for some resolutions.

[Marinda Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book...especially after re-reading Loren's (Is that really you God) book.
YWAM will forever hold a special place in my heart and I pray I have another child or two that is led to do a DTS.
So far, Scott and I have done one, Elijah did lecture phase, my parents and my sister also did one.

[Madalyn Fimrite · Rating 4 out of 5]

YWAM requires us to read this book before joining a staff team. Values are a very important aspect of living. I want my values to align with God, but I come to the understanding of what these values are by looking to YWAM for the prayerful, relational, and glorifying pillars they’ve put in place for this movement.

[Patience Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to understand the history of our values as YWAM - Youth With A Mission
Then this book is a must read
If you're not, then it's great to read to see and process what values your organisation has and what you could learn from these examples.

[Carl Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book which brings over the heart and values of youth with a mission.

[Tiffany Mossuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any YWAMer

[Noah Fensome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Mostly relevant if you´re on staff (or very interested in) YWAM. Well written.

[Natasha Dosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another spectacular YWAM book. Every book I read astounds me. Gonna read this gem a second time for sure.