Jon and Laurie Irons

One of the foundational Values of Youth With A Mission is to:  # 10 - Function In Teams.  YWAM is called to function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership. We believe that a combination of complementary gifts, callings, perspectives, ministries and generations working together in unity at all levels of our mission provides wisdom and safety. Seeking God’s will and making decisions in a team context allows accountability and contributes to greater relationship, motivation, responsibility and ownership of the vision.   In leading these five students, who came from different walks of life and countries, I was privileged to be part of their lives during their lecture phase and then, along with two other staff, take them down to the South Texas border for two weeks. These five had grown so close together that I was convinced they were able to do so much more together, as long as they stayed humble and honest. I found myself being more humble to them and to the two staff that ca

 I (Laurie) would like to introduce you to Emilia. She is a young lady who has come to our Discipleship Training School. Part of the school is that each student get's what we call a '1 on 1'. Basically a mentor who meets with them at least once a week to process what they are learning, ask any questions and be prayed for. What's so cool is that Emilia is adopted and originally from Russia. She was seven when adopted, and it was difficult for her. God is so good to give her a '1 on 1' that has some understanding of adoption! She has had much to work through, but is really wanting to grow in the Lord! 

Continual Transformation for both me and students I am involved with can be difficult at times when I have not really met them 'face to face' in the same room but chat room such as what Zoom has provided. Technology has been amazing as long as our wifi's can accommodate each other's devices.  Teaching English at the graduate level can be a challenge, but rewarding as they always love to practice their speaking abilities with native English speakers. I am part of a teaching group of committed teachers who have been providing English lessons for International Graduate students of the University of Texas - Dallas for the past four to five years.  Because of many social distancing requirements and preferences of others, we have been teaching and meeting online for the past two years. I personally, hope all this will end very soon. But until that happens, we learn how to use the communication tools that we all have been gifted with.

C hristian Heritage School   Honestly, I love teaching nine and ten year olds grammar and composition. The problem is learning to have a balance between too much fun and not enough learning.  Learning to teach fourth graders is not like teaching International adults how to have a conversation in English. Though there are some days it seems as if I was speaking another language to these young scholars.  We are almost halfway through the school year, and I am still learning how to effectively teach at this level.  I have had the opportunity to sub other classes at the secondary level, as well as still have one on one sessions with Asian students on the other side of the world.   Please be praying for all the students that I am involved with.  

YWAMTYLER Outreaches Our ministry began this Spring going down to our Southern Border with a scouting team to see how we can get involved with bringing some hope to the many people who live along the border whether here in Texas or in Mexico.  Since then we have organized a number of volunteers into teams of people from local churches to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ in the most practical ways. Basic needs, from just a change of clothes to some food.   Laurie and I joined another Medical outreach this November that consisted of Doctors, Nurses and  two Dentists.  Laurie once again brought her hair styling talent and I volunteered to assist both dentists, Dr. Nichols and Dr. Holland. In realizing that we would have more translation assistance this time, I needed to position myself in such a way to help both assistants as well as dentists, without being in the way.  So I choose to be behind the table of dental equipment. Though there were some duplicate tools, many had to be shared an

The past year due to the pandemic has prevented us from hosting a Communication Culture Course . This three month school has attracted many foreigners to come and improve their English and continue their training experience to eventually serve in some capacity with Youth With A Mission.     Yet, teaching adults conversational English is a bit different then teaching 9-10 year olds. Making a difference in the lives of these fourth graders has its challenges as well as its benefits . Teaching Grammar along with English composition has reminded me: 1) how youth of today learn, 2) how much I appreciate the patience other educators who do teach at the primary level must have, and 3) how to engage the hearts of these future leaders. Remember to pray for these students as well as for me!