Causes Overview

Homes of Hope

Support our Homes of Hope ministry today and be part of bringing hope to poor and marginalized communities in Mazatlan, Mexico, and beyond.

YWAM Ships Mazatlan

Every time you donate to YWAM Ships Mazatlan, you further enable our ministry to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of isolated and hard to reach communities.

Your contribution will have a long-lasting impact, allowing us to construct homes and shelters, run medical clinics, distribute Bibles, and do community development projects.

Build Beyond

Partner with us by making a donation to our "Build Beyond" Capital Campaign as we endeavor to build a world-class missionary training campus.

Your contribution will help us expand beyond our current facilities and allow us to equip and send out up to 5000 missionaries a year, as well as house countless short-term teams that come to share the love of Christ in our city.

Bibles for Mexico

We believe that everyone has the right to have a Bible in their own language.

Believe it or not, many people and communities throughout the world do not have access to the word of God. It is necessary for us to take it to them regardless of their language or location. Bibles for Mexico seeks to put a Bible in every home, starting first with the city of Mazatlan.

Knowing and understanding the Bible is essential to social, personal, and family transformation. Become a donor today and help bring these transformational truths right to the front door of those who have no access to it.

Racham

We are an operational center for the assistance and integral development of children. Racham is a Hebrew word that means compassion and leads us to the action for the benefit of the other. We are a safe space, where the identity of each child is awakened, and they discover their capabilities and value. We seek and promote working together with families and the community, where they discover their purpose in life and secure their rights as citizens.

Remnant Surf and Skate

A group of surfers and skaters passionate about the love of God! From skate competitions to Saturdays at the local beach teaching kids how to surf, this ministry focuses on discipling kids in their passions.

FAQ's and Resources

Have other questions? Email us at schools@ywammazatlan.com

How fluent do I need to be in Spanish or English?

We are a completely bilingual campus! Meaning, speaking only Spanish or English will be more than enough. If neither Spanish nor English is your first language, you just need to comprehend and/or speak one. That being said, we’ve had students in the past that weren’t fluent in either of our languages, and they’ve been willing, amazing people that brought amazing life and culture to our base family. Pray about it! We don't want to hold you back if you're called here.

How far away will I be from everything?

Our YWAM campus is located within walking distance to lots of ‘Tiendas’ (little shops), restaurants, yummy tacos, scenic spots, and coffee shops, as well as some great beaches. Wal-Mart and other grocery stores, the Golden Zone (tourist area), excellent restaurants, movie theatres, and a shopping mall are either a short taxi/uber ride or bus ride away.

What are the eating/cooking arrangements?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided and all meals are eaten together on our outdoor patio, which looks out over the ocean! Our campus has a kitchen run by our staff and students. We do our best to accommodate all health restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free), but know that there might be times where we are unable to. There is a fridge for students to use and store personal food in.

Is there a dress code on the base?

For girls – there are no short shorts or skirts, no crop tops. When it comes to swimming, we require swim shorts, and a one piece/tank top.

For guys – Please no speedos. Please don’t have your boxers showing or be shirtless unless swimming.

This will all be covered more in-depth in your welcome pack, after applying!

How much luggage can I bring?

Your airline will determine how much/what kind of luggage you can bring; however while on outreach you will be limited to one pack/suitcase. So pack accordingly. Large hiking/trekking backpacks are ideal for Outreach, but you can get along with a duffel or suitcase if you can't get your hands on a backpack. We totally recommend having a hiking pack if possible. Your accommodations during the Lecture Phase will be limited in personal storage space, so keep that in mind! Everything you bring on to DTS will need to be taken with you on outreach. We have no extra storage space on our campus.

What kind of clothes should I bring?

You’ll need a set of good clothes for local church and ministry, casual clothes for lectures/leisure. We tend to be pretty casual at the campus, but churches here tend to dress up more. Also, depending on where you go on outreach, girls may need longer skirts and long sleeve shirts for working in remote communities. That can be purchased here if needed. And don’t forget some dress clothes for your graduation!!
*Because of the humidity here, clothes can occasionally get stretched out. Keep this in mind when you’re packing your favorite things (but don’t pack like your going to the wilderness either! We still enjoy wearing nice, stylish clothes as much as anyone!

Here's a blog to help!

The Ultimate Packing List For Your YWAM DTS

How do I raise money for my DTS/Secondary School?

There are several different ways to raise money for YWAM Mazatlan schools and outreaches. How you decide to raise your money really depends on your motivation, creativity and willingness to work hard. There is no one right way to raise the money, but to help you along, listed below are some suggestions and ideas that have worked for us. Remember that everything starts and end with prayer.Trust that if God is giving the heart to attend a school with YWAM Mazatlan, He will also give you the tools, favor, and strength to do it. Our biggest recommendation is to start right away! Fundraising is much better and easier when you're at home, than when you are here.

Suggested Reading on Raising Support:
Friendraising: Building a Support Team That Lasts by Betty Barnett
Funding Your Ministry: Whether You’re Gifted or Not by Scott Morton
People Raising: A Practical Guide to Raising Support by Bill Dillon

What is the weather like in Mazatlan?

May through to September are the hot, humid months. You can expect to be sweaty and sticky some of the time you're outside! October and November are a bit more temperate, but you’ll still be wearing summer clothes. Then December through March are the cooler months where you can throw on a light jacket or hoodie at night.

In regards to the hot months- do not worry! There is an AC unit in each bedroom and classroom, and we are blessed to have that during the summer!

How do I pay for my school?

For payment options, please go to the Donate Page and then click on the payment options link.

Is there phone or internet access?

We have Wifi at the campus that works well. If students want to have cell coverage everywhere they go, they are welcome to call their current provider about extending coverage to Mexico or getting a data plan here that the staff can help set up. Most students tend to use Skype/Facetime/Facebook Messenger to keep in touch with family and friends, which can all be used off of Wifi.

How much spending money will I need?

How much you’ll need will really depend on your personal spending habits. Plan on $20 USD a week to cover toiletries, snacks and extra food, and other unexpected expenses.

What’s supplied in my room?

In your dorm-style rooms, you are given a bunk bed, mattress, shared bathroom, and a limited selection of personal storage space. You will need to provide your own bedding for the duration of the school. You can either bring these things with you, or purchase them at a store here! The first days of your school are arrival days, and there are many trips to nearby stores to pick up whatever you might need to get situated in your room! Pillows especially- feel free to buy them here.

How should I bring my spending money?

It’s best to have your money in an account that allows you to have an ATM card. It’s easy to make withdrawals down here at the banks, but make sure you have notified your bank you will be outside your country.

What about laundry?

You can use one of the local laundry mats, “lavanderias”, that will wash, dry, and fold your laundry for roughly $1.50 USD per kilo. There are also a few staff who offer laundry service as well, drop off and pick up service to support their finances to be here!

Is it safe?

Mexico in the media has been pinned as a dangerous place, but put all those “I’ve heard’s…” to rest. Our city is a beautiful city to live in. The people are warm and friendly and willing to try out their English. Our beaches are generally safe for swimming and surfing. We will help get you acquainted to the city, the beaches and the Mexican culture.

Yes, like all countries, there is brokenness, hurting people, and corruption in Mexico. God has called us to be bearers of light and hope, to be a part of Him redeeming Mexico, one story and family at a time. Our campus is located in a perfect spot where we can reach places that God has called us to go to, but also host students from all over the world and have an incredible place to do that without jeopardizing safety.

We live in a middle-class neighborhood located directly on the boardwalk of the city, which is one of many places that are safe. Just like any other city in the world, there is wisdom to how we live here, and that doesn't change wherever you are. Our campus is a closed-to-the-public building, and only students and staff live there!

Because of our community-style culture, we're always doing things together. Ministry, going out for tacos at night, walks to coffee shops. We have set curfews at night, and a security guard that takes care of our campus at night.

Is there any way I can prepare for outreach before coming?

A few practical things you can do is make sure you have a compact sleeping bag, a hiking pack (or something else that’s easy to travel with if there aren’t paved roads), conservative clothes that are easy to wash (depending on where you go, washing by hand may be your only option), and preparing to pack as little as possible. Lots of students make the mistake of bringing too much stuff on Outreach and end up regretting it when they’re running to catch a bus or trudging up a hill. Keep it as simple as possible and leave room/money for buying gifts/other things you may pick up along the way.

Biggest recommendation?

Be flexible! Things might not always be the way you expect them to turn out, or community living might be brand new for you; but be prepared to change your expectations and let God work in your heart. Some of the best lessons in life come when we learn to allow God to transform us when things get hard, and we end up being grateful for the lesson learned!