The mission of YWAM Ships Aotearoa (YSA) is simply to “serve the isolated island communities” throughout the pacific region. We believe that all peoples should have access to primary health care, life-altering vaccinations, dental care, and eye surgeries. We also believe that as kiwi’s, we have so much to offer our Pacific neighbours. Together we can make a sustainable and measurable difference. Our vision is to provide these services through the use of uniquely equipped medical mission ships that can access isolated communities that aeroplanes can not. In partnership with governments, both nationally and regionally, we desire to serve each community to mitigate poverty and disease. Through our partnership with the University of the Nations, we want to give access to university-level education to those who haven’t been able to. YSA was established in 2016 to manage the m/v YWAM Liberty that was gifted to YWAM Ships at that time. But with the gift of the YWAM Koha to us in March of 2019, the vision has now expanded. We now also own a New Zealand flagged vessel that calls the Tauranga Moana home. YSA acknowledges the legacy of ships that have played significant roles in our history. We especially acknowledge the work of Mercy Ships and Marine Reach who has worked from New Zealand into many nations with ships bringing hope and health to thousands of people. YSA hopes to build on this incredible legacy, we are aware that we stand on the shoulders of many incredible men and women of God. We believe that YWAM Ships Aotearoa’s role to be a steward of the gift of the m/v YWAM Koha, but the vision of the YWAM Koha is so much bigger than just YSA. We believe that the Lord is raising up people from all across our great nation of Aotearoa to use their unique giftings to bless to the isolated peoples of the pacific.
