John Dawson and Darlene Cunningham shared a short word of encouragement before Loren Cunningham spoke about the foundations that God has laid over the past 49 years, and as he shared many of the opportunities which while being exciting, are also sobering because of their scale. Shirley Brownhill commented that "As a mission we are living in incredible times, with tremendous opportunity for us as a mission to walk into situations and use what God has given us." She challenged us to talk time to talk with one another, to consider what God is leading us in and to expect the way forward. 

The continueing theme of "For Such A Time As This" was mentioned by all. Loren spoke strongly about many opportunities that he has been presented with through the Call To All missions conferences worldwide, he shared how this is the heart of what we are called to as YWAM - the all. All people, all nations, all spheres of society. While presenting many strategic opportunities, he also challenged us in our intimacy with God - stressing the importance of this above all else. 

As the opening day draws to a close here is what people are saying:

"I am hoping that the workshop will equip me for ministry in cross cultural situations. This is my first time in South Africa and my first cross cultural conference. I am looking forward to this week!" - Christella, Vanuatu, DTS Student from YWAM SYNDEY

"This is my 5^th UofN Conference, I have been in YWAM for 16 years. My hope is that God will impart vision and direction over the time of this workshop for the next years. The atmosphere is exciting, I am enjoying catching up with people, there is just an expectation and buzz in the air. Times like these are when we come together as a YWAM family, and where God speaks to all of us on a corporate level, I am in great anticipation for the week to come!"-  Jan Warren, Australia, YWAM Perth Staff,  on the International leadership team for the College of Humanities within the UofN.

"The opening was good for tonight. It set the tone for the week I think. It is Good to be reminded how the ywam family is. Loren was giving a big picture of what God is doing in the world and its exciting to see how the rest of the week will be. This was a foundation laid tonight."  -   Rehan De Toit, YWAM South Africa

"It was great to see different cultures represented in the different location. The four different locations connected together shows a big picture. It was great to be reminded of the big picture, the different things YWAM is doing. Seeing the vision for the future helps me see am part of what God is doing. Tonight was inspiring." Susan Oines, YWAM Muizenberg South Africa