The Lord will heal the hearts of those affected.
Darlene Cunningham, an esteemed figure within Youth With a Mission (YWAM), expressed profound sorrow over the devastating loss of 11 missionaries and the injury of eight others in a tragic accident near Arusha, Tanzania. As a co-founder of YWAM alongside her late husband, Loren Cunningham, Darlene emphasized the global impact of this tragedy, with tears flowing from individuals and YWAMers worldwide.
In a heartfelt statement to The Christian Post, Darlene conveyed her personal grief, having known and cherished many of the individuals affected. She recounted how the missionaries, participating in a University of the Nations Executive Masters course, had embarked on a fruitful journey to observe the ministry’s community development program in Maasai land. Despite the initial success of their endeavors, tragedy struck on their return to Arusha when a truck without brakes collided with their bus, resulting in the loss of 11 cherished friends and severe injuries to eight others.
The magnitude of the loss reverberates not only in personal relationships but also within the leadership and operational framework of YWAM. Darlene mourned the void left by the deceased, who were integral YWAM leaders, educators, and missionaries, serving in diverse capacities across the region. Their absence creates a profound vacuum within the missionary movement, impacting YWAM’s outreach and operations significantly.
As prayers continue to ascend for the victims and their families, the broader community, including missionary and activist Sean Feucht, has rallied support and solidarity. Despite security considerations, YWAM has shared partial names of the deceased and injured, acknowledging their sacrifice and courage. Among those injured, Isaac B. has thankfully been discharged from the hospital, while others remain in critical condition.
Family members like Gracelynn Mataia have bravely shared their stories, honoring the memory of loved ones lost in the tragedy. Mataia’s poignant tribute to her father, Paulo Mataia, and his late wife, Claire, reflects the profound impact of this loss on individual families and the broader YWAM community. Claire’s dedication to serving others and her deep faith leave an enduring legacy, prompting continued prayers for comfort and healing.
In the face of unimaginable grief, the global community stands united in solidarity with YWAM and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss. The memory of the missionaries’ selfless dedication and unwavering faith serves as a beacon of inspiration, fueling a renewed commitment to the mission they so passionately pursued.