At present we are building the foundations for YWAM Aberdeen. We believe that God wants an expression of YWAM in the city, and we are in the process of establishing how that looks. Here are some of the Bible verses that God has been speaking to us about in relation to YWAM Aberdeen:
Psalm 68:4 - 6
Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds his name is the LORD - and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Part of what God has called us to is to work alongside existing ministries in Aberdeen, including Aberdeen City Mission, prison ministries, mother and baby groups and many others. Ian has formed friendships with guys who have drug and crime addictions, loving them unconditionally and supporting them in decisions to overcome their addictions and move closer to God.
We also host outreach teams, from YWAM Seamill and YWAM Tyler at present. Through partnering with local ministries and bringing fresh perspective and energy in the form of outreach teams we are building a foundation for YWAM Aberdeen.
Aberdeen City Mission
Established 1886, as a response to the poor and homeless in the city, the Mission continues to feed and clothe people in need, as well as council and support es-offenders, drug addicts and those on methadone. They have 4 major projects at present:
The Lighthoose – A partnership community initiative between Aberdeen City Mission and Prison Fellowship established in Autumn 2003. The Lighthoose 1-2-1 support centre is a comfortable space for the men and women who attend on a weekly basis and receive practical and spiritual support.
Ferst Port of Call – A community care shop based at Tillydrone Shopping Centre, serving the communities of Fersands and Tillydrone. Established in spring 2002; the shop moved location within the Shopping Arcade to facilitate the expansion of the Lighthoose initiative.
The Haven – The Haven drop-in is ACM's long established city centre drop-in initiative held each Monday evening at Gerrard St. Baptist Church, providing a place of safe refuge where homeless, lonely, hurting people can enjoy a cooked meal in an inviting peaceful atmosphere.
The Quay – The Quay drop-in is a smaller version of the established Haven drop-in and is a partnership initiative between Aberdeen City Mission and Elim Pentecostal Church, Marischal Street and was a response to the real need for food provision/practical support for people finding themselves in need and crisis in Aberdeen. It was successfully piloted for 3 months at the beginning of 2007 and the decision was made to continue to run this vital city centre outreach over the 6 winter months(Oct to April) commencing Autumn 2007.
As part of YWAM we are blessed to be part of an organization that values "Knowing God and making Him known". This is the primary aim of YWAM Aberdeen, and we do this by hearing His voice and responding in obedience.