7km
YWAM is based in rural Waikato, New Zealand. The local town of Matamata is only a short 7km drive away.
12km
For all those Lord of the Rings fans, Hobbiton Movie set is close by, only a 12km drive from our location.
2003
Family Ministries NZ purchased Crystal Springs, now known as YWAM Matamata
Our Vision
Our Vision is to impact Families and Young People in our Community, Nation, and World through Restoration, Discipleship, Equipping and Mobilisation. Our aim is to Strengthen and Send them to go and Make Disciples of All Nations with the Gospel Modelling Love and Service.
Our Mission Statement
Restore, Disciple, Equip and Mobilise Families and Young People for Christ. To know God and to make Him known!
Location
YWAM Matamata is based in a beautiful rural setting, 7 km from Matamata, with the Kaimai Ranges as a backdrop in the Waikato region on New Zealand. The picturesque Waihou River runs alongside the base. For Lord of the Rings fans we are about 12km away from Hobbiton Movie Set. There are supermarkets, cafes, bookshops, restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies and departmental stores, as well as a library, swimming pool and playground.
Youth with A Mission (YWAM) Matamata
Youth with A Mission (YWAM) www.ywam.org is an international volunteer movement of Christians from many backgrounds, cultures and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. YWAM Matamata is part of this movement and Family Ministries (FM) is a worldwide branch of YWAM, founded by Don Kirkby in 1984.
Family Ministries New Zealand is based at YWAM Matamata. YWAM Matamata runs schools and programs for young people, couples, and families. Its purpose is to reach out to families and young people at all levels and to train, strengthen restore and mobilize them to their spiritual destiny. The ministry runs three schools a year:
Family/Crossroads Discipleship Training School and the Family Ministries School. All schools include an outreach segment locally and in the South Pacific or Asia regions.
Our base is home to a small but strong number of volunteer staff and students, and numbers can vary at different times of the year. There are usually between 20 - 80 people of all age groups, from all over the world living here. Scheduled duties and meal times are part of the experience living in a YWAM community.
Life on the Base
Everyone is a volunteer on the base, from the receptionist and accountant to the base director or school leader – everyone plays a part in the day to day operations and maintenance (chopping firewood, food prep, cooking, cleaning, mowing the lawn, washing and vacuuming etc) of the base. Birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated frequently during mealtimes with songs, colorful candles and birthday cakes.
We have a small library at the base that has a variety of books both for recreational reading or related to the course content. These books are available for students to borrow. The library also has some baby monitors, children's books, family board games and DVDs available to check out. Baby monitors are highly recommended for parents with babies or young children that may need to have naps during the day time. Please either bring your own or let us know in advance if you will need a baby monitor so we can determine if there is enough available on site.
What kind of food do you serve on the base? Each family/student will eat their breakfast in their own unit. Breakfast food (cereals, oatmeal, bread, butter, jam, milk, etc) is provided by the base. Lunch is served in the dining room everyday at 12:30. A typical lunch could be salad, pasta or sandwiches. A hot dinner is served at 5:30 pm. Weekend lunches are not provided as many of our students go away sightseeing on weekends, so it is recommended that you go to town on Friday afternoons to get all you need if you do not have your own vehicle. Weekend dinners at 5:30 pm as normal.
Do you have high chairs available for children or babies? Yes we can provide a high chair for your room and also for the dining room. Please just let us know in advance so we can ensure we have enough high chairs available for all the children.
Do you have a cot available for children or babies? Yes. Please just let us know if you will be needing a cot in advance and we will make sure one is available.
What kind of clothing should we bring?
Winter -Warm clothing is needed for our winter, as we don't have central heating. It is recommended that you layer your clothes in NZ, for example long sleeve tops under warm jerseys or jackets and thermal wear or singlets. NZ weather can change during a day so bring suitable clothing for all weather conditions such as a rain coat. You would need closed-toe shoes like sneakers or work boots for Kitchen duty. This is an Occupational Safety and Health Requirement (OSH) in NZ.
Summer- Bring hats, sandals and modest summer clothing as we are a family friendly base and want to set an example for our young people. But you will also need extra layers for nights as temperatures can drop also. Please note, NZ has very high levels of UV rays and sun burn is very common and can cause skin cancer. The health department advises people in summer months [October to April approximately] to wear 30+SPF sun screens and wear a hat between 10 am and 4 pm. This is especially important for fair-skinned people and those not used to being outdoors.
What are the Clothes Washing facilities like? Automatic coin washing machines are available at a cost of $2 per load. (This includes the detergent). Outside clotheslines are provided. Dryers are also available at a cost of $2 per load. You can purchase $2 coins at the Reception Office.
Do children need Car seats in NZ? Car Seats are a compulsory requirement by law for all children up to the age of 7. For more information on the right car seat for your child/children or to hire car seats check out the following website: http://www.plunket.org.nz/what-we-do/what-we-offer/car-seats/
Do you have internet access on site?
For those with their own computer we have a wireless
internet connection. You can buy Internet vouchers at the Reception Office. We do however have limited cell phone reception due to our location near the Kaimai mountain range.
Student Testimonial
Jeremie and Salome - Switzerland: "We came to the FMS to get some tools in couple and family ministries - thinking that we werw already quite well equipped. Well, God surprised us in a way we could never have imagined before! We have been through weeks of open heart surgery, sleepless nights, endless talks, great counselling sessions and are returning home transformed from the inside out. This school is an absolute life-changing experience and we totally recommend it to every could and every family."
Accommodation
What is provided within the units? Each unit has a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, electric jug, and toaster, but with no cooking facilities.
Linen (including towels, bedding and pillows), will be provided for you, so you do not need to bring these. You will have the basics of all that is needed for your family in your accommodation. You are welcome to buy/bring your own bedding etc and make it more personal if you choose to.