YWAM Thailand ~ National Office

Training Up Thais For Unreached Nations

Dana & Nancy

In 2003, our YWAM Bangkok - Ram 2 Base director Cindy Porter approached staff members, Dana and Nancy Ross and asked them to pray about starting a Training Center in Bangkok near the YWAM Thailand National Office. They felt strongly from the Lord that this was indeed the next step they were to take. Training had always been a big part of their ministry and this fit perfectly with their calling. They envisioned this Training Center, would be a place where people from Thailand and the surrounding nations could come and be equipped in worship, discipleship, leadership, and the Word of God. For the most part, these surrounding nations are closed to the Gospel and to the "westerners" who come representing Christ to the nations. In this way, the Training Center would also be a strategic location as well.

Work Begins

Shortly after the Ross’ began working on the Training Center, Nancy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Even though the sickness put a great deal of pressure on them, they decided to continue to pursue this dream as they felt confident that it was what God was calling them to do.

Prior to the start of 2004, a building right next door to the YWAM Thailand National Office providentially became available for purchase. The building had 5 floors and was completely empty and it would prove to be a perfect choice for the Bangkok Training Center both in location and cost. As negotiations began, Dana and Nancy continued to feel the Lord’s leading and were able to rent the building with an option to buy it over 4 years at a cost of $US167,000 (an incredible deal for Thailand).

First SOW Class

Renovations of the 4th floor (which was the first phase) began at the end of 2003 and were completed in time for the start of the first ever “YWAM School of Worship” (SOW) in Thailand. The school started in February of 2004 with 7 students and 4 staff, from India, Australia, Thailand and America. It was a great success!

Needless to say, during this time, it was a challenge for both Dana and Nancy as Nancy continued to suffer with cancer throughout 2004. However, they firmly believed they were doing what God had wanted them to do and they were excited to see how God was already using The Center to train up young Christians from the region and beyond.

Sadly, Nancy Ross lost her battle with cancer and went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2004.

Nancy's last wish was to have the Training Center finished those of us who have worked with Nancy over the years have committed ourselves to the task of seeing that vision come to pass. As a result, this Training Center has been named “The Nancy Ross Training Center” (NRTC) and dedicated to her life and memory.

Training Center Progress

The vision of the NRTC is to be a facility where people from Thailand and the surrounding nations can come and be equipped in worship, discipleship, leadership, and the Word of God. Over the past three years, one Leadership Training School (LTS) and three Schools of Worship (SOW) and have been held in the NRTC serving over 120 students from 19 nations. (see photo on left of 2007 SOW) The NRTC also houses more than 1,000 short-term outreach team members per year who come from YWAM bases and churches around the world. The teams receive their Thailand orientation at our National Office and are then sent out to share the love of Christ in over 100 ministry locations throughout Thailand and the region.

Rental income from visiting outreach teams currently pays for the NRTC’s daily operating expenses as well as the monthly payment toward the total price of the building.

Learn More Here.