Two key mission leaders remain in critical condition following a tragic bus accident which resulted in the deaths of eleven Youth With A Mission (YWAM) workers in Tanzania.
The fatal incident took place on 24th February, when a group of participants from a YWAM leadership course embarked on a field trip to Maasai.
In a public statement, Darlene Cunningham, co-founder of the interdenominational Christian training organisation, expressed profound grief over the loss of life and sorrow for those in critical condition.
"In these days, tears are being poured out across the world by individuals, families and YWAMers worldwide. I am personally reeling from the weight of this news, as I knew and loved many of these individuals personally. But I am leaning into the character of God for what I know to be true about who He is!" she said.
Tragedy struck on the return journey as one of the buses, carrying YWAM workers, was hit by a truck that had reportedly lost control due to brake failure.
The collision, involving four vehicles in total, resulted in at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries. Among the casualties were leaders integral to YWAM's mission, including the local base leader and training director.
The missionaries, participants in a University of the Nations Executive Masters course, had journeyed to Maasai in two buses to observe the ministry's community development program, enjoying a fruitful day together before tragedy struck on their return to Arusha.
"They had a very good day together," Cunningham recalled.
"Eleven of our beloved friends were killed and eight others are severely wounded, battling for their lives. We have not seen a tragedy of this magnitude in all of YWAM's history and we are all devastated.
"Not only have husbands and wives, friends and co-workers been lost, but also YWAM ministry leaders. The individuals involved in running the Executive Masters were key YWAM leaders in the region — some leading flourishing YWAM bases; others giving leadership in the field of education and other spheres; others ministering in restricted-access locations where no one else would dare to go — and seeing the hand of God upon their ministries in amazing ways
"The students attracted to the Executive Masters were the same calibre of people — life-long committed YWAM missionary pioneers. So their deaths create a massive vacuum in this part of the world for YWAM as a missionary movement."
Video shared online from one of the buses as the group travelled to Maasai shows participants singing ‘This is the day the Lord has made.’