About Us
History & Vision of YWAM St. Croix
The ministry of Youth With a Mission of St. Croix began in 1986, just over 20 years ago! For the first couple of years, YWAM rented housing in various places around the island. This was inconvenient for staff and students. After seeking God for a more permanent location, YWAM purchased its present home in 1989. The beautiful and historic Diamond Ruby Plantation with its Sugar Mill, 300 year old Danish "Greathouse", the 80' tall Smoke Stack, Well Tower and more! Situated on five acres in the center of the island, we can see that God has been very strategic in establishing THIS location for the ministry of YWAM St. Croix! We have become a beacon of God's love for the people of this incredible place! We know that His choice of a Plantation is of great significance, and we're determined to use this property that was once a place of slavery and great human suffering, to now offer FREEDOM, HEALING AND RESTORATION to the peoples of the Caribbean!
The Island of St. Croix
St.Croix, often refered to as "The Gem of the Caribbean", is one of fifty beautiful islands that make up the United States Virgin Islands. At first you may see the "no problem", carefree attitude which is common to island cultures, but it only takes a short time to identify the glaring effects of a broken, scandalous history.
Let's glance back in time, before the first cruise ship ever arrived; before one tourist ever stepped foot on St. Croix... when sugar production meant wealth and power, slavery was commonplace and people were exploited as property. These were horrible times, fueled by the selfish ambitions of greedy and proud men who trampled the lives' of others underfoot for their own selfish gain. Hmmm...I guess that is still going on in our time, isn't it?
Today, many Caribbeans are still bound by the chains of slavery! Though their "masters" are not the same - the results still are: hopelessness, shame, anger, despair, rejection, abuse, bitterness, lonliness, abandonment, resentment, prejudice, depression, lack of identity, and many more! There is a great need for freedom from destructive behaviors, which have enslaved people for generations! What will YOU do to show them Jesus? The Lord has asked the question, "Who will go? Whom shall I send?" Perhaps He is calling you. Maybe it is you who is supposed to GO... or even COME to St. Croix!
Nations Points of Interest
Buck Island Reef
We have the only underwater Park belonging to the United States Dept. of Parks and Recreation. Covering over 850 acres, including the island, with it's sandy beaches, picnic tables and barbecue pits. The reef has two major underwater trails -- Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail. What a beautiful place to see!
Whim Plantation
Whim is one of the best preserved, or restored Plantation properties on St. Croix... second only to the Diamond Ruby Plantation. It includes the restored Great House, Sugar Mill, Smokestack, Watch house and even boasts an extensive library, with decades of valuable historical books and maps. Many of which are available for purchase to those who love history. There is a modest entry fee to see this attraction.
Fort Christiansted
The town's harbor, this beautifully restored Fort shows off it's battlements and dungeons (for only $3.00 per person). Inside, you will find various displays of historical interest. You can even get a feel for what it may have been like to be thrown into one of the holding rooms of runaway slaves during Plantation days. However, if you're claustrophobic, don't venture inside one of those.