What is YHM?

Jesus calls us to “make disciples of all nations.” Youth Hostel Ministry is an answer to that call. Ever since Lee Howard first felt compassion for traveling students in 1970, Wheaton College and the Office of Christian Outreach have together mobilized over six-hundred young people for a truly unique evangelism experience: penetrating the lives of intelligent, sophisticated, and open–minded traveling individuals with sincere, one–on–one testimony.

In a typical interaction, both the Wheaton student and a fellow traveler leave any given conversation as changed people, or otherwise feeling hearts wrenched with the pain of life’s injustices expressed through trusting conversation. Many past YHMers agree that this ministry marks their single biggest trial in life. Hardly any find it easy or luxurious.

What better person to present the Gospel in this traveling context than a Wheaton student, one who is simultaneously studying theology and physics, Bible and philosophy, art history and Christian formation? Who else should help others find identity than one who has identity in Christ?

This ministry fits our goal to become whole and effective Christians. We cannot be whole without believing Christ’s instruction to follow Him. We cannot be effective without actually following Christ as He makes disciples of all nations.

Peter MacDonald, YHM Chair 2009

Our Mission

Mobilizing and equipping students to minister to the traveling communities of Europe through living in community, offering friendship, evangelism & service.

Our Vision

Desiring growth in relationships with God and within our community, we seek to expand the Kingdom of God all to His glory, especially by proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel.

How to Get Involved

Youth Hostel Ministry offers Wheaton students the opportunity to learn through service, serving in a number of Christian Youth Hostels in Europe. If you are interested in ministering to the traveling communities of Europe in both work and deed, then please refer to our application page. Applications are due on October 30, 2009.