Why Madison, Wisconsin?

If you think Wisconsin is only known for cheese, cows, and That Seventies Show, think again! There are so many things that put Wisconsin on the map internationally! Madison, Wisconsin’s capital, is a friendly and beautiful city that is alive with vibrant cultures, activism, and mid-western values. We’re most known for our university, which began way back in 1848.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a profoundly influential community that includes 4800 international students as well as emerging leaders from 130 nations. This community has international influence in virtually every area of life. Notable alumni include Prime Minister of Bhutan Yeshey Zimba, President of Bangladesh Iajuddin Ahmed, US Vice President Dick Cheney, dozens of Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, statesmen, and Supreme Court justices. But before these people held their positions of authority and influence, they were impressionable students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Here at YWAM Madison, we recognize the potential of these students and scholars. Away from home, they explore new ideas and try on ideologies, philosophies, and religions. Their worldview is malleable, shaped by their professors and classmates. International students are especially curious about American culture and values. They are open to new ideas. But they can easily get lost among the 40,000 other students. They experience loneliness and isolation in a new city or country. It is unfortunate that while in college, many set aside the values and conscience their parents and cultures instilled in them.

We began the YWAM missionary training center in Madison in 1986 with the goal of meeting the spiritual needs of university students, and to encourage, engage, and equip students to serve a needy world when they return to their home countries and jobs.