What Is a Hero?
MBI believes YWAM’s frontline missionaries are heroes as they engage the nations with the mercy and gospel of Christ. We aim to provide the practical training and resources they need to thrive in their calling. We also believe that our Mission Builder volunteers are heroes because they sacrifice their time, skills, and sometimes retirement to work alongside YWAM missionaries for kingdom purposes.
Here is the story of an extraordinary family of hero volunteers from Seattle, Washington. After Autumn Duckworth, her husband Ryan, and their three young children, Noa (11), Ashton (9), and Dakota (6), faced down Autumn’s life-threatening disease, the family chose not just to survive but to thrive.
Autumn says: “In April of 2022, I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. By May of 2024, after several surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, my tests showed no evidence of disease. Summer was coming, and we needed a change of pace, a reset, a new rhythm, and a renewed vision as a family. We didn’t just want a vacation; we were looking for a VWAP (Vacation With A Purpose) where we all could serve and receive training as a family.
“The Lord directed me to MBI. I contacted Jeanette Brewster, and we began to let God orchestrate my family’s nine-week summer mission-building adventure. I’d been ‘prayer circling’ for a God idea/opportunity since January 2024. In His perfect sovereignty, He directed my attention to six YWAM campuses where we could serve alongside the local missionaries.
“The first was at YWAM Lakeside, Montana, where we enjoyed serving on the Facilities team. One highlight at the campus was watching the DTS School of Dance perform the beautiful production of The Story of Creation to Resurrection. Seeing so many young people worship Jesus freely through the creative arts was so impactful for my three children. 
“Next was YWAM Cascade, Idaho, for a week-long Family DTS, where we learned how to take our brokenness, unique passions, and giftings and allow God to redeem them into something beautiful. Learning to speak shalom over our family also helped us recalibrate and recenter our family on Jesus.
“At YWAM Emerge in Colorado Springs, we served on the Grounds team. There were so many highlights here! Volunteering and learning more about their genius OASYS aquaponics ministry was incredible. We hope to partner in the future with this ministry, as it’s a brilliant and tangible way to love God and others through building aquaponics systems, enabling other groups to achieve nutritious and sustainable food security in a dignified way.
“We then went south to YWAM Vicente Guerrero in Baja, California, Mexico, where we partnered with Mexico
Mission Adventures from YWAM Chico, California. My kids were astounded to see the impoverished living conditions of these amazing people. It gave them a greater appreciation for what God has provided for us. Seeing my three kids work hard to bless this family with a new home was unforgettable.
“Next, we headed north to YWAM Mendocino, California, where we helped with the library and installed ventilation systems in the cabin bathrooms. This place is truly anointed. Morning prayer at 8 a.m. was such a gift! On the last day, the local missionaries spoke and prayed prophetic words over us. It was a life-giving encouragement to our family.
“Last but not least, we had the pleasure of serving at YWAM Chico in California after the Park Fires struck the
area in July. Initially, everyone was evacuated, but after five days, things began opening back up. We witnessed His miraculous work firsthand as we provided relief care and cleaned, rebuilt, and restored things to order. Additionally, we got to hand out food and clothing to some of the homeless people in the Chico community and pray for people during street evangelism in Redding.
“We hope to return to each of the bases during our summers for 1-2 week long mission builds to serve and bless our new friends! Each base provided a unique ministry we are excited to partner with for life.”
Are you ready to be a hero and make a difference? Visit missionbuilders.org and explore your opportunities!
The course immediately intrigued Brad Spencer, MBI’s then-volunteer services coordinator. He shared the information with fellow Canadian Brian Oldridge. They applied and headed to Colorado last October to participate in the training.
“Initially, they built very different systems, depending on the location and available materials. Eventually, they were motivated to engineer a repeatable design, reduced to the simplest, most common materials that did not require extensive startup expertise. Hence, OASYS was born. Building according to their OASYS design eliminates startup risk for the most part. They’ve streamlined troubleshooting and system support. The Emerge team and those trained on OASYS know how the system was built, significantly eliminating local design deviations.
“Emerge is ten years into this and still strongly desires to make it happen. There is no shortage of vision; they share it with as many as possible. They need trained and skilled individuals willing to help make this happen in communities with needs.
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