YWAM South Texas

05/16/2026

DR. LELAND PARIS
Missionary Statesman · Pioneer · Father in the Faith
1939-2026

Dr. Leland Paris went home to be with the Lord yesterday.
A hero of the faith. A faithful servant of God.

He was 87 years old.
He and Frances were married for 65 years.

He spent the greater part of his life giving away everything he had to see the Great Commission fulfilled in his generation.

David Wilkerson saw Dr. Paris’ vision to train thousands.
So he offered Twin Oaks Ranch.
A place to equip leaders.
A place to send many into the harvest field.

The Discipleship Training School was his vision.
Global Bridges was his vision.
Hope for the Children was his vision.

His passion was simple:
To know God and make Him known.

Because Dr. Leland Paris said yes:
More than one million people have gone through a DTS.
More than 200 ministries have been planted in over 140 countries.
More than 118 million meals have been served to the hungry.
More than 700 orphans have been cared for in restricted nations.
Thousands of leaders have been trained.

We will not pretend this is a small loss.
It is not.

We are praying for Frances.
We are praying for the Paris children and grandchildren.
We are praying for the staff of this Ranch and every ministry he touched.

And we are deeply grateful — beyond what words can hold — that we had him for as long as we did.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

-The YWAM TYLER, Twin Oaks Ranch family

05/15/2026

Another amazing week with KIDT (Kingdom Int'l Discipleship Training). We went into home groups, church services, food banks with our Native Anerican (Dine) family and our MO family. Every moment is a chance to serve, every moment is a chance to learn. God is always interested in bringing us a little deeper. In every moment even in Mexico, buying a few curios or at SPI, God showed us His greatness, sovereignty and His love.
Last night was the best moment as we reflected on our lives and areas that have affected us. Many were restored, healed of hurts from the past.
Thank you Aoostle Jeannette for your sensitivity and commitment to establishing His Kingdom wherever you go.

04/24/2026

Wow! Sure is quiet around here...
and if you know Abdiel, you'd know what I mean.♡♡
This morning, it's REALLY quiet around here... Every morning for the last 5 years, we'd hear, 'Do you want an egg? ', 'How do you want it?', 'What are we doing today?', 'How can I help you?', and so many times, he'd sincerely say, 'I truly appreciate you'.
Abdiel was always ready to pick up the dishes, sweep and mop the floors, move boxes.. whatever needed to be done and oh so ready to give an encouraging word when needed.
I'm truly thankful for how he loved Gabriel. Abdiel just couldn't let his fearless leader stumble on his words, he wanted everyone to understand him and he'd stand by his side to be his voice. Never once did he complain.
I'm sure we could call him now, and he'd show up.

Yes, 5 years we've prayed for the Valley together, we've planned for so many projects and events, worked, laughed, ate... all for God to be known.
and we prayed for his wife... ♡♡

This week, Abdiel steps away from ministry to invest in his lifelong partner, Rebekah. It may only be for a season, but it's the best investment he'll make. We are proud of you Abdiel. You've chosen to trust the Lord when things didn't seem to line up. You've surrendered all to Him, and you have been made new, transformed by the Father.
We expect to see even greater things in the years to come.

Thank you for the years you've served. Thank you for honoring us and allowing us to guide you even when it was hard..
We will continue praying for you, and we are ALWAYS only a phone call away. We love you much!!

04/20/2026

Dr Nina brought a much needed word to every church, ministry we were at this week. In Mexico and several ministries here in the Valley and anyone that was close to her also received a special nugget. Her and Bobby are a blessing.
We were invited into the water, to draw from the water (Christ), to take ahold of His promises, believe for an increase, receive His joy in the midst of whatever we might be going through...
We were stirred up an challenged.. God wants to speak to us and Dr Nina brought us to His feet of we were listening♡♡

04/20/2026

After a very blessed week with our brothers from New Mexico and MO we had Dr Nina and Bobby Nina Gardner pour into our community.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18VxMSqwTR/

04/09/2026

Day 2
Difficult to describe all the things that are going on down here. This team came to get into the places we can't always get to. They are checking our ACs, that will help us save energy. Replacing boards that need to be changed to give our home a longer life. Lol
Honestly making this place nicer. We are truly blessed to have friends that come along to help us out and encourage us.

04/08/2026

Day #1 with our Navajo (Dine) Nation and MO brothers.. 'the Circuit Menders'.
These guys drove down 18 hrs from New Mexico to serve here at our ministry base.
*Yesterday we had a great time with at local pastors meeting and then they tackled the big job of running wire underground.

03/27/2026

Last week we hosted our Freedom Outpost family. They came in as they always do, ready to get things done♡
They helped us around the base, had beautiful worship, prayer times and of course served our community. They are one of those teams that just want to care for us and they do all they can so we don't have to.. we are blessed.

03/25/2026

Five years ago our lives were forever changed by the crisis here at the Southern Border. We found ourselves moved by the tremendous need. We handed out hygiene kits, bought toys, took blankets, towels, tents, tarps, clothes, shoes.. honestly anything that was needed.
Throughout this time we have hosted over 100 teams that have come down to bless the people on both sides of the border.
Hundreds of bibles were handed out and we prayed for countless people at the border, food banks, plazas, under tents, in churches.. Hope and peace was what they mainly needed.
Today we continue bringing Jesus to those in need. We are still hosting teams that come willing to lay down their lives for others and who want to make a difference for 'just one more'♡♡
Our deepest gratitude goes out to all those that have come and have given to make this all possible. Lord bless you greatly!

02/01/2026