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
