YWAMers from French-Speaking Switzerland: What Becomes of Them? Edith

The Awakening of a Dream in Lausanne

It all began when I was a child. I regularly attended the Youth With A Mission praise evenings in Lausanne, and I would hang on every word of those who shared their testimonies. To me, they were incredible stories of faith. Deep in my heart, I would say to myself, “One day, I too would like to experience such adventures.”

The Upheaval and the Call

In 1996, that desire became a reality during my Discipleship School at the YWAM center in Gault-la-Forêt, in Champagne. It was a time of radical transformation where I grasped the immensity of God’s love. My response was immediate: “Lord, I want to serve you all my life, no matter where you lead me.” This school first led me to Kamchatka, Russia, where my love for unreached peoples was born.

The Field Adventure: From Drôme to Mongolia

After a few very formative years with YWAM in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, I left for Mongolia. I spent seven incredibly enriching years there. It wasn’t always easy, but it was a wonderful adventure with the Lord, confirming His faithfulness every day through the challenges.

Current Ministry: Training and blosssoming

A few years ago, the Lord called my husband Marc and me to return to Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux (YWAM Provence). Today, our hearts are focused on education through our schools and on welcoming young people.

But the Lord also uses my first profession as a florist to build bridges. This passion also allows me to bless our town in a tangible way: alongside my involvement in our YWAM center, I lead floral workshops for various community groups. It’s a unique and creative way to share God’s love, bring beauty, and forge precious bonds with the people of our region.

Edith Hochstetler-Tellenbach