The YWAM St. Croix base began in September 1986 with a focus on Coffee house ministry, and towards facilitating short term teams to the island. In early 1989, YWAM purchased it’s present home; the historically beautiful Diamond Ruby plantation with it’s sugar mill and 300 year old Danish great house. We hosted a historical tour given by the historians here on the island (called a rumble) and were suprised at the amount of people who attended. In the background is our 'chimney'.
This is Maurice.He spoke at our historical tour of the YWAM Base and he grew up on the property, both his mother and grandfather were workers for the previous owner. He had some tales to tell of how during hurricanes the villagers would tie themselves together and make their way over to the 'Great House' (we still call it that today) to spend time in the basement. He was able to add insight into the way the water well worked as well as what he had heard about the steam engine that was supposedly in use. He was never allowed in the 'great house' and it was a wonderful opportunity for Mark, our director, to 'WELCOME' him into the Great House and to let him know he was welcome here anytime. The effects of slavery are still felt today. It lead into Mark updating about what goes on the base now with YWAM emphasizing sending people out to show God's love. We had a time to mingle afterwards and the previous owner and daughter were able to share some 'ghost' stories, again allowing us to assure them that God now owns the property and angels watch our gates ( a former tale included a giant cat guarding the gate as well as the previous owner coming back as a warewolf. Maurice believes this was to keep the workers in during the day and out in the evenings).
Maurice, the previous owner (after Maurice was here- he was owner during the time a fire damaged a part the Great House and they had to rebuild) and Mark (YWAM Director) as well as the historical tour guide.
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