Ricky and Karen Sanchez have served in S.E. Asia for 25+ years! they have a vision to raise up the next generation of leaders in Thailand, Cambodia, and North America. Some ministries that Karen and Ricky have started are: Global Sports in Asia, The Abundant Life Home Orphanage, Project Standing Strong (helping women out of the sex trade), Church Planting, Eye Glass Distribution Centers, and now are the founders of the YWAM Chonburi Base!

Katie grew up in Kansas on a dairy farm and never dreamed that God would call her to be a missionary. What started out as a 3-week basketball missions’ trip to Thailand has turned into almost 10 years of adventures with Jesus here. Katie married the most amazing Filipino man, Jeffrey Mesias on March 8, 2024 and they now serve together in Thailand under YWAM at the Abundant Life Home. Katie did her DTS in Kona Hawaii in 2022 after having served in Thailand for almost 7 years, and it forever changed her. Jeff grew up surrounded by missionaries as he grew up in an orphanage. College life was hard being alone with no family, but God rescued him through DTS. Jeff did his DTS at YWAM Philippines Impact where God radically transformed him from addictions, and called him into full time ministry. After his DTS, he became full-time staff at the Impact base. serving in the mission’s department and hosting outreach teams from other bases until he moved to Thailand.

Hey! My name is Andy and I will be CO-leading your DTS this year. I did my DTS in the US before moving to Sweden for close to 2 years where I staffed with YWAM and led groups to come do outreach in Thailand. I fell in love with Thailand and immediately felt God’s Heart for the Thai people. I have been here for over 2 years now, learning language, working with different ministries, and leading a DTS in Bangkok. I cant wait to have you here and work along side you as you grow your relationship with Christ and develop a heart for the unreached!