Friday, January 6, 2012

Authentic Partnerships


There was a day when missionaries packed their belongings in coffins, set sail on steamers, and never returned. Churches and supporters back home provided finances and expected occasional reports from the field, but opportunities for hands-on involvement were limited.

The landscape of missions has since changed dramatically. Global needs and opportunities are in a state of flux. Technology, communications, and reduced travel costs now permit senders and sending churches a far more direct involvement in missions. At the same time, God is awakening local churches and believers to reclaim their Biblical role in world evangelization.

Is your church eager for authentic partnership in world evangelization? What do these words mean to you?

Our task, at Asia International Mission, is to initiate the spread of the gospel in partnership with local churches. We're convinced that the church, indigenous ministry, and mission agency each brings a unique, God-given design, perspective, and set of strengths to world evangelization – resources that will only be maximized as we intentionally work together.

We are eager to team up with you. We believe God is using, and will use His Church to disciple, encourage, support, direct, and care for generations of Christian workers worldwide. We want to explore ways AIM can help your local church fulfill its calling and dreams for global outreach.
So what do we mean by "partnership"?

Partnerships work toward collaborative ends agreed upon by all partners. Our goals are determined by our common values and vision. One partner does not enter the partnership to achieve the other partner's agenda.

One size does not fit all. Every church is different; therefore every AIM partnership with a local church will look different and may change over time. We call it a "contextualized church partnership."

Partnerships are built on relationships and trust, developed primarily by listening, conversation, and exploring possibilities.

Does your church dream of a mission partnership that goes beyond sending and funding of a worker? So do we. You can contact us directly at 405.762.2471 or send us an email at aimission@hotmail.com.

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A Perfect Taste of India!

If you have ever pondered going to India, let me encourage you to start seriously praying about joining an Asia International Mission Team. I promise it will change your life!
Come to India! You do not need any special skills or training, just willing hands and a loving heart. Apply for a team today by clicking Here for an application, or contact us with questions at 405.762.2471, and be ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

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Prayer Requests
Pray for God’s victory and destiny for the 70% of the world-wide body that is suffering persecution.
Pray that the Lord of the harvest might send more laborers onto His harvest fields.
Pray for the 60 churches and their pastors and also for their families.





Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry. 
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Team Dynamics


We often forget that Jesus, in His Gethsemane prayer, recorded in John 17, twice linked the unity of believers with global outreach: "that all of them may be one … so that the world may believe" (John 17:21-23). Jesus was praying for the church universal through the ages. We, as a local application of his prayer, work with the local church. What does this unity look like?

Practically speaking, this unity that leads to belief should be demonstrated through our short-term mission teams. If the team operates as a community, demonstrates forgiveness, and works in unity, the impact for communicating the gospel is much greater. But functioning effectively as a team does not just happen; it requires work and intentional preparation.

On a short-term mission trip, we bring together diverse individuals (who also happen to be fallen sinners), tire them out with travel and jet-lag adjustments, house them in unfamiliar (and sometimes uncomfortable) surroundings, feed them exotic foods, and encourage them to live outside their comfort zones. Combine these ingredients and you have a recipe for conflict, hurt feelings, and general team dysfunction.

Preparing the short-term mission team should include training on living in community, teaching on how to forgive, and illustrations on how to have (and resolve) conflict constructively.

Please feel free to comment on this post, and if you would like more information on AIM’s mission trips you can call us at 405.762.2471, or click Here for an application.

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Spread the Word
One of the greatest ways that you can help Asia International Mission fulfill our mission is by spreading the word about what we do. It’s amazing what God can do when we’re willing to share what He’s doing in us. If you’ve been moved by the ministry of AIM, tell someone about it.

Get the Word Out
Here are a few ways to spread the word:
Email a Friend and tell them about www.aimission.org.
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Join Us on Facebook
Click Here to join us online and invite others to join you there.
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Read Our Blog
Feel free to comment on our entries, and tell all your friends.


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Prayer Requests

Pray for the safety of Christians that they may be able to gather in peace to encourage one another.
Pray that God would protect Christians from the many natural disasters that frequently hit this area of the world.
Pray that governments will not interfere with ministries that are planning strategic outreaches.





 Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry. 
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated