Friday, October 11, 2013

Looking Back, Moving Forward



God has done amazing things in 2013, and we are honored to be part of His work.  Many of you follow our blogs, and have seen our presentations and photos.  But what is the reality? 

India is a living kaleidoscope, ever changing, yet the same for millennia. It is hard to imagine unless you experience it: Oppressive tropical heat; crushing poverty; ear-shattering noise; terrifying traffic; glittering palaces and temples; millions of oppressive gods, crowds of men, women and children living their lives--with no understanding of the One True God.   A God of love, forgiveness and salvation who yearn for each of His children. And He wants them to know Him. That is why we go to India.  

The Annual Board Meeting of AIM will convene October 17th to look back over the past months, and seek God's direction for 2014.  Sounds impressive...but we are just ordinary people who are compelled by the Lord to bring His Gospel to people who have never heard the Name of Jesus. What is your part in bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to millions of lost souls? 

First, we know you are interested, since you are reading this newsletter. So, we ask for your
continued prayers, daily, weekly, in church and during your private quiet time. You are involved in our ministry! We need you to be deeply concerned in these last days--about the lost multitudes heading for eternal hell. Help us reach them!

As we said before, Asia International Mission has a two-prong goal: First, change the lives of  children so the next generation can escape inherent poverty and illiteracy—and impact their culture for Christ.  Second, enable national pastors and missionaries to reach their own people with the Gospel.  Whatever we do is committed to reaching these goals.

Looking back on our 3+ month trip, we are grateful for what the Lord has accomplished through us:

  • Russ preached 31 times in 14 weeks, bringing the Gospel to many unreached people

  • He led 5 Pastors’/Missionaries’ Conferences, equipping men in Leadership and Discipleship to bring Christ to their own people

  • Alice led two Women’s Conferences, on for Pastors’ Wives—a first in that area

  • The final two weeks, we and our Missions Teams led 2 VBS for over 200 children from slums, villages and a leper colony

  • Two water wells were gifted—through your generosity—to ministries and their communities—we know they have already reaped several new souls for the Kingdom

  • The new Sunshine Medical Clinic was opened in Bangalore, free to the poor.

Your giving is changing the lives of a whole community!

AIM now has five ministry partners in four states:  Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa and West Bengal. Three have children’s ministries; one is a Bible College; the fifth is a missionary group reaching tribals from the seacoast to the mountains.


Our trip was extremely difficult and much more risky than we knew—we only realized the full extent after we had returned and read the headlines from the area.  The Lord protected us from Maoist rebels, political strikes and anti-Christian demonstrations.  After we left Orissa, 27 politicians and state police were ambushed and brutally murdered in nearby Chhatthisghar; recently, a national missionary was beaten to death.  As we left Bangalore, a serious outbreak of dengue fever erupted with about 1000 initial cases.  The Lord is truly merciful to us.

So what lies ahead?  Our plan is to return to Hyderabad and host “Christworks Ministries” conferences in January, instructing science teachers and pastors in teaching Biblical Creation through astronomy.  These facts will help counteract the deeply ingrained superstitions of astrology which govern the lives of most Indians—even young believers.  AIM’s strategy is to equip the people of India to reach India. This is a process of multiplication, far more effective than what we alone can do—our legacy for the Kingdom.

We also want to provide scholarships for 25 young village men at Shalom Bible College and send them out to plant new churches across the land ($50 each per month, $150 per semester, $450 per man for the entire course.)   The new Grace Children’s Home in Pithapuram would love to have us hold VBS for the children in the Home and surrounding slums. 

But—and this is a pivotal point—we cannot function without your help!  In order to return to India, Russ and Alice need $7000 for tickets, living expenses on the field, and the costs of the Creation Conferences.  (See Christworks Ministries’ website: christworksministries.org)  They have compiled a unique curriculum which we would like to translate into at least one Indian language—and it will remain free to everyone.  Please pray about helping us make our goals a reality!


It is hard to believe we have been going to India for ten years!  We will update you after our Annual Meeting.  Thank you for your faithful prayers and generous support!  May God bless you!

--Russ and Alice Sharrock





Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c) (3) non-profit ministry.
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