The Bigger Picture

When I first learned to drive, my dad gave me some great advice, "Never lose sight of the bigger picture." He trained me to constantly monitor what was happening on my left and right, in my rear-view mirror, and as far down the road as I could see.Over the years, I've realized that Dad's words apply not just to driving a car, but to other areas of life as well.

Jesus had similar advice when He spoke to His disciples about their role in the world. "...open your eyes and look at the fields!" (John 4:35) In other words, one of the first priorities for every follower of Christ is to cultivate a global perspective.

When my wife and I are taking walks, or I'm riding my bicycle, I sometimes catch myself looking down at the ground in front of me. I keep reminding myself to look up and take in my surroundings. It's a far more inspiring view. Life is too short to spend it staring at the ground.

Many believers don't take time to appreciate the grand sweep of God's redemptive plan in the scriptures and how God has uniquely prepared them to participate. When we lift our eyes, our hearts will be touched by the immensity of the harvest task, the scarcity of workers, and the spiritual readiness of many to embrace the good news.

"Never lose sight of the bigger picture." Through the years, Dad's advice has protected me from danger and distraction. And each time I lift my eyes, I am changed. I see things I never noticed before. The picture gets clearer, and my life takes on more meaning. My passion to connect "those who know" with "those who don't" grows.

How about you? Have you lifted your eyes lately?


During the month of May 2011, I and our ministry partner from India will be traveling around Maryland, Virginia, and surrounding states. We would love to meet you and speak to your church, youth group or home group. Email us at aimisson@hotmail.com to schedule a date and time to hear how God is doing a mighty  work in India.

$10 Goes A Long Way in India
Will you consider making a year-end, tax-deductible donation this Christmas of at least $10? If you would like to make a difference in a child's life please Donate Now. 


Prayer Points:
Pray that God will continue to work mightily in the land of India
That God will provide staff members for US office:
        Donor Development Director
        Children's Ministry Coordinator
        Short Term Missions Coordinator
        Multimedia & Communications Director
Pray for God's grace day by day. Satan is working overtime to discourage us, and
to prevent the vital work of this and other ministries working in India

Pray for the Adi Kshatriya of India

Population: Unknown
World Popl: Unknown
Main Language: Telugu                           
Main Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%

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

The 10 Commandments of Short Term Mission Trips

Yesterday, I promised to post these this morning, so here goes:

1) Remember, the primary function of a short term mission trip is to partner with God in what He's doing in
    a given part of the world.

2) Always seek to serve those with whom you are partnering--whatever that may require.

3) Give up your expectations and be ready for whatever the Holy Spirit wants to do.

4) Be flexible.

5) Honor the authorities over you, including government and church authorities.

6) Leave a small financial and cultural footprint in the area that you're visitng.

7) Be a learner. Prepare for your trip by studying the culture or area that you're visiting,
    but also continue to ask questions and learn during the trip.

8) Be respectful of and sensitive to cultural differences.

9) Demonstrate integrity. Don't make promises about following up or staying in touch that you can't
    keep. If you do make them, then keep them.

10) Make prayer the cornerstone of the trip. Ask God what to do, where to go, and how to act each and every day. Endeavor to go deeper in the Lord through this experience, and look for signs of how He may be answering your prayers each day of the project.

Please feel free to comment on this entry. What would you add to the list?

Russ Sharrock and our ministry partner from South Asia, will be in Maryland, Virginia, and surrounding states during the month of May 2011. There are several dates still available. We would love to speak to your church or home group. You can contact me at aimission@hotmail.com for more details. 

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

What Is A Mission Trip?

Lately, I've been frustrated with what appears to be today's definition of "Mission Trip." For me "mission trip" is not synonymous with "service project." Personally, I don't understand this fascination with missions as a glorified form of public service. In my opinion, mission trips are much more than that.

A mission trip is not a vacation or a mere cross-cultural experience. It's just what it sounds like--a trip with a specific mission. According to scripture, the mission isn't necessarily giving handouts to the poor or even aiding long-term missionaries in their work. It's about sharing the gospel.

I know I'm probably stepping on some toes here, but please bear with me. I don't have a problem with helping the poor or doing disaster relief; in fact, I think those are wonderful activities to be doing on a mission trip, and AIM is involved in them all. However, I think those are the means, and not the end, of short term missions.

Quite simply, the end of any mission trip is the glory of God. It's not to just dig a well or see what it's like to be a "real missionary" for a week. It's to join the Lord in the work He is doing. Now, that may mean digging a well in Africa or planting a church in India. It may involve knocking on doors in Brazil or praying through the night in a dilapidated church in downtown Pittsburgh. It may even require you to lay down your life, just as Nate Saint did. Regardless, the point of the mission trip is not our cleverly-devised acts of service. It is obedience to God. 

We need to set aside our human agendas and make God once again the central point of missions.

Remember, It's not about us--our rules and systems and ideas. It's about Him.

Missions is not about us; it's about God.

Church, I think we're in need of a bit of revolution when it comes to how we approach mission trips.Quite frankly, I think we could stand to be a lot more daring. Let's stop bringing the high calling of missions down to our carnal level and instead seek to meet God in the work that He's doing in the world, even if it means that we have to redefine some commonly misunderstood words like mission trip.



Tomorrow I will be publishing the 10 Commandments of Mission Trips. So, be looking for it.

I would love to hear from all our readers.  Please feel free to comment and let me know what you think of these articles, or just what's on your mind.

Prayer Points:
Join us each week as we pray for the unreached people groups

Pray that God’s Name will be glorified as we continue to preach the Word 

Pray for a harvest of new believers in Asia

Pray for new partnerships to be formed throughout the world for spreading the gospel to south Asia
Pray for the continued funding of the new Children's Home

If you would like to be part of the amazing things God is doing now and in the coming days, please consider Donating Now to support the work of AIM. 

Or if you have a heart for children, consider Sponsoring an Abandoned Child and give them the gift of hope and love in the coming New Year.

There are still several openings left on next years mission trips. Go Here Now to check out all the opportunities and apply.

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

We Need More Power in Short Term Missions

What I mean by this is we need less of us, and more of the Holy Spirit. We need to stop thinking that we have all the answers for the developing world, and ask God what He desires.

We need to humble ourselves.

We need to seek the Lord's face.

We need more power.

Our modern humanistic approach to short term missions has, sadly, resulted in a weak form of ministry that doesn't look much like New Testament Christianity. We build a house or dig a well, say a prayer, and feel good about ourselves until next summer.

I have a sneaking suspicion that God wants more for us.

God's kingdom is not built on some shrewdly developed business plan (He can use those if He wants), but on the prayers of the saints, and often on the blood of martyrs. His rule and reign is established supernaturally when we choose to reject the ways of the world and trust completely in Him.

This means for some of us, we need to change the way we think and do missions. 

In short, we need to take more risks on mission trips. We need to be willing to surrender some of our schedule for a Spirit-led ministry. Because in risking, we find faith. And in faith, God is pleased and glorified. Plus, really cool stuff tends to happen.

$10 Goes A Long Way in India
Will you consider making a year-end, tax-deductible donation this Christmas of at least $10? If you would like to make a difference in a child's life please Donate Now. 

Prayer Points:

88.2% of all people groups in India still have not been reached. Pray for effective outreach and church planting.

Be in prayer for the persecuted church, being persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. (Eph. 6:18) Ask that God would strengthen these who are enduring much suffering.

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

Is It Radical?

A few weeks back I finished reading the book Radical by David Platt, and it impacted my thinking in a tremendous way. If you're a Christian today, then there's a good chance you have heard the term "radical" used a great deal lately. It has been primarily used to reference some type of sacrifice or step of faith that a believer has made in their life. You might be labeled this if you decided not to get that big car, or gave up your dream of owning a nice house in the 'burbs. Maybe you decided to give up your Spring break at the beach this year and instead take a mission trip to a Third World country. Or, better yet, pay off the thousands of dollars you owe the bank--now that's radical!

Let's look at this from a different angle--is doing what you are called to do radical? Doing something about the thousands of children that die each year from preventable disease, fighting against the sex trade in Asia, or just forgetting about your own desires and serving others--is it radical to do things like this, or is it simply what is expected of us?

"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
(Luke 17:7-10)

Please consider making a year end Donation Now to complete the construction of the new Children's Home. A small amount goes a long way in India.

Prayer Points:
Thank God for His Son—a gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Pray for the 6916 remaining unreached people groups to have the gospel presented to them in a manner they can understand. Ask that reproducing churches would be established in each of these cultures.
Pray for the Muslim people in India; that they may hear about the grace and promises in the Messiah.

Pray for the Adi Baugar of India

Population: Unknown
World Popl: Unknown
Main Language: Kannada
Main Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%

 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.

Please make checks payable to AIM

                                                Po Box 1597

                                                Stillwater, OK 74076

Accountable For How We Live

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did 
for me." (Matt 25:40)

On the week before Jesus was to be brutally killed, the disciples could feel the pace of events picking up
speed. They were concerned about how everything would end. (Matt 24:3) In Matthew 24 & 25 Jesus gives
them a glimpse of the culmination of human history. Since then, His followers have written down the details as they were revealed to them  about how it will all play out. Theologians have a whole area of study called eschatology to encompass their theories and guesses.

Growing up, I remember a fascinating curiosity about the impending end of all thing. The book "The Late Great Planet Earth" by Hal Lindsey sold millions of copies, and we evangelicals hunkered down in our paranoia and entirely missed the point Jesus was making.

His point was that God has an expectation of man. We don't get to live our lives just for our own pleasure. A day is coming when we will answer for how we lived, and there will be criteria applied in assessing the quality of our life. We will be separated into two groups, and He will look at one thing about our lives: How did we love those in need?  He feels what they feel. His heart breaks for the pain He sees down here. He wants ours to break as well so that we will act in His stead to alleviate that pain.

The question is, knowing this, how will we live our lives? There are so many distractions and so many ways to miss the point. And I guess that breaks His heart too.

God help me, God help us all as we answer that question.


In 2011 we want to increase the number of Bibles available for distribution, help more children, widows and lepers, and bring the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ to more people. Please Give Now that this ministry might grow for the glory of God. 

In the days ahead we will be listing some possible staffing needs here at AIM, so please begin praying now how God might want to use YOU for His glory.

If you live in MD, VA or surrounding states, and would like an opportunity to hear firsthand about what God is doing in India, please Contact Us to schedule a visit with Russ Sharrock and our ministry partner from Tenali, India during the month of May 2011. There are several dates still available.

Prayer Points:
Please be in prayer for our president, Russ Sharrock, as he prepares for surgery on his legs
Pray that more people will respond to God's call to work for the harvest
Pray that many new souls will open their hearts to the gospel
Pray that donations will continue to come in for the completion of the new Children's Home

All gifts are tax-deductible and are used 100% as designated

Kissing Their Scars

In 2008 "Slumdog Millionaire" came on the big screen and ultimately swept the Oscars, winning eight awards including best picture. I had an opportunity to view the movie on a British Airways flight to Hyderabad in 2009, and was amazed at both the cruelty and beauty of the poverty and the people portrayed in the movie. Two of the children in the movie are actually from a slum in Mumbai. They were on the stage at the Oscars among all the glitter, lights, fame, and fortune. But soon, they went back home, back to the slum and the life, to the life they knew before the cameras and fame.

As the movie ended, I felt a sense of helplessness.How can you effectively impact and nation with over a billion people and so much suffering? What do you say to a child who has tasted wealth and fame, but not known the security of a permanent home? Are we just fooling ourselves into thinking we can really make a difference?

Throughout the whole movie, the star pursues his true love, searching for her, never forgetting  her, and never giving up. At the end of the movie, they embrace and he kisses the scar on her face that represents all the pain, the suffering, and evil that has happened to her. And in that kiss it is all washed away. The pain, the suffering, the years of separation; it's a beautiful picture of what God has done for us. He never quits pursuing us, He never loses hope, He kisses our scars and heals the pain that dwells within.

And that is what we can do also. It's too overpowering to think about trying to bring change to India as a whole. The pain is overwhelming. But even though I may not be able to bring massive change, I can be used by God to pursue a few people. To not give up, to remember, to pray; to see God kiss their scars and bring life again.

I have no idea what I would say to those children returning home to poverty. I would want them to know that wealth and fame aren't the only way to a better life. That joy and contentment can be found in the slum too. But who am I to say these things when I live so well?

Maybe the best thing would to just bend down and kiss their scars.

Prayer Points:
Remember that Jesus came that the whole world might be saved
Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak clearly to the people and that many will respond

Pray for Adhori of India

Population: Unknown
World Pop: Unknown
Main Language: Hindi
Main Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%

"Declare his glory among the nations" Psalm 96:3

Attitude of Gratitude

As I sit here thinking about all those who have had a part in the work of AIM this past year, I feel extremely
grateful. Without the hard work of the Board of Directors, who have given so freely of their time and energy, and the generosity of our friends around the nation, so little would have been accomplished.

If I am thankful for these wonderful people, how much more grateful should I be to the One who has given me life--eternal life. The living God has called me from darkness to light, given me joy, peace, and provided spiritual and physical blessings. Everything I have comes from Him alone. How did God provide for us? Through His faithful people.

During this Thanksgiving, let us not forget that living in this great land of abundance and opportunity is a blessing and a gift from God. Millions of people in Asia suffer due to the lack of clean drinking water. People starve and die without food. Beloved, how often do we think about the goodness and faithfulness of God in our lives? Did we meaningfully give honor and glory to our God during this Thanksgiving season?

We still have openings available for next year's mission trips. Please check out the available opportunities at our website.

$10 Goes A Long Way in India
Will you consider making a year-end, tax-deductible donation this Christmas of at least $10? If you would like to make a difference in a child's life please Donate Now. 

Prayer Points:
Pray for new partnerships to be formed throughout the world in supporting Asia International Mission
Pray for the ministries: Children's Home, HIV/AIDS patients, Widows, Bible Distribution, New fresh water wells.
Pray for a harvest of new believers
Pray about new staffing needs

All gifts are tax-deductible and are used 100% as designated

Comfort vs Comfortable

It's Sunday evening, and I've been thinking about the idea of comfort vs comfortable. For quite some time I've thought about how uncomfortable my life has been. In the last 15 years, God has been deleting the idea that if I was a good Christian my life would be comfortable, and reinstalling the truth; God is the God of all comfort. He promised to be our comfort, but He didn't promise to make us comfortable.

I think most Americans are confused. We operate from the perspective that God works everything out for the "comfort" of those who are called according to His purpose. But that's not how the God of the Bible works. Here is a passage I believe will help us better understand why being comfortable isn't God's goal for us:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."  (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)

Two things strike me about this: "in all our troubles," and "so that we can comfort those in trouble." We can expect all sorts of troubles, but we can also expect Him to comfort us SO That we can comfort others in their troubles. (Ever notice how many So Thats there are in the scriptures?)

The more I come to know Christ, the more I realize how much of this whole journey is not about me. It's not about what I'm thinking, feeling, or going through at any particular moment. It's really about how much I love God and in turn love others, much more than it is about me being comfortable.

I'm not particularly fond of troubles, and I don't think God likes them either. His heart breaks for us when our heart is broken. But, being the God of ALL comfort gives Him an advantage. And being His children means we have access to all the comfort we need. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

What does the difference between comfort and being comfortable look like in your life? Do you spend too much time and energy creating comfort for yourself? Is God asking you to take a step of faith that may leave you feeling uncomfortable?

How does this scripture speak to you? "

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."
(2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

$10 Goes A Long Way in India
Will you consider making a year-end, tax-deductible donation this Christmas? If you would like to make a difference in a child's life please Donate Now.  

Prayer Points:
Please pray that God's name will be glorified in all that we do
That the Word sown in the hearts of the children will bear much fruit
For the completion of the new Children's Home 
Pray that many will respond to the gospel

Please pray for the Addock people of India

Population: Unknown
World Pop: Unknown
Main Language: Tamil
Main Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%

Psalm 96:3, "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples."

All gifts are tax-deductible and are used 100% as designated

Why Do We Give Thanks?

On October 3, 1789, President George Washington gave the first proclamation concerning Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. The first part of the declaration reads as follows:

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness: Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of the great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be."

Wow, that sure doesn't sound very politically correct does it? Psalm 107:1 says, "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever." Then in verses 21-22, the Psalmist goes on to say, "Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy."

Just as the forefathers of our country gave thanks to the Lord, let us do the same today. As individuals or as a nation,  I believe that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)



We are now accepting requests for speaking engagements around the U.S. for 2011. Our ministry partner, Pastor Johnpaul Pinapati, and our President, Russ Sharrock, would love an opportunity to come and speak to your church, youth group, or home group. We will be available from May 5-June 20 depending on your location. Please Contact Us to schedule a date.


Prayer Points:
Pray for the HIV/AIDS patients who are shunned by society 
Pray for the Women and young girls trapped in a life of prostitution 
Pray for an increase in the number of monthly givers to allow us to reach a greater 
number of people with the gospel 
Prayer for continued giving to complete the building of the new Children's Home

 

 

All gifts are tax-deductible and are used 100% as designated

How To Prepare for Next Summer's Mission Trip, Now

I realize it's only November, but there are several things you can do to prepare for next summer's mission trip now. To get the most out of the week or two you'll spend on mission next year, here's what you can be doing between now and then to get ready:

Pray
It may be a "given", but it doesn't hurt to remind you to be praying about every aspect of your trip. Now's a great time to start praying about where God would send you and what you can be doing to prepare.

Research
If you haven't decided on a destination or with what organization, then now is the time to begin your research. Don't forget to check out the mission trips we offer at AIM. Find out about the different needs around the world and what God is doing in the nations through the various mission websites, and then join Him there.

Plan
November is a great month to begin making plans about next summer. Once you've prayed and done the research, it's time to decide on the right trip for you. Even if you haven't made the final decicision on where to go yet, odds are you can still make initial preparations, such as a passport, etc.

You can start drafting a "support letter" to let people know you're going on a trip (to see if they might be interested in supporting you), plan a fundraiser, find a packing list, learn even more about the country or area you are considering. The week before the trip will be here before you know it, so now is the time to start planning.

Stay informed
Don't disconnect from the organization. Continue to research and stay in touch with the sending organization. Subscribe to their newsletter or blog, or anything that will help you be prepared.

And pray some more

We harp on this a lot, I know. But prayer is important. Continue to pray for the participants, the people to whom you will minister, and for God to use you.

If you haven't already, you can become a follower of this blog and subscribe to our newsletter. That's a good way to prepare, too. 

If you can't go, but would like to help change a life in India, please consider sponsoring a child for only $30 a month, or donate now to complete the building of our new Children's Home.

Prayer Points:

Pray for a new harvest of believers
Pray for more workers for the field and at AIM
Pray for the financial needs of the ministry
Pray for our Board members as they seek God's wisdom in planing for the upcoming year

All gifts are tax-deductible and are used 100% as designated

The Compulsion of Divine Love

We need a new sense of divine love. There's nothing more powerful in the whole world than the power
of love. Love will motivate and empower people to do what nothing else can cause or compel them to do. In  Song of Solomon  8:6 we're told, "For love is as strong as death." Death is the one power that is universally recognized as superseding all human power.With all our knowledge of medical science, and in all we know about human existence and the human body, we are still helpless before the power of death.

Why is it that, relatively speaking, the "church" is doing so little in getting the gospel to unreached peoples around the world? Is it because we have lost our sense of compulsion from divine love? If the church is to accomplish the evangelization of the world, this one essential motive must be present in the believer's heart, and in the church.

Remember that Christ's love in us gives us a burden for the souls of men, and compels us to go to them with the message of salvation.

Remember the Apostle Paul who was consumed for his own people because the love of Christ was in him. In Romans 9:3 he said, "For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers..." In the previous verse he stated, "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart." Paul was constantly burdened for his own people, and in chapter 10:1 he says, "...my hearts desire and prayer for the Israelites is that they may be saved." This was not merely the love of a normal man, it was the divine love of God in the heart of a spiritual man. Love is the first evidence of the fruit of the Spirit, and anyone filled with the Spirit is filled with the love of God. The two experiences always go together.

David Brainerd, one of the earliest men to carry the gospel to the Native Americans of North America, was found one morning on his knees in sub-zero weather. With perspiration dripping off his face, he was crying out to God for the souls of those people he had learned to love and sought to win for Christ. He was compelled by love in his own heart, put there by the Holy Spirit.

This is exactly what it takes to be a missionary. Human love alone can not do it, but God's own love is sufficient to drive us anywhere to proclaim the gospel of Christ to men. It was the love of Christ that moved Him to come into this world and go to the cross to provide salvation for sinful man. And it must be His love in us that motivates us to take up that cross and bear it to the ends of the earth for His name.

If you would like to partner with us to help proclaim the gospel to Asia please Donate Now, or if you would like to go on a mission trip, we are still accepting applications for next spring. Just go Here Now to download and complete the application form. Please read all the information carefully.

Prayer Points:
Pray the Lord will bring more youth and adults to get involved with international mission outreaches.

That God will continue to work mightily in the land of India.

That the Holy Spirit will speak clearly to the people and that many will turn to the Lord

Pray for the Unreached Addapu Singa
Population: Unknown
World Popl: Unknown
Main Language: Tamil                                          
Main Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%

All gifts are tax-deductible and are used 100% as designated

The End of the Road?

A writer once said that more than one soul dies in a suicide. That seems to be the case in the home of
Neha Sawant. The atmosphere in the tiny apartment was heavy with a sense of grief ever since the
11 year old was found hanging from the window in their apartment. Her parents were still in shock
after several weeks, and Neha's grandmother said in a broken voice, "Our brains are not working. We still cannot believe it."

Neha, at 11, is probably one of the youngest people in Mumbai to commit suicide. It's difficult to find the most recent figures, but reports indicate that more and more teenagers in India are committing suicide than ever before. In Mumbai alone, during the first twenty-six days of January this year there were 32 suicides--that's more than one a day.

Suicide is the second highest cause of death among youth and adults in the world. According to a BBC News report, more than 100,000 people in India commit suicide every year. And the British Medical Journal The Lancet, reported that the suicide rates among 15-19 year olds in Tamil Nadu were148 per 100,000 women, and 58 per 100,000 men.

Though most families overcome problems, the younger population appears highly vulnerable to suicide. Some of the many reasons explored are their inability to bear shame, anger, humiliation, hopelessness, and fear of rejection by others. But we must remember that suicide is preventable.

Death is inevitable, but when we live for God and His purposes, life takes on new meaning, and is filled  with hope and promise even beyond the realm of death. Shouldn't we act before another life is snuffed out?

In joining with us as partners, you help to bring the only true source of hope and promise to these people--Jesus Christ. Donate Now

Please check out our Website for more information on who we are and what our mission is in Asia.


Prayer Points:
-Pray for God's blessing on our India partners
-Pray for new partnerships to be formed throughout the World

-Pray for the funding of projects and continued favor from the

  Lord in the days to come

-Pray for the ministries: Children's Home, Widows, Lepers, Pastors, Churches, funding for new water wells,

 food Distribution and reaching the lost in India

Why Help Indigenous Ministries?

Primarily, because there is no one else who can take the gospel to unreached peoples as effectively as
they can. Many countries no longer allow American missionaries to work where as many as 90% of unevangelized people are living.

It is true that some Christians can still do "social work," but they must first sign an affidavit promising not to "propagate their religion" in a given country. Native ministries do not face such restrictions. They may be persecuted and face opposition from radicals, but they cannot be put out of their own countries for preaching the gospel.

We are grateful for the American missionaries who have gone out over the past 200 years and sowed the seeds of God's Word in many countries. The thousands of native pastors and missionaries who are now doing the work are the fruits of their labor. But the situation is completely different today.

Ministry Partner

As much as 90% of all pioneering  mission work is now being done by native ministries, but they need our help. In India, 75% of all people live on less than $1.00 a day. That's where we come into the picture. We help provide resources to raise up a new generation of healthy, educated believers who can impact their culture in a far deeper and wider ranging way than we ever could.

This is done through Children's Homes where the cast off and abandoned of society can learn what it means to have the hope of Christ in their life and a new beginning. It's accomplished by providing God's Word to everyone seeking the truth about God and the purpose of life. It's accomplished through prayer and providing pastors with the training to effectively witness to, and disciple new believers.

With your help, their work can be greatly multiplied. We only need to give them the tools, and by God's grace they will finish the job.

You can help by Donating Now to provide Bibles ($100 will buy 25 Bibles), complete the new Children's home, basic necessities of life for widows and lepers, bicycles for pastors ($125), or sponsor a child now for $30 a month which provides for food, medical care, education, housing, and the opportunity to hear the gospel.

If you would like to experience India and be a blessing to those you serve, then check out our mission trips scheduled for 2011. Or if you would just like to learn more about AIM check out our website Here

Prayer Points:
Pray for strength and wisdom for the pastors
That hearts would be open to the preaching of the gospel
Pray that many will give to complete the new Children's Home

All gifts are tax-deductible and are used 100% as designated

Your Money and Missions

Dr. Mark Young of Dallas Theological Seminary once said, "Missions is a losing proposition." He was right. To reach out to people takes time, energy, and resources. But we obey the Great Commandment and the Great Commission when we do this. And when we obey, God acts upon it and then Missions becomes a winning proposition. Peoples lives are touched, they are comforted, empowered, and saved for God's glory.

Unfortunately, passion for evangelism and missions is not what it should be among Christians. They are distracted by the burdens and struggles of life. Activities at home and work leave little time for outreach, and less money for missions. And people rarely give sacrificially anymore. Thus, churches are forced to cut missions budgets.

Sometimes our giving is not really intentional and strategic. Consider that only about 5.6% of Christian's income goes to foreign missions. And only about 0.36% of this went to evangelizing the 2.7 billion people in the least evangelized part of the world.

If missions is the heartbeat of God, then why are we not obeying Him? One reason may be the tremendous financial bondage many Christians are living under. In 2001 only 37% of evangelical Christians tithed. If everyone paid tithes, billions would be available for God's agenda.

The solution is to obey God's teachings. We must recognize that God wants us to enjoy Him by setting us free from all bondage by obeying His Word. God owns everything. He gives us wealth to enjoy and share with others. But we are not the owners, just stewards.

In Luke 12:48 we are told that, "...from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much will be asked." We are blessed so we can be a blessing to others, and to proclaim His salvation among the nations. (Ps 67:2) Are you obeying God with your finances? Do you give to your local church and world missions as an act of obedience? Not out of pressure or emotions, but with joy as a an act of love and submission.

You will never regret your decision made before God.

There are many ways you can help the ministry of AIM. Here are some of the ways you can help.

There is a tremendous need for Bibles:
Many people in India are too poor to afford more than one meal a day, no less purchase a Bible. For $100 you can supply 40 copies of the Bible.
New Children's Home:
We still need $35,000 to complete the new Children's Home that will house an additional 100 abandoned children.
Bicycles:
It has been said that India is a two-wheeled society. Most people either walk, or if they can afford it, have a bicycle to get around. The average village church is very poor, so most pastors must walk everywhere they need to go. For only $125 you can supply a pastor with with a bicycle.
Water Wells:
One of the greatest physical needs of India is fresh water. Thousands die every year from diseases such as cholera 
Where Needed Most:
As you consider the best way to give to the work of Asia International Mission, please consider a gift to our "where needed most fund." Such a gift allows us the freedom to allocate funds to the areas of greatest need at any given time, and gives us the ability to plan ahead with confidence.

These are just some of the areas of need here at AIM. If you feel lead to contribute to one of these causes just go to our website to Donate Now

Be sure to check out our mission trips for the coming year

Prayer Points:
Pray for strength and wisdom for the pastors.
Pray that God will continue to work mightily through the land of India.
Pray for God's blessing and protection for our India partners

Pray for the Tanti, Hindu of India  The Tanti people are found across the northeastern portion of India. They are said to have originated as weavers, providers of cloth, back in history as far as ancient Bengal. Not too long ago, virtually every home would have had a loom and cloth present. Today, much of their trade has been taken over by factory production and imported goods. They are considered among the lower castes of India. Ministry Obstacles The Tanti community speaks over 15 languages, residing in 30 states of India. Reaching them with the Gospel of Christ will require a multi-pronged approach. Outreach Ideas Several church planting projects will likely be needed to communicate with this widely dispersed community. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray for the few followers of Jesus among the Tanti people, that they will live a life worthy of the calling they have received, being patient, bearing with one another in love. Pray for the entire people group The Tanti community has a great need for clean water to help with sanitation issues. Since so much of this group is found in rural India, they do not have ready access either to sanitation or medical facilities.  Scripture Focus "I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples." Psalm 108:3

Country: India 10/40 Window: Yes People Name: Tanti, Hindu Population: 4,082,000 World Population: 4,272,000 Language: Bengali Primary Religion: Hinduism Progress Status:   Least-Reached Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Bible: Complete Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes

Asia International Mission is a charitable organization, organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code, and it is eligible to receive tax deductible contributions. We will provide contributors with receipts for tax purposes.

Isn't All a Little Much?

After the resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples and gave them their first instructions, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." (John 20:21) Later, Jesus reappeared to His disciples and gave them more detailed instructions concerning their mission when He said, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to to all creation." (Mk 16:15)

Did He just use "all" twice in one sentence? I can understand "all" when it's something I can see or touch, like "you spent it all?" But this one is a bit more difficult to wrap my mind around. When Jesus talks about "all the world" that makes it a global command for the more than 16,000 people groups spread throughout the earth. But the use of  "all creation" has in view every person.

Sent...into all the world...to preach the good news...to everyone. Is Jesus serious? Does He realize how many people that encompasses? The most recent population estimate in unreached people groups from the Joshua Project is 2.77 billion. That's a lot of people.

Sent...into all the world...to preach the good news...to everyone. Is Jesus serious? Yes, He is! Are we?

Construction has begun

The new Children's Home construction is coming along well. We still need about $35,000 to complete the project. If you would like to help provide hope and a new life for abandoned children please Donate Now. We will keep you updated as progress is made.

You can also sponsor a needy child for only $30 a month. This will provide food, medical care, an education, and clothing. You can choose a child and begin the sponsorship with just the click of a button at our website.

We're starting to fill up for next spring's mission trips already. If you would like to experience firsthand how God is working among the people of India please check out our mission trips scheduled for next year.

Prayer Points:
Continue  to pray for God's provision to complete the new Children's Home
For workers for the harvest
That hearts would be open to the preaching of the gospel



Pray for the Adaviar of India

Pop: 80

World pop: 80                                                          
Main Language: Tamil
Main Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2% 

All gifts are tax-deductible and are used 100% as designated

Home safely.  Yet where is our home? 

God saved my life in south India just two weeks ago.  Now I'm back recovering in clean, quiet Stillwater Oklahoma where tap water is potable, mosquitos don't carry ten forms of death, and sewage is whisked away underground and out of sight.  There are no garbage heaps along the streets with pigs, chickens and ragged children looking through it for something to eat.  We Americans think Stillwater is the norm.  It isn't. 

Most of the world struggles every day for a meal and prays for a safe, dry place to sleep.  While we worry about mowing our perfect lawns, most people have a patch of dirt to eat, sleep and live on.  The water we flush down our drains is cleaner than what most children of the world drink. 

Isn't our home in the center of our Father's heart?  When Jesus said "I come to preach the Gospel to the poor..." isn't that where we should be?  I dare you to listen clearly to Jesus' call:  Leave your comfort, come, and follow Me.  He will take you to places that seem uncomfortable from afar, places you dread to go, but when you actually get there, God is already there--and you are HOME.

Jeremiah 33:3  Call to me and I will answer you...    Thank you, Lord, that you are always faithful to your promises.

It was 3AM last week in a hospital in a strange country, a little boy sleeping on a mat on the floor (my call button), mosquitos feasting upon me through the screenless windows, IV tethering me to the bed....life was reduced to gasping breaths against the pain in my abdomen, breaths that whispered "Heal me, O Lord!"  And He DID answer me.

Day by day He has strengthened me, restored my bodily functions, lessened my pain.  Today I actually walked up a flight of stairs into the hospital, waiting in the crowded clinic, had my staples removed and walked (a tiny bit wobbly) down the street to the taxi.  Praise the Lord, the surgeon proclaimed me on the way to recovery.  Tomorrow (Tuesday) we take a 9 to 10 hour train ride to Hyderabad, one day of rest, then 1AM Thursday off to the airport for another 20 or 30 hours to OKC.  Please pray for a safe and healthy trip home for all of us.

It has been a miracle to find a great surgeon and good hospital where we didn't expect it.  It has been a great miracle that I didn't wait one more day before reluctantly going to a hospital.  Thank all of you for your prayers. Thank Johnpaul's family for all the extra work feeding me specially, making me comfortable, even sitting up with me in the hospital.  Most of all, thank God for His love and mercy, lifting me up from a dangerous situation, and setting my feet upon a Rock.  I am yours, Lord.

Alice Sharrock

Alice is Home!

Praise the Lord, and thank you for your continued prayers. Alice is doing well and eating good. They released her from the hospital at approx. 1:00 pm, but by the time we packed everything, chased down the guy who collects the payments, and passed through the gauntlet of people desiring a "gift" for their services, it was after 3 pm before we got out the door. Alice is now safely and comfortably settled in at Brother Johnpaul's home and ready tackle life.

We were again reminded how God can work for good even in times of crises. We had many opportunities to pray for others in the hospital, both patients and staff, who had struggles in their lives. We were blessed many times over by those who returned and thanked us for our prayers. God is so good.

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Please continue to pray as we work on our new itinerary and look forward to our journey back to the US.

Update on Alice

I apologize for not keeping the blog updated very regularly. Things have been a bit up in the air. Alice is doing much better today. She continues to grow stronger and is now eating some small amounts of solid food.

New sandals

We just got the biopsy back today and it confirmed she had an acute gangrenous appendicitis. But God is good, and she is steadily improving each day. We are grateful for your prayers, and Alice sends  her love.

Even though Alice became ill, we have still been blessed by our time with Johnpaul and his family, and look forward to sharing with everyone when we return. If it is at all possible, we have grown to love the children and the people of India even more than ever. They have taken wonderful care of us and we will miss them when we leave.

Please continue to pray for us. We have yet to sort out the travel arrangements, but I know God has this already worked out.


 

Prayer for Alice

Today, instead of our usual thoughts, I need to ask you to remember Alice in prayer. God has been accomplishing some great things here for His glory. Then three days ago Alice began feeling down, but we thought she still hadn't adjusted from the trip. Today, after a a poor night's sleep she woke up in a great deal of pain. A doctor has been here twice and she is now resting. Please pray for healing and rest, and that satan will not sidetrack us from God's purpose. Thank you, and God bless.

Yesterday I touched a leper.  Not just touched--which I selfishly and fiercely avoided in the past--but I hugged and wept and prayed with them.

My hands were on their bowed heads, on numb and failing feet, on gnarled stumps of hands that cannot even dress some of them.  They sat there with primitive crutches and grubby artificial legs, eyes blinded by deadened blinking reflex, noses rotting away in withered faces.  Some in their sixties had the disease since they were 8 or ten years old.  Outcastes in the midst of the crowds of India.

Unclean!  Unclean! echoing down through the ages.   Shunned by a society where extended family is the supporting fabric of life.  Refused access to water--in a hot and tropical land--lest their touch on the pump "pollute" the entire well.

We gave out 10 lb bags of rice, some spending money, and little plastic bags of water.  The water packets were torn open greedily, thirsty throats gratefully slaked.  Water!  Johnpaul told them that Jesus was the Water of Life....then Russ spoke to them from Psalm 31, teaching them that God is with them even in their struggle and pain.  Fingerless hands raised as "Allelujah" rose to the heavens.

Matthew 8:3 has a new meaning for me today.  When Jesus touched the leper to heal him, it may have been the first human touch he had felt for years. When I knelt down to pray for Susilla's numb feet--and touched them--she burst into tears.  When I rose and took her stumpy hands in mine, I couldn't stop myself from embracing her frail and shaking body to my heart.

God uses the unlikely--and sometimes unwilling--to do His work.  He uses the weak, the poor, the fearful to show His power.  And, He brings the outcastes--all of us crippled, maimed and blinded by sin--into the Marriage Banquet of His glorious Son.  Praise God!  Daivuniki stotrum!