Friday, January 27, 2012

The Impact of Clear Communication


Asia International Mission is often faced with communicating in different languages. When there is a clear language barrier, such as English to Telugu, we are aware we may need to ask questions in a multitude of ways to ensure we understand one another; we may even need someone who is bi-lingual to help clarify our communication. This is true any time we communicate with people from a different culture, not just when we speak different languages.

It’s important to use the language of the culture when we communicate rather than expecting their culture to speak the language of the church, which may be unfamiliar or foreign to them. Making this simple, but thoughtful change makes all the difference in a participant’s experience.

 In the words of the Apostle Paul, "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
(1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

These words remind me the messenger determines how best to adapt and communicate with those whom he wants to share his message. That often means seeing things from another’s point of view and learning how, in their language, to describe life. In today’s world, where change is the norm, we need to continually adapt to those around us.

Developing ways to communicate the love of Jesus in a practical way is crucial, so people actually experience this love and not just hear about it. Being careful about using words and concepts with which we are comfortable help us not miss the chance to share God’s love in a way that others can understand. 


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Board of Directors
We are very grateful and tremendously blessed to have a group of dedicated individuals serving on the Board of Asia International Mission. Each of these people loves Christ and the Great Commission. 

They are Ben Burnsed; Habilitative Training Specialist, Sharon Cook; Business Owner, Lynn Brandenberger; USDA, Rosalie Lazarlere; Retired Teacher, Crystal Ricketson; House Wife, Dr Chris Puckett; Physician, Ken Thomas; IT Consultant, Alice Sharrock; Business Owner, Russ Sharrock; President & Founder. 

During the next month of September, please pray specifically for each of these individuals.


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Prayer Requests
Pray for our future mission trips to India. Next one is in May.
Pray for funds for AIM’s many projects.
Pray for short-term volunteers who are contemplating future mission trips.



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 25, 2012

To Have a Part



Years ago I heard a good friend of mine say, “I don’t know much about what that guy does, but one thing I know is that wherever he goes I’m going to have a part in his ministry.” That hit me. To have even a small part is significant. It reminds me of the woman that just wanted to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. (Matthew9:20) You might remember the extremely poor Macedonian believers who begged the apostle Paul for the favor of having a share in the financial support of the believers in Jerusalem
(2 Corinthians 8:1−5).

This reminds me so much of the reality of Asia International Mission. All of us cannot leave everything to head out to the mission field, but we can all have a part. Each time you pray, volunteer, or give, you are getting a piece of the action.

I know most of you will never have the opportunity to learn a foreign language or take a trip to teach children overseas, but you can still get a piece of the action. Don’t undervalue your involvement. Each part is critical to finishing the task. So don’t ever think that your contribution is insignificant.

You are valuable to the AIM team, and more importantly to the Lord. “…Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Let me close with the story of one small boy’s insignificant contribution. Several years ago, I visited Pawnee First Baptist Church in Pawnee, OK and gave a presentation on mission work in India. A little nine year old boy was in that meeting. Afterwards, he eagerly came forward after the presentation, and digging down deep into his little pocket, he came up with a handful of pennies, nickels, and dimes. He wanted to help feed and clothe abandoned children in India, and to tell them about Jesus.

It was only a small contribution, but as we stood there, he announced, “This is what I am going to be when I grow up. I’m going to be a missionary.” 

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Living Water
Many lepers suffer from a lack of clean drinking water. Because of their disease they are not allowed to use public water supplies. The Lord impressed upon us this idea in 2010. Jesus said in John 7:37, “Anyone who is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” Yes Jesus Christ is the living water, and He is able to satisfy the spiritual and physical thirst of anyone who is seeking Him.

Please help us provide clean drinking water to Leper colonies who are not allowed to drink from public wells. Please click Here to donate.

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Prayer Requests
Pray for openings to speak in many churches and mission groups.
Pray for wisdom to know which ministries to support in the world and how to best help them.
Pray that many would give to the Ezra fund so that we can provide Bibles to all who want them.




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