Standing In Gap

As we lead teams in India, often we find ourselves standing between two cultures, each one trying to understand the other. On one hand, Americans have their own ideas about how something should be done, and done more effectively. On the other, our Indian hosts assumed that if these Americans can travel halfway around the world to India, they must be rich and had money to spare.

Leaving any preconceived notions aside, one side needed to understand their purpose was to come alongside the native workers and assist them to achieve their vision, not take over the process; making suggestions and learning from each other, but focused on serving. 

At the time, our hosts saw American "wealth" in the light of their own economic standards where 75% of the people live on a dollar a day or less. They needed help understanding that while Americans earn annual incomes far above their own, day to day living expenses can be considerably higher. Neither side is right or wrong; they simply had not had the opportunity to see the world through the eyes and experiences of the other.

At Asia International Mission, we often find ourselves standing in the gap between two cultures. We see this as a role God has given us. Jesus stood in the gap between heaven and earth; by doing this He made a way for us to reach God. Now, we are not comparing ourselves to Jesus, but we see a parallel in that we are helping both cultures to understand the spiritual moorings of the other.

Through shared experiences, reflection, and dialogue, understanding is developed between both cultures and, as a result, mutual relationships of love and trust are built. At the end of the day, AIM serves as a bridge over which both communities are able to navigate. 

If you would like to help us continue to minister to the people of India, and bring them the hope and love of Christ go here to Donate Now.



Prayer Points:
That God would raise up a new generation of workers for the harvest
That past seeds planted would bear fruit
That God would continue to provide for the children's home

Pray for the Bhoi, Hindu of India
The Bhoi community is mainly a landowning one, but a few are                    

landless. A Brahman priest officiates at marriages. At the wedding, 

the bride and groom walk around the fire seven times. They work 

in temples and are therefore accorded a high status in society. 

Every house has an altar to Manasamata. Beside this, there are 

images of Khandoba and a few other gods and goddesses. Every 

family has a number of deities.

Outreach Ideas
Workers are needed. Jesus said to pray for workers, for the harvest is ripe.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray that the Bhoi community will be able to care adequately for their
families. Pray they will make schooling a priority for their children, so the
children will be equipped to live in modern times.

Scripture Focus
"That all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no one else." 1 Kings 8:60

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

Christianity Can Save the World

In many countries of the world, including here in America, there are those who consider this to be a rather arrogant statement. Some of the major objections to Christianity in the West are the historical problems of the Crusades and the Inquisition, just to name two.

However, one must consider the question of whether abominable actions done in the name of Christianity are actually Christian?

In other words, were people just leveraging the power of religious rhetoric as a political tool, or did they genuinely believe they were doing what God required of them? If the latter, is it possible they misunderstood biblical Christianity?

In Western culture where Christianity seems to be growing less and less popular, it's common for Christians to treat their faith as something personal and private that works for them, but may not be true for others. Therefore, they do not impose their belief system on others whatsoever.

Call me old fashioned, but that is totally unacceptable!

Of course, everyone is entitled to believe what they choose. But if you are a Christian, you don't have the luxury of taking a middle-of-the-road approach to how your faith relates to the world. You can't say Christianity is merely a lifestyle choice that has no relation or relevance to it's surrounding culture. That's simply untrue.

Christianity can save the world.

Now, Christianity can be misused. Many times in the past, when this has been the case, those efforts were misguided or downright evil. When Christianity is biblically lived out in your life, it has the power to transform individuals and societies, even the entire world.

Here are 4 reasons why:
  1) Christianity has the power to explain and purify the sinful tendencies within the human heart
  2) Christianity provides a firm basis for respecting people of other faiths
  3) Christians believe that all human beings are made in God's image
  4) Christianity alone provides the perfect system for reconciliation back to God through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ

Needless to say, if the above statements are true, then Christians have good cause to be the most humble, respectful, and merciful people on earth. (Which means we still have a lot of work to do.)

If Christianity is true, then one who follows it cannot claim that it is just another nice religion. They must believe, with strong conviction, that it can save the world, redeem individual lives, and promote "peace on earth and good will toward men."

What do you think? Can Christianity save the world?

And is it the only religion in the world that can do so?

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

If you would like to be a part of what God is doing among the people of India you can Donate Now. Even a small amount goes a long way toward providing spiritual and physical relief for people. You can also help provide clean, fresh drinking water for the lepers of India. These people are ostracized by their community because of the disease and are not allowed to access the local wells. It's only $500 for a well that will provide safe, clean drinking water.

Prayer Points:
Please keep our president in your prayers as he struggles to recuperate from a double leg amputation.
Pray for more workers for "the harvest is great."
Pray that God would touch the hearts of those who can help provide 2000 additional Telugu Bibles to be handed out in Andhra Pradesh this year.

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

Your Word Is a Lamp

C.S. Lewis once said, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

As a Christian, this statement rings true in my life. The Bible tells us, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105  God's word (the Bible) illuminates our lives, and making life so much brighter. We are able to see because of His word, and to know because of His word.

That is just one of the many reasons why it is so important to make sure the persecuted church has His word. With all the turmoil and pain they are going through, His word can light their path, and illumine everything in their lives, and encourage them to stand strong despite the persecution.

And our brothers and sisters are grateful for God's word. Their Bible is their most valuable possession. Please pray that the Lord would continue to allow more opportunities to deliver His word to these believers.

Please partner with us as we seek to place God's word in the hands of every believer by sending a special gift Right Now. Only $25 will put 125 Bibles in the hands of the people. $100 will provide 500 Bibles. Please pray as to how God may be leading you in this area of ministry.

To keep informed on persecution of the church in India please check out our Website for regular updates.



Prayer Points:
Continue to pray for the persecuted church in India
Pray that more people would answer God's call to be involved in reaching the world for Christ

Pray for the Tamil Muslim of India

The Tamil Muslims are largely defined by their language, Tamil. They are drawn from various subgroups, especially the Syed, Sheikh, Labbai, Maraikkayar, and Rawuthar. They are mainly businessmen and industrial workers. Some are in white-collar jobs and some are engaged in embroidery work. Their relation with the other Tamil caste groups and the Hindu communities is cordial. Some members of the community are descendants of Tamil women and Arab traders.

Ministry Obstacles
To follow Jesus within an Indian Muslim community is to risk much that is important in life. Family, friends, and status are included in what is at risk.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Although there may be no followers of Jesus among the Tamil Muslim community today, pray for those the Lord will soon call to Himself. Pray they will grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, learning to live in the power of the Lord's Spirit. Pray they will be without any kind of impurity, or greed.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Tamil Muslims to live in peace with their neighbors, and be able to care adequately for their families. Pray for employment opportunities.
Scripture Focus
"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore 
beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His 
harvest." Matthew 9:37-38

Presented by Joshua Project

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're Back!

We were blessed in so many ways last year, both in our personal lives and as an organization. You have been generous in your giving and prayers, all of which we appreciate. And it's been a joy to join God by supporting the kingdom building work He is doing through our ministry partners around the world. Current ministry fields in India are expanding to include new partners. We are in the process of dialoguing with ministry leaders in several locations as we seek God's leadership in how He would have us engage these ministries. 

Sadly, this year started off with our President (who also leads our mission teams) having his left leg being amputated, and is looking forward to the right leg being taken also in the next month or so. But even through all that, he felt God's calling  ever so strongly that we are to trust in Him alone who is "our rock and fortress" and continue to have hope for the the future. God is not done with us yet!

Last October God deeply touched our hearts for the Lepers of India. Some of them have had leprosy for 45 yrs. Imagine being shunned by family and society for the better part of your life, not allowed to use the public water wells, cannot find a job, and never having the touch of a loved one. So much to be done. Praise God that He allows us to be a part of His awesome plan for His world.

I know many of us are feeling the strain from the economy this year, but remember that because of the great exchange rates today in many Asian countries even the smallest gift goes along way. We invite you to to ask the Lord if He would have you make a monthly, or even a special contribution Now to this ministry. We are a registered 501 (c) 3 organization, and so your gifts are tax-deductible. A receipt for your donation will be sent promptly. Thank you!

Prayer Requests:
Ask God to make His will concerning new ministries clear
Prayer for Susilla in Tenali An abiding faith in God, and strength to meet each new day with hope 
Continued donations as we seek to reach the lost for Christ

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