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