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

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