Let the Children Come!

    

For quite some time, many missions agencies have existed to minister to the urgent needs of children around the world. They range from large and well-known, to a multitude of smaller organizations. It is impossible to tally  the value of these efforts to bless children who go hungry, who are ravaged by natural disasters, evil intentions, disease and war. These children are the least of the least in many parts of the world.  

These are the children that painfully demonstrate the challenge that still exists for us to live in obedience to our Savior's command, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  Matt 19:14  

Here at AIM, we believe God has called us to be involved in His work to bring awareness to people worldwide about the plight of children, and to develop strategies that impact them both physically and spiritually. Ultimately, to see God's kingdom expand around the earth.

One of our great joys is speaking to and interacting with the children and youth groups of various churches in this country about our ministry to children around the world. It never fails to bring a tear to my eye as they invariably "get it" and begin to dig down in their lint filled pocket for the few small coins they had been saving, and giving it to help those children in desperate need.

The Bible teaches us to raise up our children in the fear and understanding of the Lord. And if we want to see a new generation of believers concerned about missions, then we must begin with our own children. Together, in obedient faith, we must invite our children to come to Jesus not only as Savior, but as Mighty King of the nations. Let them come and take their places as witnesses to their Heavenly Father, the One worthy of wholehearted investment of their time, talents, and resources--their all.

Are you a concerned parent or Sunday School teacher? Do you home school your children?  Has God put missions education in your children's ministry sights? Want to know where to go for resources?

Here is a short list to get you started:
1) Caleb Project -- www.cartpioneers.org
    Introduces your children to the 10/40 window and a representative people group from each of the major
    religions: Tribal, Hindu, Muslin, Atheistic, and Buddhist. CD/DVD format w/video presentations, teacher's
    guides, and downloadable handouts.
2) Voice of the Martyrs -- www.kidsofcourage.com
    Free quarterly magazine featuring areas where the church is under pressure and Christians still suffer.
    Appropriately formatted for kids. Curriculum guide is offered for purchase.
3) Build a children's mission reading library -- www.ywampublishing.com
    Series of missionary biographies: Christian Heroes, Then and Now; Heroes For Young Readers;
    Hero Tales, I, II, III, IV, etc.
4) Group Publishing -- www.group.com
    Hope Lives--5 week journey that transforms children's hearts


If you would like to be a part of the work God is doing among the children of India, please check out our Website Now to sponsor a child, giving them the only true hope and change found in Christ. Or if you would like to give a special gift to help in the completion of our newest Children's Home Go Here.


Prayer Points:
Prayer for thousands of new churches to be planted among the unreached
Pray for new workers for the harvest
Pray that enemies of the church would be restrained
Pray that many abandoned children would be sponsored

 Please pray for the Tamil Muslim 
The Tamil Muslims are largely defined by their language, Tamil.
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.
Scripture Focus
Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers 
are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers 
into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37-38

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

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