Winter Training Encourages New Associates

AIMS News: Posted 3/1/2004

In January, AIMS completed its most successful winter Associates Training to date. From January 5-9, 39 pastors, church leaders, missionaries, and students received training in missions mobilization, 25 of which received certification to take AIMS materials into churches here in the United States and overseas.

One new associate expressed that the training confirmed what God was speaking in his own heart and that he received fresh direction to take home to his church. Another associate was so impressed that he booked a Harvest Connection for his church in early 2004.

"I was impressed with the devotion of the people, their readiness to accept and receive training and be challenged," said "Paul," AIMS' Director of International Development. "They just didnít come to get training, they came to get training to use."

Paul recently accepted the responsibilities of Coordinator of AIMS Associates. By answering their questions and encouraging them in their ministry, Paul hopes to establish a continuing line of communication between AIMS and our associates. He would like to see the 276 associates who have completed AIMS training present Harvest Connection throughout the country and become more involved in AIMS ministry trips overseas.

"We want to help them be all that they can be in the Kingdom of God, particularly in reaching unreached people groups," said Paul.

One of the highlights of the training was the introduction of Global Encounter. The session became a time of personal retreat that was very similar to a Global Encounter weekend. Participants broke up into small groups. Several testified corporately to what God was showing them through the week of training. As a result, four pastors expressed an interest in scheduling a Global Encounter for their church.

"My calling has been more clearly defined," said an associate from Fuel International. "I have been working in missions for over ten years, and thought I had a passion for what I was doing, but after going through the training, my passion has been stirred beyond measure. I now realize that I have a real passion for mobilizing the church to reach the unreached."

Twice each year, AIMS offers training for church leaders, missionaries, students and individuals interested in joining AIMS as an associate. The next training is scheduled for June 21-25. For more information about how you can become an AIMS Associate, call the AIMS office at (757) 495-5850 or visit the AIMS Associates page on the web.

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