Issue two 2014 aimint.org/eu

Africa Inland Mission’s

Christ-centred churches among all African peoples

04 Pray, Give, Go, Care| Our Annual Review

14 Why are we focusing on the unreached? | Luke Herrin

18 Out of the Rubble - Reporting from CAR | Steve Entwistle

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REACHING THE UNREACHED

Africa Inland Mission International, a company limited by guarantee (04598557), a registered charity in England and Wales (1096364) and a charity registered in Scotland (SC037594). Registered Office: Halifax Place, Nottingham NG1 1QN.

©July 2014, AIM International (Europe)

Feature: Our Annual ReviewPrayers answered, finances received, mission partners sent and care given. Stories to inspire and excite you, for the year ahead.

Family FocusJohn & Shan Barry serve in South Africa, where John works as Southern Region Director. We asked their boys to share their experiences of living in Africa.

Gospel PartnershipDonna Morrison’s sending church share how they work with AIM to support Donna.

Training in Ministry Outreach Updates from mission partners, sharing their joys and frustrations on TIMO teams.

Reaching the unreachedLuke Herrin, AIM International Director, discusses our focus on the unreached. Plus updates from Mayotte and the Alagwa.

Synergy Short-termNews from our short termers including a trip to a CAN and the Lunan’s year in Chad. Plus exciting opportunities to serve in Africa.

Transformed LivesReports from CAR and exciting stories from Rwanda and Madagascar as the unreached respond to the gospel.

Mobilising MissionTim Matthews, our North England & Wales Area Mobiliser, shares news of his work.

Feature: The Distant BoatUpdates on how the film is being distributed and received across Africa.

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Summer 2014The African Connection is the magazine of Africa Inland Mission in Europe.

Founded in 1895, Africa Inland Mission is an evangelical, interdenominational organisation with the goal of seeing ‘Christ-centred churches among all African peoples.’

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Pray

We give praise to God for answered prayer during 2013. This has

taken so many forms. New members have been recruited for both short and long term service; new resources have enabled some mission partners to set out on their assignments; new leaders are in place for key ministries and positions within the International office, the AIM Europe office in Nottingham and further afield in France and Switzerland. The helpful prayer material produced during the year has enabled supporters to keep in touch with the needs of our mission and in particular the individuals and families who are serving the Lord in Africa and amongst African peoples. It has been a pleasure and privilege to meet some of the new recruits. We thank God for the character and gifts of those whom God has called to work with AIM.

GiveGod has, over the course of another year, caused the financial needs of the mission to be met through many donations, both large and small. We were blessed with legacies during 2013 which exceeded our budget and our mission partners are well supported. Thank you to all our donors who help to ensure that the plans made to pursue

our goals can be implemented, and work started in new areas amongst unreached peoples. We really value your support whether that represents a long standing commitment or a first time donation. We’re looking to make it increasingly easy to make online gifts in the year ahead.

GoIn recognition of the fact that globalisation means that African people live not only in Africa but in diaspora throughout the world, we adjusted our “ Ends Statement” in 2013 (in line with the International Council’s actions), to reflect the fact that in future mission partners may not just work in Africa. We also have developed new plans to reach unreached African people. Under God’s leading we increasingly seek to have greater proportions of mission partners working among unreached peoples. At a recent board meeting we were reflecting on God’s questions to Isaiah (in chapter 6).”Whom shall I send?” and “Who will go for us?” May we continue to

receive willing volunteers who are responding to God’s call to serve him, and may each one of them experience the full power and commission of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit as they serve him within AIM.

CareThis year we have been involved in supporting our mission partners through some difficult situations in Creative Access Nations. We are thankful that procedures and systems we have in place have led those in difficulty to remark that AIM ‘is supporting them and has prepared them well.’ It is also good to hear of day to day constant support offered by AIM office staff and mobilisers to mission partners on the field. As you will read, we have further plans to increase this regular support and to develop internal communications that are easier for mission partners to access, especially as more work in remote areas where internet access can be difficult. Mission partner care is shared by AIM, sending churches and by friends and families. We give thanks for these partnerships in the gospel that allow mission partners to follow their call, to the best of their ability.

Ruth Hyde AIM Europe Board Chair

HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET…

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“we increasingly seek to have [more] mission partners working among unreached peoples.”

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PRAYED:FOR THE LESOTHOSHEPHERDSDesigned for me…

I first heard about the Lesotho team at an ‘Into Africa’ day at the AIM offices in Nottingham. At the time I was interested

in joining a TIMO (Training in Ministry Outreach) team. After hearing about Lesotho, the details of the mission trip and the people they were looking for to join the team, I remember going home feeling ‘psyched’, as though this mission trip was specifically designed for me!

Climbing mountainsI received God’s call for mission in 2010, at which point I went to Faith Mission Bible College. There, I learned more about the need for world mission and specifically in Africa. God has kept the fire for mission burning in my heart.

Preparations are now underway for me to go to Lesotho. Though I feel a bit out of my depth at times, when looking ahead at what needs

to be done, I’m greatly encouraged and motivated by the knowledge that people have been praying for this mission trip for many years. Knowing that God is using me as part of the answer to those prayers, sometimes really excites me,

sometimes terrifies me, but always humbles me and reminds me to keep my eyes on him when climbing the figurative mountains. Good practice for the literal mountains to come!

“I’m greatly encouraged and motivated by the knowledge that people have been praying for this mission trip for many years.”

answered prayer We are told

‘how will they hear without

someone preaching to them?’. Well, how will they pray unless they know what to pray for? Over the last couple

of years I’ve been able to tell supporters, churches and prayer groups of AIM’s desire to send an extreme TIMO (Training in Ministry Outreach) team to the Shepherds

of Lesotho. Many of you prayed that the Great Shepherd would raise up workers to go and he has - even from the UK. Your prayers have been answered, and the team is starting this autumn.

Tim Matthews, Area Mobiliser says…

Chris Klompas from Spalding Baptist Church, Lincolnshire is one of seven preparing to go and work amongst the unreached Lesotho Shepherds.

Download a Prayer Sheet:

Photo: ©B

arry Mann

aimint.org/eu/shepherds

GAVE:TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL

ANNUALREVIEW

We really want to thank all of you who have given so generously

in the last year to our ‘general fund’. We’re so grateful to you, we want to share with you some news of the amazing work God is doing in Africa as a result of this giving!

This fund has: * helped us ‘top up’ mission partners when they have been struggling to raise the funds they need. For example, releasing a couple to head up a new work among an unreached people group.

* enabled us to train people to go to creative access nations (CANs), and equip them to deal with persecution that may arise, particularly from government forces. One couple, facing difficulties in a CAN country recently shared, ‘Our organisation has trained us well for this difficult situation even if we were not expecting it and we are thankful…’

* supported our short-term programme, allowing people like Frazer Mayhew to get a taste of mission. Frazer first visited Kenya in 2007 through our Synergy

programme. Now he’s back, reaching the unreached Samburu people of northern Kenya on a two year Training in Ministry Outreach (TIMO) team.

* meant that representatives from AIM could speak to over 30,000 people last year about the needs in Africa, and encourage people to consider their role in mission, be that through praying, giving or going.

We have been truly blessed by legacy income, but other donations to the general fund are vital. These gifts are used to ensure AIM is on the field in Africa, sharing the gospel, and reporting back stories of transformed lives. There are so many components that go into equipping and supporting ministry and we’re so grateful to all of you who have played your part in seeing God’s Kingdom built in Africa.

“Frazer first visited Kenya in 2007… now he’s back, reaching the Samburu people”

How do I Give?

Income 2013£2,576,745

If you feel that you can give to the gospel work in Africa, please visit our website…

General Fund: £351,650

General Fund: £688,871

Mission Partners:£1,907,745

Mission Partners:£1,451,234

Projects: £317,350

Projects: £245,869

www.aimint.org/eu/give

Expenditure 2013£2,385,974

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Many mission partners live in areas where there is great hostility to Christianity, which is why we can’t mention who or where they are.

WENT:TO A DRY ANDDUSTY LANDWhere are we?

We work in a dry and dusty land, which according to the UN doesn’t actually exist,

although it is a fully functional democracy, with its own parliament, police-force, army, judiciary, education and health systems. It is 100% Muslim with no provision in the constitution for recognition of any other religion.

It is considered to be one of the most dangerous places on earth, but life looks pretty ‘normal’ here, with street vendors selling their fruits, vegetables, colourful cottons and plastics; children in bright uniforms going to school with their pencils and notebooks in hand; mothers washing clothes and caring for infants outside little cloth houses; camels, goats and sheep wandering among the cars and lorries; buildings being constructed everywhere and even roads being paved.

Children shout to you in the streets wanting to practice their few English phrases or spit and throw stones at your car. Most people give friendly greetings and smiles, though some offer more aggressive gestures. Many institutions welcome foreigners with open arms, appreciating their expertise, while other prominent people speak against us every week and incite their followers to act against the infidels. So why do we stay?

Reasons to stay…Here are a few quotes from some of our students:

“Teacher, before I met you I hated all Christians and wanted to kill them. I don’t think that way any more.”

“Teacher, we need to have an argument – if you are right, I will follow Jesus; if I am right you must become a Muslim.”

“Teacher, Jesus has changed my life!”Life here can be frustrating, but we give thanks that Father is at work in many lives.

These areas are called ‘Creative Access’, because workers

need to be ‘creative’ in how they proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Over 200 million people live in Creative Access areas.

Download a Prayer Sheet:

aimint.org/eu/can

Creative Access

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Support in Action

Caring for mission partners is an integral part of the role of a mobiliser. From

the first cup of coffee with an enquirer to the final debrief at the end of a missionary’s career, caring is about relationship, and the stronger the relationship, the better the quality of member care.

The availability of technology these days makes it much easier to provide support. With some mission partners, I can be in Skype contact on almost a weekly basis, especially if there are issues to be addressed, whereas others are happy to email occasionally. Often it’s not just the ‘big’ stuff that’s important – sharing the seemingly inconsequential

‘blethers’ that we have are vital. These build relationships and take us to the place where big things can be addressed.

Field visits are key and an encouragement to our mission partners. As mobilisers, we aim to visit Africa every two years, and each missionary we visit testifies to the huge encouragement that these visits are. Being physically present with our mission partners means they can SHOW as well as TELL what their work and

daily lives look like. That means that when, for example, one of my mission partners bemoans the state of the roads or stresses about the traffic, they know, that I know, exactly what they’re talking about!

Another significant factor in relationship building, is home assignment, when many Scottish mission partners come to stay with me for a wee while. Often we fit their debrief into this time, but it’s mostly about having a rest in a gentle, relaxing environment. Many a late night chat ensues where significant concerns are raised and talked through.

It is a real privilege to be able to support the mission partners that God has entrusted to my care during their overseas service for him. As mobilisers, we value the prayers of our supporters as we seek to do this, with the Lord’s help, to the best of our ability.

“Ruth Box’s visit was such an encouragement to me personally. During her

visit I appreciated her willingness to experience my life, home and work in Chad and to really listen and observe. Having someone on the UK side who really knows and cares about my particular situation has been a special blessing. She goes the second mile and I’m grateful to the Lord for her and pray for his blessing on her important ministry in Scotland.”

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CARED:FOR OUR BROTHERS& SISTERS IN CHRIST

Caring for mission partners is the responsibility of supporters, churches and AIM staff. Ruth Box, Area Mobiliser for Scotland talks about her responsibility to care.

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“While working in hot Chad a visitor from Scotland is like a breath of fresh cool air!”

Joan Mackenzie says…

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Marginalised by their neighbours, struggling to survive, yet loved by God. The Ik people living in north east Uganda are a warm

and sociable people but have been pushed into the hills by larger tribes. Featured in many of our prayer resources this past year, we are so thankful, that even though these unreached people are forgotten by many, they are remembered by you in your prayers.

Over this next year we want to continue to pray for the advance of the gospel amongst people like the Ik and for the many mission partners who faithfully work amongst the peoples of Africa. To help you pray, we plan to develop our prayer material:

Prayer DiaryBuilding on our popular Prayer Diary, we plan to combine this publication with stories from our magazine. This will mean you’ll have daily prayer items alongside articles and stories from mission partners. We trust this new combined Prayer Diary will encourage us to pray with more insight and praise God for what he is doing in Africa.

New Prayer ResourcesWe will also be seeking to engage a new generation of supporters. We want to revitalise our web and email presence with more downloadable resources, that challenge, stimulate, inspire and encourage people to remember to pray for those – like the Ik, who are unreached with the glorious news of Jesus Christ.

If you would like to download or sign-up to receive our current prayer material, please visit www.aimint.org/eu/pray

“Ali* became a close friend and regular visitor to our house after the tragic death of his pregnant wife and child. Over the months that followed, God

worked in his life. One night, the whole team prayed for him after he told us he couldn’t sleep as he was troubled by images of his dead wife and child. He had been planning to sacrifice to appease his ancestors but God released him and from that night on, he had no trouble sleeping. Later, we were able to explain that Jesus was the only way to God and he began to read the Bible in Swahili and search for himself. This search led to him eventually giving his life to Jesus.”

Over the next year we want to share more stories with you like the one above, stories of transformed lives, of the unreached hearing of Jesus. Owen & Miriam Pugh shared this testimony from an Alagwan friend of theirs. They, and their family have completed a three year TIMO team but are now heading back to continue the work they have begun amongst these unreached peoples.

Our ability to walk alongside Owen & Miriam in their journey to Africa would not happen without your giving. Today, in addition to those already serving in Africa, we are using your General Fund donations to walk that same journey with 45 long term enquirers and 26 short term. Isn’t that fantastic? Just consider the Kingdom impact of these men and women being released into ministry! But it’s a journey that can only be walked through the General Fund donations we receive. *name changed

For more information give us a call or visit www.aimint.org/eu/give

YEARAHEAD YEARAHEAD

PRAY:REMEMBER THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS

GIVE:CONTINUE THE UNFINISHED WORK

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AIM International’s vision is to see Christ-centred church communities among all peoples of Africa, filled with people

proclaiming Christ and living transformed lives. To achieve this, we need to send gospel workers to the unreached or catalyse African national believers to go. We need Christians to be trained, equipped and sent out.

As the European Mobilising Region, it is our responsibility to spread the message about reaching the unreached, to excite and encourage supporters, enquirers and existing personnel to go to some of the world’s most difficult places. So far, we’re not doing too badly! Last year 85% of new mission partners were assigned to this ministry. So far this year 100% of new mission partners will be reaching the unreached.

But our goal is far from accomplished and as we press on, while not ignoring other unreached African people groups, we are proactively focussing our European mobilisation activities on four unreached people groups, namely:

• The Alagwa of Tanzania www.aimint.org/eu/alagwa

• The Samburu of Kenya www.aimint.org/eu/samburu

• The Shepherds of Lesotho www.aimint.org/eu/shepherds

• The Ik of Uganda www.aimint.org/eu/ik

Please join us in praying for more long and short term mission partners to go to the unreached. We continue to look to God to raise up a minimum of 15 long term and 60 short term mission partners each year.

Caring for our mission partners is central to our work in the Personnel Department. Not only do we want to offer caring

relationships through our mobilisers, we also want care to be ingrained in all that we do. Therefore for the year ahead we have made some commitments.

Firstly, we are committed to be responsive to mission partners communications within 48 hours, including responses to prayer letters, although we recognise we still have a way to go to achieve this. We want mission partners to know that we’ve received their information and that we’re supporting them.

Secondly, we’re offering to be available to speak with mission partners via Skype or telephone at any time, to suit them.

Thirdly, we’re committed to being willing and able to ‘intervene’ when things go wrong. Whether that be communicating with receiving region personnel, travelling to meet with a sending church or to meet the mission partner themselves.

In addition, we’re seeking to learn how we offer better care in the future. As such, Amy Birtwistle is now part of the Global Connections Third Culture Kids Forum. This means she will be able to glean from, and input into, how Global Connections can help us serve families - watch this space!

“…we also want care to be ingrained in all that we do.”

YEARAHEAD YEARAHEAD

GO:PROCLAIM CHRIST AMONGST THE UNREACHED

CARE:FOR THE FEET OF THOSE WHO TAKE GOOD NEWS

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Meeting the Barry Boys

Where do you live?Johannesburg.

Can you describe it for us?It’s not very different to England except there is probably more space and thieves. (Joseph) Also, it’s much easier to own things like BB guns and dogs. (Joseph) It’s rushed and exciting. (Themba) In Johannesburg it’s cool because you can see lots of cars like Porsches and other cool cars. (Michael)

What is the food like?Well, at KFC there’s chicken, at Scooters there’s pizza and at Ocean Basket there’s seafood. You can buy pretty much anything in the shops from Sushi to maizemeal. (Themba) If August Basson cooks it’s brilliant! (Joseph) I love the pizza! (Michael).

What’s it like living in another country, telling people about Jesus?After living in your fifth country it feels normal. At RVA we talk about God every day. (Themba) I was born in South Africa and I miss the sea. (Joseph) Another country? I don’t get the question. (Michael)

What’s school like?School at RVA is great. (Themba) School in Johannesburg is fine. Sometimes it’s stressful and there’s lots of work to do but I have lots of friends. (Michael)

Do you go to church?Yes!

What do you get asked most by friends and family at home?Normally they ask how school is and sometimes people ask if I speak African. (Themba) Where’s home? (Joseph)

Where do you want to live in the future?England (Themba) South Africa (Joseph) England (Michael)

Do you have any favourite Bible verses or stories?Jeremiah 31 (Themba) Psalm 150 (Joseph) The story of David and Goliath (Michael)

FAMILYFOCUS

John & Shan live in South Africa with their three sons, Themba (17), Joseph (14) and Michael (9). John oversees the Southern Region which includes pastoral care of mission partners and looking into new ministry areas.

Please keep a look out for us at summer conventions and come and say hello to us

if we’re on a stand. We’ll be at Keswick Convention for all three weeks, and at Keswick in Wales! We’ve even got prizes on

the stands for those who can find their way around Africa! Discussions with enquirers at last year’s events have led to people pushing doors regarding long term service and entering in to short term overseas service in Africa. Please keep praying for those enquiring, and pray for good contacts to be made at this year’s events too.

“ you can see lots of cars like Porsches…”

“…at KFC there’s chicken, at Scooters there’s pizza and at Ocean Basket there’s seafood.”

Summer Events

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Last December we had the joy and privilege at Martin’s Memorial Church of Scotland, Stornoway of commissioning Donna Morrison as she

prepared to serve God with AIM in Dwelling Places, Uganda. Donna is a much loved and highly valued member of our church family, well known to our Kingdom Kids and youth groups as well as to the rest of the congregation. She will be a huge blessing to her team!

As Donna’s home church we form part of a network of support for her throughout the Islands and beyond. I had the honour and pleasure of being Donna’s facilitator during her outbound studies and was able to see firsthand how God led and provided for her.

Our minister, Rev Tommy MacNeil, had a vision for our recently formed Mission Support Team (of which I am a part) to pray specifically and provide ongoing support for the growing number from our congregation currently serving in, and being called to, mission - nationally and internationally.

It’s been a great help meeting and linking with Ruth Box, and a real encouragement to witness the serious level of commitment AIM exhibits towards its missionaries and their sending church. We look forward to our developing an ongoing partnership!

50 years in AfricaWe wanted

to write an article

to mark the 50 years that Dr. Keith Waddell has spent in Africa, and his remarkable achievements, particularly as a groundbreaking eye surgeon. In researching this article, however, we kept hearing, ‘Keith’s a humble man who wouldn’t be comfortable with an article about him.’ So, to honour him, we won’t embarrass him. His work does not go unnoticed though, there will be a thanksgiving service for Keith in October in Uganda where we will join together with many Africans to thank God for him.

If you do want to know more about Keith and his work in Africa, you can read more online:

www.aimint.org/eu/keith

Julian Jackson - a shining example

On the 3rd of March 2014,

Rachel Jackson wrote to inform us that her husband, Julian had slipped into heaven after several years of sickness. Rachel added, “I was filled with immense joy for him and amazing peace which the Lord has given and so we thank and praise God for your prayers and the amazing victory we have over Satan and death.”

For many of those who knew him, Julian Jackson was a shining example of a truly humble, encouraging and wise missionary. Born in Kenya where his parents were coffee farmers, Julian was sent back to UK for his education. Despite the hostility to missionary service from his parents, (his mother is said to have had ambitions for him to become the Governor of Kenya!). Julian & Rachel were involved in several strategic ministries and made a massive contribution to the work of AIM and the Africa Inland Church.

News in briefGOSPELPARTNERSHIP

Donna Morrison to Dwelling Places

Donna Morrison works in the finance office of Dwelling Places, a Ugandan Christian NGO dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, reconciliation and resettlement of street children.

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Our new home

Bags packed, orientation complete, goodbyes said and we were on our way! Months of planning and

preparation had finally come to fruition. As we drove through rural Kenya we were thrown around in the car as it bumped over big rocks into deep holes. I could feel my eyebrows rising higher and higher in astonishment – do people really live out here? After another hour or so, we reached Lchakwai, where some of our TIMO team would be based.

Our house is up in the hills, another forty minutes’ drive from Lchakwai. As we arrived, swarms of children came to see these white people who were to become part of their community for the next two years. Flocks of goats and sheep grazed nonchalantly as we tried to take in our surroundings. That we were in a remote place was clear; that we could see this beauty, which so few ever get to see, felt like an enormous privilege. Yet we felt

overwhelmed by these people all wanting to talk to us in a language we could barely speak.

HomestayWe were immediately thrown into our homestay, in which we followed two moran (young men) around. This was tiring and dirty but a real eye-opener. During our homestay, we saw some men take blood from a cow (to drink), ate in secret hideaways in the bush (as moran don’t eat food prepared by women), and helped in a vaccination drive for their goats by grabbing the goats out of the pens. We experienced true welcome and hospitality, and learnt a lot.

They need JesusJust over a month in now, we are getting used to routines: drinking plenty of chai, fetching water and cutting down thorn trees for our fence. I have been lost so many times on paths I thought I knew, I am covered in cuts, bruises and insect bites and I am frustrated with language learning. And yet… I never get bored of looking at the stars. These people have befriended us so warmly, and, above all, I am convinced that they need Jesus, as I do, in order to have true and living hope. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else

…I am covered in cuts, bruises and insect bites and I am frustrated with language learning.

In March 2014, the Samburu TIMO team began their two years living amongst the unreached Samburu people. Frazer Mayhew gives an update on what it’s been like so far.

An update on MarasaioIn the last magazine we asked you to pray for ten year old Marasaio from the Samburu people, who had to go to Kijabe hospital. Pete & Libby Halestrap say: Marasaio’s uncle was so impressed by the love evidenced at the hospital and by conversations he had with the staff at Kijabe, that he has welcomed us to come and share the Jesus film with his village of 3000 people. Praise the Lord!

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Saying goodbye

Smile African Ministry’s work includes ministering to street children, orphans and discarded babies through a rehabilitation programme which provides food, education, medication and basic necessities. Ard De Leeuw will be utilising his handyman and building skills to teach the boys and young men.

Ard: Saying goodbye is edging closer and this is beginning to affect me. I am becoming more aware of this process.

Our family members are also going through their own ways of processing our move. Some have accepted our decisions and understand them, the others are ignoring the fact that we’re leaving, preferring not to consider it until it’s upon them.

Carin: I’m really looking forward to going now, but I am curious about how we’ll adjust. For us as a family, will we find our place there? How will we balance being there with contact with the Netherlands? Manoah (1) is too young to realise what’s happening.

Boaz (3) tells everyone that he is going to live in Uganda. Yet we see that for Boaz, at the moment, there are some things that trouble him, for example, when he discovered we have sold his toys! He is also working out what he can take to Uganda and what being in Uganda might require of him.

Despite all of these thoughts, we have noticed a huge amount of contentment. We are out of our comfort zone, but still, our enthusiasm grows. We daily see God’s hand in our lives and we’re seeing that he is leading all the preparations.

Please pray for our families to be at peace with our move and for peace for us, through all the preparations, and finally, for our children as they adjust.

a two-year training programme with a team approach to learning

about reaching the unreached with the good news of Jesus Christ.

about planting churches that plant churches…

Training in Ministry Outreach is…

Lesotho Shepherds updateA huge praise item! 7 men have been accepted on the Shepherding team. Please pray for the team as they get their kit sorted and continue to raise support.

Ik update: the next stepIn our last magazine we highlighted the unreached IK people in north east Uganda and looked at what’s involved in seeking to reach them with the gospel. Peter Root from the Nottingham Office will soon be surveying the Ik. The survey will seek to establish some initial relationships, locate where the 2015 TIMO team could be placed and assist in preparing people to join the team. Please pray for this important trip. We will keep you posted on the outcome. Find out more about the IK:

www.aimint.org/eu/ik

The De Leeuw’s fly from the Netherlands on 13 July to their new home in Tororo, Uganda. They will be joining a focus team working with Smile African Ministries (SAM).

Find out more about TIMOwww.aimint.org/eu/timo

SAM’s fruit program for children

http://bit.ly/1pOmvUb

Visit the De Leeuw’s website:

The Shibushi of Mayotte‘Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well’ 1 Thessalonians 2:8I was encouraged and challenged by a recent visit to our mission partners Chris & Sarah Power who are working among the Shibushi people of Mayotte. I was encouraged to see their commitment to sharing their lives and the gospel with this unreached Muslim people group. However, I was also challenged. Here, we have just one family of gospel workers living among tens of thousands with no opportunity to hear the good news. Please pray for more workers for Mayotte.By Andrew Chard

Why are we focused on reaching the unreached?

In 1895 a young British man, Peter Cameron Scott, visited the tomb of David Livingstone, in Westminster Abbey. On his

tombstone, he read: “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also” John 10:16. He felt the Holy Spirit stirring his heart, and accepted the call to service in Africa. Africa Inland Mission was born.

The founding of AIM was part of a new wave of mission to the interior of distant lands. The gospel had reached the coastlands, but there were vast, uncharted, and unreached regions beyond, where millions knew nothing about Jesus Christ. It was the Lord’s call to Scott, and to AIM, to bring the gospel to these regions.

Scroll forward about 80 years. The work had been wildly successful. Jesus, working through AIM, her sister missions, and many devoted and courageous African believers, had planted huge churches across sub-saharan Africa. AIM was working with the local church in 6 African countries. Another young British man, Dick Anderson, felt the stirring of the Holy Spirit. “Fire in my bones,” he called it. As the leader of AIM, he began a push that continues,

moving AIM into new countries and among new peoples.

One of those, a virtually untouched Muslim people, was where the Lord called me and my family. Anderson had led the charge years before, challenging AIM workers to move to unreached nations and peoples. Many responded, leaving behind familiar ministry for unfamiliar, reached areas for unreached. Today, among that isolated Muslim people, there is a church. A small, struggling, persecuted, poor church. But loved and treasured by her Lord.

Today, as we look back to these two pioneers, and at the current situation in Africa, we must consider what our Lord wants us to do now. I believe that His call to AIM has not changed. Our goal remains: “With priority for the unreached, Christ-Centered Churches Among All African Peoples.” To accomplish this, we will focus on four areas: 1. Direct outreach to unreached

African people groups (including diaspora),

2. Mobilising Africans for this same task,

3. Equipping of African church leaders, and

4. Serving those who are doing these tasks.By the Lord’s grace and

power, through the prayers, gifts, and sacrifice of his people, his kingdom will come among all African peoples!

We ask Africa Inland Mission’s new International Director, Luke Herrin, why AIM’s priority is for the unreached.

Unreached Updates

Pray for the Island people. Download a Prayer Sheet

aimint.org/eu/islands

Dodoma

LakeVictoria

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Hanang

Dar esSalaam

Morogoro

Ga’ara

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The Pughs are heading back to work amongst the unreached Alagwa. We asked them why?

We could enthuse about our wonderful team, the positive

partnership with the AICT*, the church on a journey towards maturity, reaching out with authentic Alagwa expression, sustainable development projects and Chronological Bible Storying.

But when it boils down to it, each of our reasons has a name, a family and a deep need to know Jesus. They are why we are going back.

*Africa Inland Church Tanzania

Miriam Pugh also wrote this poem about why they are going back…

We go back to:Live Jesus’ love in tangible waysTell Jesus’ love in understandable

waysShow Jesus’ love in practical waysEmpower and encourage the

National Church in any and all ways.

Learn Jesus’ love in humility,Pray Jesus’ love in dependency,Experience Jesus’ love in

community,And then,when the Alagwa church is rooted

and growing,Work ourselves out of a job.

Owen & Miriam Pughare preparing to go back to work amongst the unreached Alagwa, nurturing and strengthening a new church that is being planted there. They use Chronological Bible Storytelling in the heart-language to communicate God’s word.

The AlagwaLocation: Remote hills and mountains of central Tanzania.

Number: 40,000 people

Livelihood: They are subsistence farmers, growing maize and millet. They also keep cows, goats and sheep.

Culture: They are very community oriented, living in houses made of burned brick with roofs of thatched grass. The Alagwa speak both Alagwaisa and Kiswahili.

Religion: Over 90% are Muslim. However, they seamlessly blend traditional beliefs with Islamic ones.

Our reasons have names

Photo: Alagwa Girls dancing

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unknownsNaomi (name changed for seurity reasons), recently returned from a short-term trip to North Africa, shares a little about her time…I recently undertook a short, 10 day Synergy trip to North Africa. A trip that, for me, was a first introduction to mission, a way for me to consider God’s call on my life to serve him. Because I don’t know where that call on my life may take me, I’m choosing not to share my identity, creative access nations (CANs) may be an option for me. This trip has certainly changed my perception of mission partners working in CAN situations. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel that often we want to know so much about people before we pray for them, but these people are the ‘unknowns’, desperately needing our support. I’m used to knowing mission partners by name, but now I know there are so many whose names must remain hidden, sharing their lives and the gospel across North Africa. These 10 days taught me to pray for these people, I hope in sharing my experiences I can encourage others to pray too. To hear more from Naomi’s visit:

www.aimint.org/eu/naomi

Could Synergy be for you?

Congo Focus Team

Up for some

action? How about a joining a 10 month Focus Team going to Congo.

Learn the local language and culture as you become involved in the life of the Banda church and community. If you’re considering a long term future in mission, this could be the perfect taster!

There are many opportunities to serve in Africa with AIM. This month we are highlighting two completely different teams.

synergy.eu@aimint.net

Synergy short-term Opportunities to get involved with cross-cultural mission in Africa with a heart for making disciples of Jesus Christ.

www.synergyafrica.com

Unreached Prayer Team

Bit of a prayer

warrior? How about joining a prayer team?

Live amongst some of Africa’s least reached people groups, including the Ik of Uganda. Learn about their lives and situation and spend time praying for them. Could you lay the prayer groundworks for mission?

Meet Amy…When I did my own Synergy placement in Chad back in 2009, I had no idea that God would one day lead me to be running the programme which first launched my interest in world mission. Having been through the programme myself, and then having spent the last few years assisting long term mission partners prepare to go to Africa, I am excited to bring these experiences to this role. AIM’s short term programme exists to be a support and a resource to long term ministries and I am looking forward to working with short-termers who feel called to be part of seeing ‘Christ Centred Churches Among All African Peoples’. Interested in going? Contact Amy

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Working at Wellspring Academy Greetings

Angela, Peter (2) and I arrived in Chad in early August 2013 in the dark and were

immediately greeted by the local bugs – cockroaches the size of a small child’s foot! Although Peter was completely enthralled by these creatures they thankfully did not follow us to our apartment, and we haven’t seen cockroaches of that size since, although their smaller cousins visit frequently!

Praise GodIn Wellspring Academy I have got used to teaching a new curriculum. All the history and geography lessons are focused on American History for the whole year and it is a running joke amongst the AIM missionaries here that the only British teacher on the staff is being asked to teach American History! I will be an expert on this subject if I ever appear on the TV game show Pointless! We give God praise as one child in my class committed himself

to the Lord after he felt challenged in one Bible lesson about ‘dedicating your life to God’ and another child has become bolder about saying he is a Christian. While I am teaching, Peter and Angela get up to all sorts! In summary the weeks are filled with “Mums who pray” meetings in our flat, women’s bible studies, organising “play” with children of vulnerable women and other social meetings that provide opportunity for faith sharing.

The journeyGeographically, N’Djamena is not a huge city but getting out and about can be a challenge! Just going beyond the gates of our compound is literally entering an unknown world of dust, holey roads, sewers, noise and heat. Bikes, motorbikes, pedestrians, dogs, ducks, lorries and cars come at you from all directions! In the early days of us being here it didn’t help that every street looked the same and the car we rent didn’t have fully functional controls. So, as you weave in and out to avoid collisions, potholes, pedestrians and whatever else happens to cross your path – often a family of ducks - you really do feel like you are dancing as you travel along the road. The journey – rather than the destination

- is usually the adventure!

Ally, Angela and Peter Lunan from Dunblane Free Church have just returned from N’Djamena, Chad. Ally taught at Wellspring Academy which is a day school providing education for mission partners children.

Home school week

• Praise God that Wellspring have all the teachers for next year.

• Pray the Lunans will adapt well as they return to life in the UK.

Pray for the Lunans

www.wellspring academychad.org

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www.mwanienty .aimsites.org

Last autumn we reported in this publication the news that the planned team to work with the Mbororo in the Central African

Republic would not be able to go ahead as a result of the tensions and unrest in that country. Instead, a team would be planted in Banda, in the north east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to begin language and culture learning amongst the Mbororo there. Our concern for the peoples of the Central African Republic, however, has not ended. Recently, a group of AIMer’s visited the country to gain further understanding of the situation and the plight of the Zande church and the Mbororo people. Steve Entwistle sends this report:

Our adventure began in Arua, Uganda on April 12. Together with Ian Campbell (AIM’s Associate International Director), Phil Byler (AIM’s Central Region Executive Officer), Wendy Atkins (long-time missionary in CAR & Mbororo team leader), Pastor Gabriel Kpako (leader

of the Zande church from CAR) and our ninja pilot Jay Mundy, we flew across the Democratic Republic of Congo towards the Central African Republic. Expanses of thick, green forests spread out below us. From 9,000 feet up only an occasional village could be spotted… we were heading into the very centre of the African continent, where the rest of the busy world is largely unknown. A huge thunderstorm engulfed our flight for about 30 minutes, but the Lord gave us safety as we touched down in Zemio in the early afternoon.

Weather continued to be a problem, so we ended up changing our original plan of an onward flight and instead hunkered down in Zemio for the night. This gave me the unexpected opportunity to spend a wonderful rainy afternoon with Jean Baptiste & Julienne (see right box)

— a Zande couple who are already working to reach out to the local Mbororo people.

Steve Entwistle reports about his time in Central African Republic as AIM think about putting a new team in the area to reach the unreached Mbororo people.

TRANSFORMEDLIVES

Out of the rubble… Our prayer for the Zande church, the Mbororo and CAR’s capital

Keep up to date with the team’s progress on steve’s blog:

25% of CAR live in its Capital, Bangui

CARis one of the least-developed countries in the world

39yrs is the average life expectancy in CAR

Did you know?

The next morning we zipped over to Obo for a long meeting with the church leaders there. From Obo we flew straight West, about 300 kms, to a beautiful place called Rafai—where AIM once had a significant ministry presence. The motorcycle ride from the airport up to the mission station led through a huge canopy of trees, with scads of butterflies. The Zande welcomed us along the path with songs and waving branches—truly I’ve never witnessed a more hospitable people in all my days in Africa! The afternoon and evening included church service and meetings with the Rafai church leaders.

Onward to Bangui, CAR’s capital, the next morning! The expanse of the city struck me as we flew in over the Oubangui River—almost one quarter of the country’s population lives in this city. As we touched down, our plane raced passed the refugee camp where thousands have sought safety from the brutality which has plagued their areas of Bangui. The feeling of conflict was immediately noticeable. Our drive was striking, with the many armored military vehicles representing various military presences in Bangui (French, Africa Union, United Nations).

“We witnessed lots of rubble along the way, which was all that’s left of churches the Seleka destroyed. Now, with the anti-Balaka presence, young angry men are tearing down mosques”

The Mbororo people

The Mbororo of CAR and Chad are a large people group (15-18 million), related to the Fulani- the

largest nomadic people group in the world. Mbororo means ‘cattle herder’ in the Fulani language. They are semi-nomadic. Some take the herds to find pasture, while the rest stay home and farm. They are Muslim, but fear the spirit world and wear fetishes and charms for protection.

As the country of CAR continues to plunge into chaos and conflict the team which was planned to go and work amongst the Mbororo is now going to be placed in Northeast Congo instead.

Jean Baptiste & JuliennePlease give thanks for Jean Baptiste & Julienne Mboriundore, Zande missionaries to the Mbororo. Jean continues to reach out to the newly resident (normally nomadic, but are now settling in at Zemio) Mbororo people. Jean has learned a good amount of their language, Fulani, and has an open relationship with their chief, Urdu Omar.

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The week before the memorial week, 20 years after the Rwandan genocide, I sat in my living room with two girls. Two

girls who have come to know Christ. Two girls I read the Bible with. Two girls who I have grown to deeply care about. Our threesome is an interesting dynamic in many respects. From different nations and different generations, from different tribes and speaking different languages. A ‘muzungu’, a Hutu and a Tutsi.

I asked the question, “Is the memorial week going to be a hard time for you?” My Tutsi friend started to speak of some of the challenges she faces during memorial week, she began to cry, to sob. The Hutu girl put her arm around her and said ‘mwihangane’ (‘be patient’

- used to show sympathy). I looked on

as my Hutu friend comforted her. In that moment it struck me that genuine forgiveness and reconciliation can only come through the cross of Christ.

The Lambrechts family have lived in Rwanda for 4 years. Loots Lambrechts (AIM mission partner) and Determine Dusabumuremyi (Rwandan partner) lead PTW (Preach the Word) training course based in Kigali - for more on this story please visit the Lambrechts’ blog

lnlambrechts.wordpress.com

In April it was 20 years since the Rwandan genocide. Nancy Lambrechts shares about two friends she meets to read the bible with. A Hutu and a Tutsi…

Identity in Christ

entirely wiped out. They are on a quest for personal revenge as well as for the overall good of the country—in their efforts to purge CAR of the abusive Seleka forces.

Our trip concluded with our return to Zemio, where we were once again enthusiastically met by the Zande church.

We praise God for his many provisions. Our hearts are ever-more burdened for the plight of the Zande church, Mbororo, and the state of CAR’s capital.

Though people were walking about the streets seemingly normally, the reports we were told by our escorts were troubling. We witnessed lots of rubble along the way, which was all that’s left of churches the Seleka destroyed. Now, with the anti-Balaka presence, young angry men are tearing down mosques—apparently 72 out of 80 mosques have been destroyed in the city. All of this was going on while heavily-armed soldiers stood by, not interfering, since policing these matters was not part of their mandate. It all had a tense and somewhat surreal feel.

Two steamy hot days in Bangui were spent mostly listening to the many stories of the church folks—death and danger have become all too

“normal” in this city. I should mention that, from listening to various church peoples’ take on the realities on the ground, the international media has grossly misrepresented the conflict which has plagued CAR. The conflict is first and foremost of a political and retaliatory nature. The Anti-Balaka are NOT representing Christianity as the news stories report, but rather are bands of largely youth, many of whose villages and families have been

The trip to CAR was to meet with the Zande church about a team coming to their area, gain their advice and seek to give them ownership of the proposed team. But mixed in with all these plans is CAR’s new government – heavy on dictatorship, light on human rights.

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Tim Matthews is our Area Mobiliser for North England & Wales. He talks here about his role in helping churches send gospel workers to go and work amongst the peoples of Africa.

Roger, like many people in Madagascar, grew up in a culture of ancestral spirit worship. In talking about his past, Roger writes: ‘I loved idols because I got rich from idols. But I felt

that the idols tricked me. I was always ill, every year.’ By God’s grace, he rescued Roger from this empty life and brought him into a new life with Jesus. Roger soon became the leader of his village church; his wife and nine children forming the core of the congregation. Roger is one of 38 village church leaders who come to Mandritsara twice a year for a month of Bible teaching. However, recently Roger spent an extra few weeks in Mandritsara, not for training this time, but as a patient at the Good News Hospital. He had slipped off the edge of a road during heavy rain and been sucked down into a metal pipe and transported under the road before emerging on the other side with a large gash below his knee. He could easily have drowned. But as he recounts his story, he tells me of the moments when he prayed for God to save him when he felt his foot slipping, thanking God when he was able to breathe again, no longer completely surrounded by water but still in complete darkness in a metal pipe under a road and praising God for his salvation when he emerged from the pipe. There were other times. He arrived at the hospital a few days later with severe infection, requiring strong antibiotics and a skin graft but he’s now back at home and with another story of God’s salvation to share with those around him.

Two years in and I think things are making sense now …at least most of the time as I talk, travel, plan, preach, prepare, wonder, pray, read, check emails, meet in homes,

coffee shops, conferences, churches, universities and motorway services!

All this doing is geared around three areas – working with new candidates God is calling to go to Africa’s unreached peoples; churches and other groups who are supporting or interested in AIM’s work; and existing mission partners coming on home assignment or end of service. Somehow they all seem to blend together and make the role of a mobiliser very varied, busy and above all exciting. We are directly involved in the lives of those God is calling to go to the ends of the earth and to trust him above whatever they currently have and know.

How I got here was entirely down to our heavenly father, who never lets our experiences go to waste and is always preparing us for the next work and phase of service he has planned. My background was in small and multinational companies, then running my own businesses, until the Lord gave me the opportunity to do a part time Bible College course. I’m an elder in my home church in Irby and was also in my previous church, so as I look back I can see how the Lord’s hand has been guiding and preparing me. I guess I must also expect that this role is about learning and preparing for whatever God has for me to do in the future too!

The coming year is looking good – I’m now able to plan strategically how AIM can engage more effectively with the churches, work wisely and helpfully with the good number of candidates we currently have applying for Long Term Service, and hopefully manage the business and apparent chaos of a mobiliser’s life that little bit better.

Mobilising MissionI loved idols

The Linleys live in Mandritsara, Madagascar. Amongst other things, Mat Linley is involved in co-ordinating leadership training for church leaders in villages around Mandritsara. Katy is a doctor at the Good News Hospital.

www.mandritsara.org.uk

“By God’s grace, he rescued Roger from this empty life…”

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Watch the film…To watch the film yourself and find out more about the project, visit the Distant Boat website or contact the office:

Reuben Nzuki, National Director for Finish the Task and Andrew Chard, European Director.

The Distant Boat is a feature-length movie drama with the aim of stirring the heart of the African church toward greater involvement in missions. Released in October 2013, the film is already making an impact.

On a recent visit to Nairobi, Andrew Chard met up with Reuben Nzuki

who is the National Director of ‘Finish the Task’, an organisation partnering with AIM on the Distant Boat project. Reuben came to Christ through AIM broadcasts in Kenya during the 1960’s and has served for over thirty years in cross-cultural mission in the hardest to reach areas in Africa. He is passionate about mobilising the national Church to engage in mission among the un-reached.

Reuben’s specific role in the project is helping to distribute the film. There has already been a request from an institution to

provide 1000 DVDs so that all of their graduates have a copy! There are also plans to show the film in different locations in Kenya as part of a weekend focus on mission. There is also a helpful study guide and information card to fill in, if you want to get more involved in cross-cultural mission, that accompanies the DVDs.

As well as being involved in the distribution of the film, Reuben is using his experience to facilitate the placing of gospel workers. As you can imagine, that is a challenging task with all the logistical issues that are involved in mobilising, sending and supporting missionaries.

Rueben is a visionary and is an inspiring person to meet. He already has a desire to see a follow-up film made exploring some of the problems missionaries can encounter, for example; poor financial support, family issues and education. These difficulties are real and he wants to help educate believers through the medium of film.

In one sense the hard work has been done in producing this film, yet in another it has only just begun. Pray for Reuben and the national team, that they will be given great wisdom in distributing the film and in preparing and supporting those who go - in Christ’s name and for God’s glory.

“There has already been a request from an institution to provide 1000 DVDs so all of their graduates have a copy!”

www.distantboat.com

Barry Mann says…The film is fantastic. The whole OFM team & supporting crew/cast

produced a film which is not only produced and filmed well but is challenging to the church in Africa and across the world.

The Distant Boat

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Africa Inland Mission International, a company limited by guarantee (04598557), a registered charity in England and Wales (1096364) and a charity registered in Scotland (SC037594) Registered Office: Halifax Place Nottingham NG1 1QN.

WHAT WILL I DO?For six to nine months, you will work alongside an established business to learn how mission and business work in this context, as well as seeking to develop relationships with local people.

WHEN IS THIS TRIP?The start date for the team is mid-late September 2014. For further information about the team, please contact synergy.eu@aimint.net

ARE YOU CREATIVE?

European headquartersAim InternationalHalifax PlaceNottingham NG1 1QNUnited Kingdom0115 9838 120admin.eu@aimint.net

www.aimint.org/eu

Netherlands nederland.eu@aimint.net

French speaking france.eu@aimint.net

Scotland0845 270 4416scotland.eu@aimint.net

South England/Wales0845 270 4418south.eu@aimint.net

Ireland0845 270 4417ireland.eu@aimint.net

North England/Wales0845 270 4415north.eu@aimint.net

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We are looking for single guys with a degree in Business

Studies or Graphic Design, who feel that God might be calling them to overseas ministry in a Creative Access Context.

WHAT’S CREATIVE ACCESS?Creative Access areas or ministries are where there is great hostility towards Christianity and where traditional ‘missionary work’ is not possible. Workers, therefore, need to be ‘creative’ in how they proclaim the liberating news of Jesus Christ.