Sally* joined AIM’s Community Outreach team which partnered with Derek and Claire’s* church to support and encourage them in reaching out to their local, multicultural community. She tells us about her experience on the team.
It was a privilege to join with a local church who were keen to reach out to their African neighbours. We appreciated excellent Bible study, prayer and cultural insights and training in the mornings, and then had a chance to put these ideas into practice in the afternoons. This took the form of a children’s art and craft club, ladies craft and chatter, and sports and outdoor activities at the local primary school. The church members had prepared well and invited families along, based on their existing contacts. Many others came along as word spread that there was a welcoming environment and a chance to meet others within the community. Many nationalities were represented, some recent arrivals and others who had lived on the estate for decades.
We loved being part of a mixed team of AIMers and local believers who had a common purpose, supported one another in prayer and in practical tasks and used their gifts for God’s glory. We had a truly cross-cultural experience without leaving the UK, and were reminded once again about those who live here who have not yet heard about Jesus or had the opportunity to respond to his offer of salvation.
*Names have been changed.
Partner with AIM
Would your church like to start a local ministry among diaspora people?
If your answer is yes, here are some things AIM could help with: We can assist you to conduct a survey to find out which people groups are represented in your local community. Next, we would help you assess what the potential opportunities are for engaging with these communities. Then, together, we would look at the resources your church has along with the resources which AIM has and see where they can be matched with the opportunities in the community you want to serve among.
Working together, we would help you to identify areas where further training is needed. AIM could either provide this training or act as a signpost to help you find it from other sources.
What happens next depends on a number of things, but AIM would be happy to remain involved in the work for as long as it takes to get your ministry established.
Work among the unreached is often more of a marathon than a sprint, and wherever the work is located, a key ingredient for success is a small group of believers who are willing to invest time and effort developing relationships with their local community.
