Adventures In Missions - Short-Term Missions Updates

Her Name is No Longer Abandoned - Part II

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Last week we shared Ryan Bodine's experience in Swaziland with a little orphan girl named Notando. He shares his follow up story below....

I had been praying since the day I met Notando that God would raise up a family to be an answer to prayer - someone to adopt this precious little girl. To change the course of her life.

The first day I prayed for her I knew that God still had a plan for her life and that abandonment was only a temporary earthly thing. I knew her heavenly Father loved her greatly and had much much bigger plans for her life than abandonment. Her story was not going to end with abandonment and her being lonely in a hospital till she died. This was not her story. No, God had great things in store for this little girl's life. A miracle...

That miracle happened today. When we arrived at the hospital I first spent some time at the men's ward. After praying over a few men there, it was time to go see "my girl" as I so affectionately call her. On my way over there I saw Stephanie and her little guy Eli (read her blog here). She told me that she hadn't seen my girl yet today. No biggie.

On Friday the nurses were doing something to her so she wasn't around for the first 15 minutes or so. As I walked into the children's ward I saw Calie playing with a child and she said "guess who got adopted!" My lovely little Notando got adopted. My prayers had been answered! Friday, after we left, a family from New Zealand came and picked her up. She is a daughter now. She may even be a sister. Most importantly, she is being loved!

Thank you, Lord, that you hear the cry of you children. What was meant for harm and destruction is now meant for joy. Notando now has two loving parents that absolutely love her and will never be the same as a result of her being in their life. Your plan is great, God! Your love for us is incredible! An abandoned, nameless child got a name and now she has a home. Your plans are good!

So here I sit at the hospital crying, because the love that our heavenly Father has for us is far beyond my comprehension. It's not too often that we hear a story of an abandoned child finding a home, but daily we abandon our heavenly Father.

A heavenly Father that longs for us. He longs for us. He anguishes for those who don't know him. He is the one that has been abandoned by his own children yet He still longs for them to come home. It's very much the story of the prodigal son that we all know from the Bible. We have an abandoned heavenly Father that doesn't care where you've been or what you've done, He just wants you to come home. He desires you. You are not forgotten. He knows your name. Come home.

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Taking the Gospel to the Turkana

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Our Real Life team in Kenya shares this story of seeing the spiritual realm manifest in a new way. Please pray for them as they continue to see the kingdom advance!

Tomorrow morning will mark our second week long excursion into the Kenyan bush to reach out with The Holy Spirit and expect great things from God.

The Turkana people are one of the many ethnic tribes here in Kenya and our whole team has the oppurtunity to spend a week with them teaching, preaching, visiting houses in the community and fellowshipping with the localized church body.

I have already spent some time there with the Turkana and I have seen the dark oppression in much of the area.
One home visit I participated in a few weeks ago saw one of my team mates, Holli, becoming breathless as she entered the house of an older mother named Monica.

The Holy Sprirt has really moved in many of our students with physical intercessory burdens. They feel it before they hear it or see it and so that we know what God wants us to do.
Its been INTENSE.

She, Monica, told us that some "jealous" people in the community had gone to a local witch doctor to have her home cursed.

Since then she had suffered from night terrors, night sweats, constant snakes and rats in and only in the night. She would barely look us in the face.

We prayed diligently and ministered until the heaviness seemed to lift and when returning next week found her in better conditions. The snakes and rats had gone she said but still she would not smile, until one student Liz touched her hand, locked eyes with her and asked her to take her authority as a Daughter of God and shout the name of her LORD.
She did so, slowly becoming louder until she stood up and began jumping and shouting...SMILING, Yelling the name of JESUS!

OH BOY. Do we want more of this or what?!
I sure do. Stealing people (who dont belong to him anyway) from the devil is a good thing. We will be there Monday to Sunday this upcoming week and we as always need you prayers.

July 2010 World Race Route Revealed

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 2010 World Race Route

Interested in joining the World Race? APPLY HERE!

>> watch the World Race promotional video <<

**TRAINING CAMP DATES: May 22 - 30, 2010 **

Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is an island nation in the middle of the Caribbean. With a population around nine million, it's a country with more affluence than its neighboring country, Haiti. After the earthquake on January 12 in Haiti, the D.R. quickly became home to thousands of refugees searching for food, shelter, and comfort. This month, you'll serve at orphanages, refugee camps, and more.

Haiti
Haiti was hit with a life-altering earthquake on January 12, 2010. While the nation was left in shambles, it's far from struck down and destroyed. Haiti is experiencing a spiritual revival right now. Communities are turning to pastors for leadership and the Church is becoming the driving force behind Haiti's rebirth. This month you'll help with relief efforts, establish connections, teach, provide for immediate needs, and more. Come prepared to work - come ready to be rocked...

Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here you'll teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more.

Turkey
A primarily Muslim nation, the country of Turkey is also the least evangelized nation on earth. One of the birthplaces of the Church, it is now a nation closed to the Gospel and home of persecuted Christians. This month, you're going to take some risks in sharing your faith. And while we would love to share with you what you will be doing, we can't for safety reasons. Just know - you're not going to forget this experience.

Mozambique
This is one of the most beautiful countries in the continent of Africa. This is a favorite location of the World Race for a variety of reasons (the people, beautiful landscape, ministry partnerships, and more). Although the stronghold of poverty grips this nation, Mozambique is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery. Due to this extreme poverty - or perhaps in spite of it - the church is growing, as well. This month on the Race, you will be teaching, preaching, practicing "true religion" with widows and orphans, and more. You may also probably have one of your most memorable travel "days" here. You'll find out what we mean soon enough.

Malawi

Known as "the warm heart of Africa," Malawi is definitely a place that you visit to ignite yourself with the fire of God. This country has a beautiful landscape and an even more beautiful culture and population.

This month, you'll be helping plant churches, raising up leaders, and infecting the people with the love of God. Chances are you won't want to leave.

Pioneer Africa
Twice during your World Race experience, your team will take a month to ATL (ask the Lord) for a new mission field. He may lead you someplace in the middle of a buzzing city or somewhere that can't even be found on a map. Either way, it's a time of listening to the Lord's voice and following him with true abandon. Uncover more of your inheritance...

Thailand
With nearly two million people estimated to be stuck inside of prostitution in Thailand, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city and rock worlds in the countryside. Thailand's sure to capture your heart.

Cambodia
28 years ago, Cambodia experienced one of the most gruesome genocides known to man where over one third of the country's population was slaughtered. Still in recovery from their past, the people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope.

China
Host of the 2008 Summer Olympics and home to 1.3 billion people, China is known for its grandness, not just in land mass and population. While the Han Chinese comprise the largest people group, there are over fifty minority groups, including the Uighurs, a people without a country. Due to the legacy of Mao's Cultural Revolution, Communism is not just a political system, it is almost the state religion. Speaking of which, depending on where you are, you may meet Buddhists, Muslims, and Taoists; there are even churches - government approved and regulated. The exact size of the underground church is unknown (hence the name), but what it is known is that it is large and still growing, thriving even in the midst of persecution. While there, you'll have to pay homage to the Great Wall, and bring light and hope to a people in darkness and depression. How you'll do that exactly - you'll find out once you get there. ;)

Philippines
This Asian island nation, once a Spanish colony and an American protectorate, is a country in tension, trying to cross the threshold between the third and first world. It offers a variety of landscapes - beaches, mountains, volcanic lakes - and languages, with Tagalog as the national tongue. The Catholic Church is a substantial piece of the religious pie, however, Islam is growing in the island of Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music and dance and community. While there, you may find yourself living with and giving hope to the destitute, caring for orphans, and challenging the growing number of Christ-followers to rise up.

Want to know more about the World Race? CONTACT US!

Interested in going on the World Race? APPLY HERE!

**TRAINING CAMP DATES: May 22 - 30, 2010**

*Race route subject to change*

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Her Name is No Longer Abandoned

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ryan Bodine is a Real Life participant ministering in Swaziland. Swaziland is rife with orphans, more often than not because of AIDS. He shares the following encounter...

We went to the hospital today. The hospital is nothing like what we are used to in America. They are separated into three different wards: men's, women's and children's. The wards have different sections that have around 8 beds per section. There is no privacy and they only have single rooms for patients with tuberculous.

People lay out in the open for everyone to see. It's very hot in there, too, so most patients wear little or no clothes at all to stay cool. Many are covered by just a blanket. It's miserable for me and I'm not even sick. Because of their sickness and bad living conditions many lack self-worth and hope.

Today was the first time I had been in the children's ward. There were some younger kids with broken arms and legs...and after a bit, I decided to go over to the baby room. Those of you who know me really well know that I don't do babies. I just don't know what to do with them. They poop, they eat, they sleep and they cry. The first three don't bother me but I can never figure out why they are crying. Like are they hungry or tired or are they just crying cause, well, they're a baby and that's what they do? Its so frustrating! If they would just tell me what was wrong then I could fix the problem and we'd be all better.

Anyway, there was a tiny baby girl that I needed to hold. She was the cutest little chubby-cheeked baby I'd ever seen. She had the softest little curly afro on her head too. Just an adorable baby girl. The kind that you see on commercials and go "awww."

As I held her I read her medical chart so I could say (or at least try to say) her name and know why she was in the hospital. She looked healthy to me. I read her chart. Her name: Abandoned. Her age: not specified. I was right. She wasn't sick. There was nothing wrong with her. She was abandoned. Not wanted. Left to die. There was no reason for her to have a name because she wasn't wanted. Here I was, holding a tiny baby girl with no name and no known birthday. A baby that someone didn't want, so the logical choice was to leave them to die.

I asked one of my teammates if she knew this baby's story and it goes something like this. One day her mother asked a stranger to hold her baby for a second while she did something. The mother never returned. The stranger not knowing what to do with the precious baby brought her to the hospital. (If you don't have at least one tear in your eye by now then you probably aren't getting that this is real life and not just a made up story. Scroll back up and look at the picture of this beautiful baby. I held her today. She is real. She has no parents. No one to tuck her in at night and tell her how proud they are of her. No one to tell her that she is loved.) The nurse came over to me and told me she was probably around 3 months old and that I should put her in my pocket and take her home with me. Honestly, I would if I could.

As I rocked her I quietly sang "How He loves us" over her and she was soon sleeping in my arms. She is a squirmy little sleeper and numerous times flashed her big gummy smile at me. She is beautiful. My teammate Tori and I prayed over this little life and while I was praying God impressed on my heart that He knows her name. She is His child and she is not forgotten. He knew this baby girl and knew, even before she was born, that she'd be abandoned.

He still has a great plan for her life. Just because her mother gave up on her doesn't mean that Jesus has. We prayed for Godly people to be put in her life and that she would one day proclaim the name of Jesus, the One who never abandons us, and the God who longs for us to call Him father.

Just before we left my teammate Katie named her "Notando" which translates to love. The nurse heard her and wrote the new name down. Her name is no longer Abandoned.

*Notando, you may have been abandoned by this world, but don't worry because you weren't made for this world anyways. Know that your Heavenly Father is with you. He holds you in the palm of His hand and calls you His beloved daughter. He delights in you and loves to see your beautiful little smile. Even when you cry and feel alone at night He is there with you. Zephania 3:17 says, "The Lord your God (our God!) is with you and He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, Notando. He will quiet you with his love and rejoice over you with singing."

Real Life: Bolivia

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Real Life: Bolivia

2 months

Project Overview:

It's the hemisphere's highest, most isolated and most rugged nation. It's among the earth's coldest, warmest, windiest and steamiest spots. It boasts among the driest, saltiest and swampiest natural landscapes in the world. Although the poorest country in South America (Bolivians get tired of hearing that), it's also one of the richest in terms of natural resources. The most indigenous country in South America, with over 60% of the population claiming indigenous heritage, including Aymar, Quechua, Guaran and over 30 other ethnic groups.

Ministry Description:
We will be working in Cochabamba and partnering with some US missionaries that are working there. There are several orphanages, work projects, and schools for ministry opportunities. Baby washing, prayer walks, construction, and street evangelism are all possible ministries that you will be doing.

For more information and to apply:

Visit the Real Life Bolivia trip page

Want to learn more about our work in Bolivia? Then you should read these stories:

Our Work in the Rainforest

By Rusty Jackson

Rusty and his team helped to build an orphanage while they were in the rainforests of Bolivia. Here is their worked captured in this photo blog. Read more...

Love in a Pub

By Matt Snyder

"A haze of smoke blankets the dimly lit room of this unsuspecting basement. On one side of it sits the church, gathered around one of its own who's desperate for release from bondage, who's hungering for something more than slavery that they long to be freed from. So the church wraps its arms around them doing what it knows best in showing compassion and kindness." Read more...

Real Life: Philippines

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Real Life: Philippines

2 months

Project Overview:

Located in the southeast region of Asia, the Philippines is a uniquely shaped group of 7,107 oddly shaped islands. Of these 7,000 some islands, only 1,000 are inhabited by people. The Philippines are one of two predominant Christian countries in Asia, with about 90% of the population claiming to believe in Christianity. But many of them are trapped in lifestyles that are very different from the truth of the gospel. An epic spiritual tug-of-war is being waged for the soul of the country. Most Filipinos who claim the Christian faith also practice ancient ancestral worship. Poverty is a significant problem, but in combination with inequality, it poses a serious threat to stability in the Philippines. Poverty is most severe and most widespread in rural areas, where almost 80 per cent of the country's poor people live. Rapid population growth and a shortage of land and jobs in rural areas has produced a steady migration of destitute Filipino residents to the cities. Urban areas are not excluded from the grasp of poverty, often leading to lives impacted by drug abuse, child neglect, and human trafficking.

Ministry Description:

The temptation is great for young people in the Philippines, as many pitfalls await vulnerable children. Opportunistic predators are all too willing to recruit impressionable kids into lives of crime or even slavery. You can help guide youths toward a better path, a path that leads to hope, meaning and life. Your participation can make the difference between light and darkness, or perhaps even life or death. The primary focus of your mission while in the country, will be to partner with local churches in an effort to reach out to the youth in the community.

For more information and to apply:

Visit the Real Life Philippines trip page

Want to learn more about our work in Philippines? Then you should read these stories:

Michael Angelo

By Marisa Banas

"Welcome to Navotos, where Michael lives! Navotos is a community of 10,000 people who live on top of tombs in a graveyard in the Philippines. Michael lives in the part of the community that is raised about 12 feet off Manila Bay's polluted waters. All 9 of his family members live in a 2-story makeshift squatter home." Read more...

Could It Be That I'm Already Falling?

By Janina Laier

"We had barely set foot on the ground when I was overwhelmed. I had anticipated to be overwhelmed by the sights and smells in particular, but instead I was overwhelmed with a love that came not from myself. I was amazed to feel such peace and comfort in this place where the poorest of the poor dwell." Read more...

AIM February 2010 Newsletter

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

AIM February 2010 Newsletter

Word from our director

Upcoming Trips - Ambassador Mission Trips, Real Life Trips

Summer Internships
How to Help in Haiti

Stories from the Field - Hear what others have to say

:: Word from our Director - Seth Barnes ::

Feeling inadequate for your dream
by Seth Barnes, AIM Director

"Back in the U.S. now and I'm already doing a gut check. Before we flew to Haiti, I felt God giving me a dream: call the pastors together as representatives of their communities. Encourage them to unite and begin leading..."

Real Life: Expeditions

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Real Life: Expeditions

2 months

Project Overview:

Do you want to travel the world while making an everlasting impact? Are you craving an experience that could rejuvenate your spirit while satisfying your desire for meaningful change? Then Real Life Expedition could be for you!

What is Real Life Expedition?  Real Life Expedition is a mission trip for 18-22 year-olds. Adventure, ministry, community, self-discovery and growth are all elements that you'll be exposed to during your experience. During the expedition, you and your team will travel by land to three different countries in the course of two months seeking out the lost and poorest of the poor through adrenaline-charged ministry.

Ministry Description:

During the Real Life Expedition you could be involved in a variety of ministries. Ministries you may be involved in are:

        Caring for orphans
        Teaching English in schools
        Evangelizing door-to-door
        Building Churches
        Building homes
        Children's Ministry
        Drug rehabilitation

And more...

For more information and to apply:

Visit the Real Life Expeditions trip page

Want to learn more about our work in South America and Africa? Then you should read these stories:

The Story of Tumpa

By Mallorie Miller

"Maybe it was the towering mountains, the rolling foothills of farmland, or the river that flows through it all. Maybe it was the burros and sheep lining the dirt road that leads into the small village. Maybe it was the beautiful old ladies waving at us or the adorable children yelling "gringa!" from outside their mud-brick homes. Whatever it was, this place has captured my heart." Read more...

His Name is Allan

By Marisa Banas

"Seven months ago my life was changed by a little boy named Allan. When I found him he couldn't hold his head up due to the intoxicating glue that he had just sniffed. He was a small underweight child who wore worn out, adult-sized clothes and an expression that pleaded for help."

Youth Ministry Advance Team Returns From Haiti

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Friday, February 12, after flying into the Dominican Republic the previous day, the Youth Advance Team drove across the mountains to Haiti. Upon arrival, they brought hot chocolate to families and victims at a hospital in Jimani, where they developed relationships and listened to people's stories.

One man, Francois, from Port-au-Prince told the team his unforgettable story: When the earthquake occurred, he and his wife, Elina, who was nine-months pregnant at the time, were in their home in a five-story building. The entire structure collapsed on top of them, but thankfully, neither was hurt. The trauma did, however, cause Elina to start contracting.

Afraid for his wife's life, Francois immediately led Elina on a five-day journey to Jimani. The trip wasn't easy. As soon as they made it and medical teams were able to treat Elina, her contractions started again. But before long, she was holding a baby girl in her arms. Through everything, Francois prayed and asked for the Lord's mercy. God answered.

Later that day, the team traveled by vehicle to Port-au-Prince, where they were given a safe place to stay for the night. There, they spent time blogging about all they'd seen, building awareness through communication-a primary objective of the mission.

On Saturday the team spent their time attending to the needs of victims in the city. However, the devastation they expected to see was overridden by hope in the people. Nearly six thousand Haitians were gathered in Port-au-Prince for three days of prayer and fasting. Amid so much destruction and hurt, God's kingdom was so present.

Sunday, they continued to make their way through the country and eventually stopped at a tent city with about 2,500 people living in it, where they were able to talk with a few of community's leaders. AIM director Seth Barnes asked a man what they needed most. "We need food - we're hungry. And our people are still hurting. We need to have our hearts healed," he replied.

Barnes and his team not only provided the people with bundles of food and water, they made a promise to come back. The team is currently rallying troops and planning to return at 9:00am on Monday morning for prayer, intercession and more. What some Americans are calling a "national day of mourning" is transforming into one of God's greatest spiritual outpourings.

"All you intercessors out there crying out for God's presence, all you seminary students learning how how to put people in touch with him, all you desperate people who feel abandoned by God, I have a suggestion: You need to get on a plane and come to Haiti," Barnes proclaimed after leaving the tent community.

The Youth Advance Team returned to the States today, Tuesday, February 17.

The World Race and Real Life in Texas

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Calling all Texas residents!

The World Race and Real Life are going to be in College Station, TX this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (February 19-21) for a weekend conference at LifeChurch. It'll be a time to come and learn more about the World Race and Real Life, talk with the staff, and more.

Here is the schedule:
Friday, February 19th @7:00pm
Location: Buffalo Wild Wings (903 University Dr. College Station, TX 77840)
Any World Race or Real Life alumni are welcome to come to dinner with Michael and the staff! It'll be a good time to reconnect with each other and share about what's happening in our lives.

Saturday, February 20th @6:30pm
Location: LifeChurch*
Michael Hindes, the director of the World Race & Real Life, and a few of the staff will tell stories from the two programs and share what the overall ministry and vision is behind it. It's a great time to have your questions answered.

Sunday, February 21st @10:00am
Location: LifeChurch*
Michael Hindes will be speaking at LifeChurch during the Sunday morning church service.

If you are interested in coming to any of these three events, send us an email (kimberlydaniels@adventures.org) and let us know! We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

*Here is the address to LifeChurch
725 Villa Maria East Suite 3900
Bryan, TX 77802
Get directions

Real Life: Andhra Pradesh, India

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Project Overview:

The subcontinent of India lies in south Asia, between Pakistan, China and Nepal. To the north it is bordered by the world's highest mountain chain, where foothill valleys cover the northernmost of the country's 26 states. Further south, plateaus, tropical rain forests and sandy deserts are bordered by palm fringed beaches. Side by side with the country's staggering topographical variations is its cultural diversity, the result of the coexistence of a number of religions as well as local tradition. Four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated in India, providing a difficult challenge in sharing God's truth within the country.

Since its independence, the issue of poverty within India has remained a prevalent concern. Its estimated that about a third of the global poor now reside in India, suffering from the effects of illiteracy, malnutrition, and disease. Indian residents living in slums amid squalor face serious deficiencies in basic needs like clean water, sanitation, medical care, and education. More than 40 per cent of the population is illiterate, and India has a higher rate of malnutrition among children under the age of three than any other country in the world.

Ministry Description:

India is a land of extreme contrasts, mystery and beauty, but its greatest asset is its people. On this adventure, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with some of India's locals who are in dire need of a our time and energy. You'll be working with established Christian ministries in the Southeast part of India. Much of your focus will be spending time with orphans who have spent so much of their life being neglected and abandoned by their own community. Other opportunities to minister will likely include spending time and pouring into the locals, working with local congregations and maybe even having the opportunity to help plant a new church. By giving yourself away, you will be able to be evidence of Christ's love to the most desperate and destitute members of Indian society.

For more information and to apply:

Visit the Andhra Pradesh trip page

Want to learn more about our work in Kenya? Then you should read these stories:

Asha House Ministry-Photo Blog

By Katie Rowland

While in India, Katie was able to capture her experience at Asha House in this photo blog. Check out this ministry through her lens. More...

Meet an Amazing Women

By Katie Rowland

"Simini, the wife of Victor Sir and co- director of the children at Asha House was working with Ravinder and I to chop vegetables. I was so blessed to just sit and listen to Simini. She has so many other administrative things to worry about to keep the home running..." Read more...

Let the Little Children Come Unto Me

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lila Dillon is currently in Swaziland ministering with the Nova's Project. She is bringing hope and joy to a country slowly dying of AIDS.

I have what Kate calls "my own little ministry" here in Nsoko. It evolved quite organically and it's one of my favorite past times here.

One day I saw little Ndu, PG'S four year old son, playing in the gravel outside our house. He's ridiculously cute so I decided I would go outside and hang out with him. He had this old, almost used up pink marker in his hand and was using it as an airplane. As soon as I got out there though he held it up excitedly and yelled "this!"

His English vocabulary consists of this, this one, yes, no, and what is this. All said with a lisp. "This?" I asked. "Yes, this." He said, and proceeded to try and color my fingernails with the marker. I understood. So Ndu and I sat on the gravel and I colored all of his nails with the left over pink marker. His toes were next. I laughed the whole time and reminisced of the times I dressed up my little brother Eli in my pink Barbie dress and make him use my play vacuum. He loved it, simply because I was his older sister and I told him to.

I figured this was the case with Ndu - that he just wanted the attention of another older sister. His hero in life, next to Spiderman, is his older sister Nothando. However, as I soon found out, this was not the case. Swazis, both male and female, purely love to have their nails painted.

I was outside one hot day, sitting with the kids who are always hanging around the care point. None of them really speak English, and I could tell they were bored, so I was trying to think of something fun to do with them that wouldn't involve leaving the shaded porch.

Of course, cutex. That's what they call nail polish. I figured the little girls would get a kick out of it, and the boys... well, they could watch. But when I came back kids started flocking to me from all over the care point. The little boys were almost more excited than the girls. I opened the bottle and started to paint one miniature hand at a time. Their nails were filthy, but you couldn't tell once they were covered in the hot pink polish. Even the older boys wanted in on the action, but unlike the others they only wanted their pinky nails painted. Who knows.

Since that day I have painted probably hundreds of tiny fingers. My bottle is now empty and there are little Swazi's running around looking quite glamorous. Every time I pulled out that bottle of nail polish and set to work, I wonder why it is that these kids love getting their nails painted so much. I mean, little American girls think it's fun, but it doesn't compare with the Swazis' enthusiasm. The fact that the boys are so eager to join in is what really intrigued me. After pondering all the possible explanations and listening to a chapter of a Rob Bell book on Kate's laptop, I realized that it's a simple answer really.

They like it because it's beautiful. They like it because it makes them beautiful. This region of Swaziland is one of the poorest. Virtually the only jobs to be had around here are meager paying jobs in the sugar cane and citrus fields. As a result, the vast majority of the people here are poor. Not just poor, but really poor. The kids all wear dirty, dirty clothes that don't fit and are covered in holes. They don't have enough water to bathe regularly. Many have probably never seen a toothbrush. They have sores, scars, and burns all over their skin. The long to be pretty, even the boys. They long for something to make them feel like they aren't just kids destined for thievery and prostitution. And here I am, some random American girl, who makes their fingernails shiny and pink.

*top photo courtesy of Justine.

*bottom photo courtesy of Seth Barnes

Real Life: Uganda

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Project Overview:

It was Winston Churchill, at the beginning of the century, who said "...for magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life - plant, bird, insect, reptile, beast - for the vast scale... Uganda is truly "the Pearl of Africa." From the Source of the Nile flowing out of Lake Victoria, to the spectacular assortment of wildlife, to the incredible hearts of the Ugandan people, Uganda truly is an incredible country. It is still recovering from civil wars that threatened to destroy its spirit, but Uganda is steadily fighting her way back. IDP camps are crowded with not only its own Ugandan citizens, but also with Sudanese refugees escaping to the south. But it is a land full of hope and majesty, one not to be missed.

Ministry Description:

Ministry opportunities in Uganda range from working with orphans to discipling the teenagers. From caring for those dying from AIDS to sharing to gospel door to door. You could be ministering to people in the IDP camps and providing food to those who need it the most. Come prepared to experience a variety of ministry and learn to love the phrase, 'TIA.' This is Africa.

For more information and to apply:

Visit the Real Life Uganda trip page

Want to learn more about our work in Uganda? Then you should read these stories:

Prayer of 500 Salvations

By Chad Mast

"For a church that was started less than two and a half weeks ago, there are over a hundred members. When we pulled up to the church under the trees, we all had no idea that we would be seeing this many people. They greeted us amazingly and welcomed us to sit in the front. As I sat in the front my eyes began to swell up with tears as I could completely see the work of the Lord." Read more...

Nelson's Story

By Brandon Clayton

While in Uganda, Brandon met Nelson, a little boy with Hydrocephalitus. Brandon made this video telling Nelson's story.

More...

The Non-Lepers Minster to the Lepers of India

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The India Real Life team is serving in a Leper Colony for part of their ministry. Though leprosy is treatable, those in India often can't afford it; so when someone in India contracts leprosy they are exiled to a leper colony. As a leper dies, sometimes a family member is able to help care for them in the colony; but often they are alone. The Lord has wrecked Kendra's world and is continuing to use her to minister to the least of these.

As soon as we pulled into the little colony we were greeted with immediate smiles and hand shakes. You could tell from the first couple of minutes that these people craved attention and physical touch. Many, if not all of them had families that had abandoned them when they learned they had leprosy. As my normal shaped white hand clasped many of their brown shriveled unshapely hands I was filled with instant compassion. A few men set up some woven long benches and we were ushered to sit down on them. At first we were the only ones sitting but eventually they slowly joined. Unable to find any questions to ask, I just sat there waiting and listening.

Suddenly a woman who didn't have leprosy but had tended her husband that had died only a month ago sat down beside me. Looking at her, you could tell she was tired and just wanted physical touch and love. So without even thinking I started rubbing her back and listening to the other conversations. Before I knew it she was fast asleep. I continued to rub her back and prayed for her.

Earlier that morning, my encouragement card for the day was rest. I remember looking at it and thinking, "Thanks for rubbing it in that I've just had 3 days of rest and now have to go back to ministry." I even wrote in my journal that I wasn't too sure what this meant but that I couldn't wait to figure it out.

I got my answer as God revealed to me that sometimes encouragement doesn't have to be solely for myself but can be shown through me. By rubbing this woman's back I was able to provide her with 15 minutes of the best rest and peace that she has had since her husband started dying. How awesome is that? God never ceases to amaze me.

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 :-)

If you're interested in being the hands and feet of Jesus to the least of these check out some the opportunities AIM offers.

*photo courtesy of Seth Barnes.

How You Can Pray for the Youth Ministry Advance Team in Haiti

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today, AIM is sending a team of ministry bloggers (along with two staff) to Haiti to capture the stories of what God is doing through AIM and the Haitian church. They will be sharing (through blogs, twitter posts, and video) how Haiti is recovering from the earthquake that struck almost exactly one month ago and how you can help.

You can follow regular updates on Facebook, via email, or on our Haiti blog.

For those who want to pray for the group by name, here is a little more about the team (click their names to visit their site or blog where they'll be posting updates from the trip):

Anne Jackson is a speaker and author.

Tim Schmoyer is a full time youth pastor for Alexandria Covenant Church.

Adam McLane is the "Digital Czar" for Youth Specialties.

Mark Oestreicher is a writer and former President of Youth Specialties, as well as a personal friend of Seth Barnes and former member of AIM's board of directors.

Seth Barnes is the Founder and Executive Director of Adventures in Missions.

Jeremy Zach started REYouthPastor.com and is a full time youth pastor for Church by the Sea.

Lars Rood is the Lead Youth Minister at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, as well as a speaker and a writer.

Ian Robertson is a full-time videographer.

Rhett Smith is a Family and Marriage Counselor, writer, and serves as part-time on staff with Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

Clint Bokelman is the Director for Short Term Missions for Adventures In Missions.

Please pray for open eyes and ears to respond to how God wants to use this team. This morning, Seth wrote a powerful confession on this. Here is an excerpt:

Will I notice? Will I notice:

The young girl whose mother, father, and siblings are gone?

The school-turned-graveyard that collapsed on the students?

The mother whose three-year-old's leg was amputated at the hip?

The soldier whose uniform is all he has left?

Just how many details in plain sight will I miss as I navigate through a world in chaos? Me just trying to get from one place to another, trying to find the interpreter who is late, buying supplies, wondering if the pastors will show up? Will I slow down enough to feel the ache welling up from the ground, will I sense the emotional tectonic plates shifting in the air? Will I sense God's heart, still breaking for a people so inured to tragedy that even this cataclysm goes un-mourned?

The team will travel first to Santo Domingo, and then cross the border into Haiti, where they will head to the epicenter of the earthquake and meet local pastors with whom AIM is partnering. They will be returning on Feb. 17. For those who have already given to Haiti, thank you for your donations; we hope that this media team helps you see what a difference your generosity has made. For those who feel led to pray, thank you for your prayers, and please feel free to share the stories as they are told.

Real Life: Amazon Jungle, Peru

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Real Life: Amazon Jungle, Peru

2 months

Project Overview:

Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest. Located on the Amazon River, the city itself can only be reached by airplane or boat. The Peruvians here are the descendants of the Incas, and many of the people of this region consider themselves separate from the rest of Peru, as they are isolated from the capital Lima by miles of jungle and the Andes Mountains. Like many Latin American areas with large indigenous populations, Peru faces high levels of poverty and inequality. Decades of political unrest and pattern of economic volatility have left almost half the country at or below the poverty level. Chronic malnutrition of infants in rural areas remains significant, and educational quality is low by regional and international comparison. Major narcotic drug problems and trafficking have become part of the natural economy in Peru, penetrating the country through its border with Columbia. The country provides about two-thirds of the total cocaine produced in the world, increasing its ties to organized crime, guerilla insurgency movements, as well as increased drug addiction in the area.

Ministry Description:
Your team will play a key role in our efforts to bring the Gospel of Christ to this remote area through relational evangelism and simple relationship building. You will have the opportunity to meet people where they are, in their rural, indigenous communities. Some of the communities you will reach are known and frequented by only locals; forsaken and forgotten by the outside world.

You'll have a opportunities to participate in various outreaches like children's ministry, feedings programs for the poor and hungry, visitations to a local orphanage, and sports evangelism. You may also have the chance to reach out through music, preaching, nursing or other practical skills.

For more information and to apply:

Visit the Real Life Peru trip page

Want to learn more about our work in Peru? Then you should read these stories:

The Story of Tumpa

By Mallorie Miller

Etching Portraits

By Matt Snyder

"We were walking the roads lining the refugee camp of Tambo de Mora a few days ago. There's nothing fancy about it. The only beautiful thing is the people and the tinge of hope that we seem to leave in our wake." Read more...

Real Life: Nicaragua

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Real Life: Nicaragua

2 months, 3 months

Project Overview:

Nicaragua is the largest nation in Central America, and contains regions of thick rain forests, rugged highlands, and fertile farming areas. About half of Nicaragua's territory consists of the eastern lowlands, known as the Mosquito Coast, which extend 40 miles inland from the Caribbean. Tropical rain forest covers much of the area, threaded with rivers that begin in the highlands and empty into the Caribbean. War and natural disasters, including earthquakes and hurricanes, have wreaked havoc on the area. Hopelessness abounds, as Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Half of the country's urban residents live below the poverty line, with an overwhelmingly higher rate in rural areas. An estimated 82% of the population survives on less than $2 a day. Children are especially hurting, due to the lack of two-parent families. Adolescent pregnancy rates are excessive and its not uncommon for a Nicaragua homes to have a woman as head of household. To escape the brutal conditions and lack of unemployment in their homeland, a staggering number of Nicaraguans have been forced to emigrate to nearby Costa Rica or the United States.

Ministry Description:

The needs are great in Nicaragua but the opportunities for ministry are even better. There is a vibrant ministry waiting for you in the temperate hill towns outside of Managua, Nicaragua's capital city. Children's ministry, open air evangelism in the plaza and at the dump, and community help are all possibilities. Some construction on a new orphanage complex may be included and there is the possibility for rehab center visitation. You may also be involved in the feeding program at the dump.

For more information and to apply:

Visit the Real Life Nicaragua trip page

Want to learn more about our work in Nicaragua? Then you should read these stories:

Meet Giermo

By Ruth Daugherty

"Let me tell you about Giermo. First, I love him. He's nine, and he's a little bit in love with me. I don't mind. His dad comes to Bible study at El Puente twice a week, so he's around a good bit. He cracks me up - he starts out sitting three chairs away from me and spends the next five to ten minutes moving closer and closer until he's holding my hand and laying his head in my lap." Read more...

A Different Kind of Sister

By Annie Riggs

"Twice a weeks we hang out with some local girls. We help with homework, play games, and jump rope. The home is a place where girls ages 6 to 15 live because their families aren't fit to take care of them." Read more...

World Race Exposure

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

World Race Exposure

1 month

Project Overview:

World Race Exposure is your chance to get involved with the World Race for a month this coming summer. The idea behind this new Real Life program is to submerge you in the lifestyle of a World Racer. For one month, you will be meeting up with one of the World Race teams on the field and living life with them. You'll do what the team does, go where the team goes, and live like they live. This isn't for the lighthearted though. World Race Exposure is a month exactly like your average month on the World Race - so it's going to be intense, beyond ordinary, and leave you with a wealth of memories. Plan on traveling light... the less you have to carry, the less grueling it'll be.

Ministry Description:

You'll be meeting up with one of the World Race teams in Kenya. The chances of you living and working with the Masaai tribe are high and you could be doing everything from door-to-door evangelism, to preaching, teaching, playing sports, VBS ministries, and more. And don't forget that since this is a month with the World Race, your community life is just as much of a ministry as any.

For more information and to apply:

Visit the World Race Exposure trip page

Want to learn more about our work in Kenya? Then you should read these stories:

His Name is Allan Wekesa

By Marisa Banas

The Story: impossible faith; creative healing

By Alyssa and Stephanie

Diana was captive in a coma until God completely restored her. Doctors diagnosed her as hopeless and are now calling her a medical miracle. Alyssa and Stephanie met Diana during their Real Life trip to Kenya. Read more...

Do Short Term Mission Trips Really Work?

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Often people think, "I can't do a mission trip, cause I'm not really helping in the long run." Or, "I'm not called to the mission field." Jeff Goins has worked for Adventures in Missions for over three years now. In those years, he's seen a lot of good results from short-term missions. He shares some of his thoughts here.

I have a meeting with a pastor this afternoon to discuss an upcoming spring break mission trip for his group. From the sound of it, many of the students haven't had much missions experience. It got me thinking about how important it is for teenagers and college students to learn how to serve on a mission trip, to have their faith and worldview stretched to the absolute max.

This season can be a busy one for us at Adventures In Missions (AIM). People start thinking about what they're doing for the summer, and we tend to fill up a lot of our mission trips. As an organization, we've been doing everything we can (from new programs to discount pricing) to ensure that young people still have an opportunity to have a radical, life-changing experience in the mission field.

Short-term missions catches a lot of flak and criticism these days (some of which is due). But make no mistake: a mission trip doesn't only benefit those who are going on the trip. I used to be a skeptic of the whole STM fad, but that was before I started seeing people healed on these trips, before I started seeing churches planted in a week. I've seen so much long-term good come out of short-term experiences that I can't help but believe in the effectiveness of mission trips that are done well.

Every year, I hear stories from young people who have spent a week or a month or an entire summer in the mission field, and how that one trip changed the course of their life forever. Sending a high school or college student on a mission trip is an investment into their future; it's a way of saying, "That is what's important in life." Not only that, it's scriptural. If you really search the New Testament, you find that the precedent for missions isn't long-term, but more often than not, it is short-term (three years or less).

God can do a lot in a short amount of time. You just need to give him a little bit of room to work.

If you're a parent or youth leader, I urge you to consider making an investment a young person you're influencing by sending them on a mission trip. The return will be immeasurable. If you're still skeptical, I'll connect you with parents and youth leaders who will testify to the importance of missions in the discipleship of young people.

If you are that high school or college student, I challenge you to get in the game. Jesus didn't teach his disciples through textbooks and coffee meetings; he used real-world practical experiences to show them how to live. Quit procrastinating and making excuses. It's time. You know this. It's time to discover Christ amongst the "least of these." It's time to see the dignity in the eyes of the poor you once pitied. And it's time to understand how big God is compared to the box in which you have been placing him.

Step out. Be courageous. It's time.

For high school students and college-age young adults, I can't think of doing anything better with your summer (or spring break) than serving in a place that is outside of your comfort zone. It really will be an incredible experience to look back on years later; please don't put it off. You may never again have the opportunity.

If you need help getting started, contact AIM. Don't debate and question and then do nothing; find a way to go. Of course, I'd recommend our organization, but there are others, too, that would well be worth your time. If you don't know exactly what you're looking for and need an unbiased third party to help you in this decision-making process, I recommend the Right Now Campaign.

If you know AIM and want to go on a trip with us, check out our short-term mission trips for students and young adults.

Again, please go.

The world is waiting for you; it needs you, and you need it.

An Open Letter to Parents

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dear parents,

This past summer, my oldest daughter spent a month in Swaziland with the Adventures in Missions Ambassador program. At age 15, she had been to plenty of sleepovers and week-long camps. She had even been on one mission trip to Africa, but it was with me. This was her first time ever to leave the country without us and to be gone for so long.

By nature, I am an over-protective, worrywart parent. I send a cell phone with my 14 year-old daughter when she goes bike riding in our neighborhood and am famous for telling everyone to wear their seat belts and lock their doors.

You would think that after having seven kids I wouldn't be this way, but I am.

But a couple of years ago, God started showing me some things about myself and my kids. One of the things He showed me was that I needed to trust my kids to Him and His plans for their life. Ultimately, He is the one in control of their days, not me. Yes, I can be a careful parent, but I can't protect them from all the dangers in the world. To try to keep every single bad thing from happening to them would be to rob them of the joys, thrills, and yes, even the potentially dangerous thrills of this life. And I could also rob them of fulfilling the dreams that God is placing in them.

He got me to the point of desiring more than anything, that my children be in love with Him and willing to follow His path for their life, no matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice.

It also meant me learning to trust that He will provide for them financially. He is showing me that if He wants them to go, then He will make the way for it to happen.

I need to let HIM be the provider and the protector and quit trying to do His job. He can do it so much better than I can.

And it makes for happier kids, I can tell you that.

My oldest daughter has always been a great girl - responsible, honest, trustworthy, loyal. But as with most American teenagers, our culture was having its impact and she was pulling further and further away from us. It was reflected in her attitude and how she wanted to spend her time. More often than not, there was tension between us instead of peace. Also between her and her siblings there was a lot of bickering.

Her one month with Adventures in Missions changed all of that.

The Ambassador program is more than just a trip. And it is more than just doing for other people. It is also a month-long, life-changing, intense, discipleship time. The leaders on the Ambassador trips are strong, mature Christians who take very, very good care of the team as well as being inspiring role models. During my daughter's time, she learned to pray and be content and get along with a lot of people (some very different than she) in a Christ-like manner. She learned to be satisfied with less, to not complain, to accept "no" with a gracious and "at peace" spirit. She came back loving God, those in need, and her family in a bigger and deeper way.

I tell people that she is still the same young woman, just the cleaned up version. It is as though during her time with AIM, God scrubbed off all the yucky, nasty extra stuff that wasn't the real her and left her as He created her to be --- truly, truly beautiful.

I honestly cannot be more pleased with the AIM Ambassador program. They are people who are passionate about helping our children become all that God wants them to be and they do it in a very efficient and helpful manner. They are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit while at the same time they are organized and practical. They also are very good about communicating as much as possible from the field because they realize that the folks back home need to hear not only the God-stuff, but to know that their teenager is safe and well.

AIM is definitely a missions organization that I trust my kids with.

In fact, we're sending our second daughter to Romania with them this summer and our oldest son, who is now still too young, is already dreaming of adventuring with them next year.

Be strong and courageous. This parenting isn't for sissies, but God is a mighty help and AIM is one of His most effective tools I've found in my years of being a mom.

Sincerely,
Elysa Harvey MacLellan

We Spent the Night on the Streets of Atlanta

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Real Life training camp kicked off last week with a night spent on the streets of Atlanta with the homeless. One girl, headed to India, recounts her eye-opening and heart breaking experience below. A video of the night is posted at the bottom of the blog.

Homeless in downtown Atlanta. 20 degrees and strong winds. No food, nowhere to sleep. Enough clothes to keep you from freezing to death but not enough to stay warm. Huddling in doorways and others places that block out the wind temporarily. This is the reality for so many people in Atlanta every night, and Monday it was also the reality for myself and my team.

Day 1 of training camp (they wasted no time) they had us live in a homeless shelter in downtown Atlanta. We had to stay on the streets until almost 4am. We were to survive and live homeless, but also be the body of Christ, His hands and feet, to Atlanta's least of these.

I mean, I've volunteered plenty with the homeless back home. Served them, washed their feet, walked the streets and talked to them, a group of us even picked a homeless man up one evening and gave him plenty of food and a place to stay for the night. But when I was done I always went home..to a warm bed and plenty of food. Back to comfort.

Now I'm freezing, exhausted, and hungry.

I pray all the time, "Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours." But is it authentic? In the deepest part of me, do I really mean it? Do I really want to be so surrendered where I have no control anymore, to allow the Lord to really let me have His heart?

With us for the night we had only a small bag of leftover food from lunch to bless people with, a thin pair of gloves, and a small blanket for 8 of us to share (which we also gave away). We came across and engaged in conversation with a number of homeless men. Most of them happy to talk and share. Some of them willing to let us lay hands on them and pray over them.

All of them looking for something more. But again, we find ourselves huddled for an extended period of time, wishing away the hours so we could return to the Safe House and at least get a couple hours of sleep. We even had a mini dance party to distract us for a few minutes.

So where was the body of Christ that was sent out to love and speak truth? We were worried about our own comfort, ourselves. In our conviction, we recognized our lack of faith and set out to wonder the streets of Atlanta, again. This time with a purpose. As we walked, I prayed to myself, "Lord, right now I have an utter dependence and absolute need for You, because this is hard. I want to love the things You love and I want the things that break Your heart to break mine, to share in Your sufferings. I need Your heart so I can forget about myself. I want my heart to break because I want to see You on the streets tonight."

Shortly after, we met a man named, Salam. As a few of my team members began listening to his story, a refugee from Somalia who is experiencing the injustices that exist here in America, another man named Michael approached myself and a few others. He told us he had only been in Atlanta for a week, with nothing to eat and no where to live. You could see the hopelessness in his eyes and hear the anxiety in his voice.

After talking for a few minutes, he humbly welcomed prayer and we gathered around him and laid hands on him. Right there, on the streets of downtown Atlanta.

"For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them." -Matthew 18:20 I volunteered to pray for him and as words started coming out of my mouth I could hear him crying. I opened my eyes while I continued to pray and could see tears streaming down his face.

He was broken. And in a vulnerable way it was beautiful.

A few minutes after we prayed, he thanked me, telling me my prayer was powerful and brought tears to his eyes I assured him that was the Lord speaking to him through me. At that moment I felt myself take on his burdens, and my heart truly ached.

Right before we left, Michael looked into my eyes and said, "Please, if you have any money or food..I'm just so hungry." I looked straight into his red eyes, mine swelling up with tears and said, "Michael, if I had any to give you I would, but soon you would be hungry again. All I can give you is the promise that Jesus Christ really loves you, He wants to know, and He has not forgotten you."He head down, He nodded it repeatedly, saying, "I know, I know."

My heart was broken, totally surrendered to God, and it was beautiful.

I have realized this week how glorious it really is to experience what breaks God's heart. It really is a privilege and an honor that the God of the Universe, the Creator of the World, would want to give us His heart and allow us to share in His sufferings.

*photo courtesy of Hafchurch.

AIM January 2010 Newsletter

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

AIM January 2010 Newsletter

   Upcoming Trips - 3 Day Mission Trips, College Break & Adult/Family
    Summer Internships
    How to Help in Haiti
   Stories from the Field - Hear what others have to say

:: Upcoming Trips ::

3-Day Mission Trips - Trips Starting in February 2010

Sleep, eat and serve alongside the destitute and downtrodden. Join us on a 3-Day Mission Trips (only $99 per person). These trips are unique in that you live with those whom you are serving, giving your group a deeper understanding of what life is like for the less-fortunate as your eyes are opened to the realities of poverty. Choose from: New Orleans, Dallas, Appalachia, Denver, Nashville or Matamoros, Mexico.

Click here for more information

College Break

Join a team of other college-aged students on a 5-8 day adventure over your spring break. Allow a shift in your perspective and involve yourself in what God is doing. Trips to Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Matamoros and New Orleans leave in March 2010.

Find your trip here.

Adult/Family Trips

Step out of your comfort zone. This is a great opportunity to serve, grow, plant spiritual fruit, and minister side-by-side with others. Learn about adult and family trips traveling to Swaziland, New Mexico and Uganda ranging from 5 to 9 days.

Learn more here

Summer Internships

We are now accepting applications for the 2010 season!

Real Life: Kenya

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Real Life: Kenya

1 month, 2 months, 3 months

World Race Exposure

Project Overview:

The Republic of Kenya lies in East Africa, along the Indian Ocean, at the equator. Snow-capped mountain peaks, arid deserts, and rolling grasslands provide a stunning setting for Kenya's numerous wildlife reserves, containing thousands of animal species. The culture is made up of colorful tribal customs combined with modern sensibilities. But poverty in Kenya has continued to be a huge problem. Somewhere between one quarter and half of the population earn less than $1 each day, and around three quarters of Kenya's population is dependent on the unstable agriculture industry. Weak overall infrastructure for the country means that nearly all the rural population are forced to rely on their own farming for food as well as monetary income. Jobs are scarce, leaving people with little opportunity for employment. Civil unrest following recent elections has led to violence claiming the lives of thousands of Kenyans, as well as displacing thousands more to refugee camps. Known for being one of the most corrupt nations in the world, the average urban Kenyan pays an estimated 16 bribes per month. Until a significant change can occur, from top to bottom, the Kenyan people will be forced to suffer through these intolerable conditions.

Ministry Overview:

Despite the trials they face, the residents of Kenya remain full of joy and hope. They exhibit a typical African warmth that can only come from Christ. Teams in the past have worked in Kibera, one of the largest slums in Africa, they've lived in the heart of the Rift Valley in the mile high town of Kijabe and they've ministered to the Masaai tribe farther north. Be prepared to share the Gospel with those who have never heard and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who don't know him. You should always be ready to lead a children's program under a tree or kick a homemade soccer ball with the teenagers. You'll serve the poorest of the poor and minister to the sick in local hospitals. This journey promises to be unlike any other you've ever been on, and will not leave you unchanged.

For more information and to apply:

Visit the Real Life Kenya trip page

Want to learn more about our work in Kenya? Then you should read these stories:

The Story: impossible faith; creative healing

By Alyssa and Stephanie

Reaching Somalia in Kenya

By Alyssa Reilly

I had spent a good amount of time over the last two Wednesdays with a mother and her three year old daughter, Leila, from Somalia. Leila walked over a mine on a road outside of Somalia's capitol city about two months ago. She now has her right leg amputated at the knee. On Wednesday her mother and I had an amazing conversation. Read more...

AIM's First Response Team to Reach Haiti on Thursday

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

From AIM staff member Ashley Musick, who visited Haiti with a team she led last year on The World Race:

Since the earthquake happened in Haiti we've all been looking for opportunities to help. AIM is launching a huge effort to make a long-term difference. Creating opportunities for short-term teams will take a lot of details and information that you can't get unless you are there. Somebody has to go in first.

I've been working with many people to organize a team of World Race Alumni to go into the country, and we're leaving this Thursday.

I'll actually being going out to lead the team. My heart was broken for the people of Haiti on my World Race trip last February, and I want to help. The trip will be from Thursday the 21st through Wednesday the 27th.

We'll be traveling to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and traveling to the border. The vision is that we will go as a first response team representing AIM, gathering basic info on contacts and travel, and to provide immediate relief to the people suffering in Haiti.

I talked with Seth Barnes last night about this trip and AIM's bigger picture. Adventures In Missions has experience working in crisis and disaster situations. They responded to the tsunami and to Hurricane Katrina. We want to make a long-term difference in Haiti.

I have hopes that our trip will help gather the necessary information for the many teams that will follow in our footsteps to fulfill the long-term plan of bringing physical and spiritual restoration Haiti.

Being some of the first to go will not be easy. We're still working on details regarding transportation, communication, and ministry contacts. But we need to start somewhere... there are people dying in the streets. Any hassle in transportation is immediately worth it, because finding answers to those problems will make it easier for a team of medical personnel going in the next week.

We're going to pray. We're going to minister to those we meet. We're going to tell their stories.

And this is only the beginning.

Will you help us? Will you help send this team of Alumni out to help pave the way?

We have asked each person who is participating to buy their own plane tickets to the Dominican Republic. They are getting friends, family, and supporters to help them with that. In order to cover ground costs and ministry needs (any opportunities to meet immediate needs like food, water, and blankets), we have set up a special project to accept donations. Please pray and give! We need your help to pave the way. Please give to this project to help this team!

Go to this direct link to give: World Race Ministry Fund (this is also accessible by going to www.theworldrace.org and clicking on the "Donate" tab on the homepage. Hit the button that says, "click here to give!")
Once you're on this page, change the program on the drop-down menu to a "World Race Project." A new box will appear, for a description of the project. Please have supporters put "WR HAITI" as the name of the Project.

If you've watched the news, read the blogs, and wondered what you can do... please help this team. We absolutely need you to make this happen. Please give abundantly and sacrificially.

In addition to financial support, this team will need a special covering of prayer. Pray for safety. Pray for open doors and clear communication. Haiti has always been a spiritual battleground. There is a war in the heavens for this nation, and we are sure to experience it firsthand in the coming week.

Your help is needed. You are the foundation for the ministry we do, and we thank you

If you want to stay involved in what is happening with Haiti, you can follow our Haiti Updates Blog for more and make a donation to our Haiti Relief Fund.

Missionaries' First Response to Earthquake in Haiti

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Miguel and Kristen Shaul are our resident missionaries in the Dominican Republic and have been closely following the results of the recent earthquake in Haiti. They live not far from the Haitian border and have begun to respond to the needs of their neighbors. They have spent the last 24 hours gathering supplies, food, and resources in order to bring adequate relief across the border.

Last night, Miguel and his disciple Ronnie gathered supplies and left San Juan. Just before leaving, Miguel wrote, "May God meet these people in their brokenness, healing wounded hearts, giving hope to the hopeless, are reveling to a nation the true life that is found only in one place, Jesus Christ."

Earlier today, Kristen reported the following, after hearing from Miguel:

I just got word from Miguel and Ronnie who are in the Dominican town of Jimani, which is a border town with Haiti. They had a busy afternoon buying food and distributing to local pastors who are helping with relief efforts.

The report is that in many Haitians have been crossing the border seeking safety and medical attention. (Correction: Most people that are at the hospital have been helicoptered in from Port Au Prince. Not sure yet the situation at the border with people coming in.) An American surgical team that had been working in San Juan, traveled to Jimani last night and have operated on five today. The hospital is full, with patients lying on the floors. Supplies are low. Another team of American doctors who had been working here in San Juan are currently en route to Jimani and hope to pull a 24-hour shift at the hospital. They are taking whatever supplies they had with them.

When I called, Miguel was with some of the surgeons who were helping a Haitian woman give birth. Thanks for praying, everyone.

This evening, Kristen shared another update:

[Miguel] and Ronnie will be crossing into Haiti around 8am tomorrow and will head for the town of Croix des Boquets which is East of Port Au Prince.

More and more people continue to arrive in Jimani (a Dominican border town about 40 or so miles from the capital of Haiti) where he is now. Buses of people are arriving, and the hospital is overflowing. Many of the injuries are devastating and surgeries are being put on hold because of equipment problems. Medical supplies and personnel continue to be a huge need all throughout Haiti and now in the Dominican border hospitals as well.

Miguel was able to buy a bunch of food and one of the local churches cooked a meal for 250 people at the hospital including all the patients as well as the doctors who had not eaten all day. They are looking to cook 800-900 meals tomorrow. Thank you all who are donating money!

I'll continue to update as more information comes in. Hopefully more aid will be arriving to Jimani soon. The European Union arrived today, and Miguel spotted a Red Cross truck East of the town. Tomorrow afternoon/evening, I should have some news from inside of Haiti.

Haiti has had a history of security issues, so please be in prayer for safe passage for Ronnie and Miguel tomorrow. We will continue to post blogs, reports, and summaries of the events in Haiti as they unfold. You can subscribe to email alerts for immediate updates.

If you would like to give a gift to the AIM Haiti Earthquake Relief fund, please click here.

Help Provide Earthquake Relief in Haiti

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

By this time it's no surprise that Haiti was hit with a 7.0 magnitude earthquake last night, one of the worst earthquakes that the country has experienced in decades. Many people have been asking how they can help. Thankfully, AIM missionaries Miguel and Kristen Shaul are on the field in the Dominican Republic right now and are headed to Haiti as soon as possible to begin providing some much needed relief and help to the country. Here is the latest from the Shauls:

Thank you to everyone who has been praying and sharing concern for our neighbors in Haiti. As we speak we are coordinating with other NGO's here in San Juan to mount an emergency response to those affected by the earthquake that occurred yesterday evening.

Four hours southwest of our home in San Juan lays the Dominican city of Jimani, which is only about 40 miles east from the hardest hit area of Haiti. Our hope is to be able to travel to Jimani early tomorrow morning, bringing supplies with us.

If the borders are not too difficult, Miguel will attempt to get in as far as possible and access the nearest need closest to the Dominican border. We imagine smaller, poorer towns will have massive devastation as well due to inadequate structural integrity even though they are further out from the epicenter.

The primary goal is to bring first response relief to those in need, supplies such as food, blankets, shelters, and basic health care will be needed. Our secondary goal is to identify communities in which we can get involved in long term rebuilding. In both of these cases, we request prayer for the LORD's leading of our effort and favor, and we also ask for partnership in funding our response. Please consider joining in our work to respond to this great brokenness with the love of Christ.

How you can help:

Give a Gift

Click here to give a tax-deductible financial gift for the purchase of supplies needed for first response (food, blankets, shelters, basic health care, etc.).

Give Haiti Prayer

Continue to pray over the country of Haiti, over the ministry that we're establishing down there, and for physical and spiritual restoration.

We'll keep you updated as things further develop.

*Photo courtesy http://www.reuters.com/news/world

Real Life: Bangalore, India

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Real Life Summer 2010: Bangalore, India (girls only)

Project Overview

Bangalore is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city. You'll find plenty of modern conveniences in addition to beautiful markets and cultural experiences. A demographically diverse city, Bangalore is a major economic hub and the fastest growing major metropolis in India.

Ministry Description

Each day in India, more than 200 women and girls are forced into the commercial sex trade. Many of them stay because they are threatened if they leave, and many stay because they don't think they have any other option. We partner with a local ministry in Bangalore, India that shows women they do have other options. Rahab's Rope Women's Center is a place that provides food, shelter and protection; a place of education and training; a place where the whole person is ministered to spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and financially. It is a place of hope, a place of transformed lives. Come work alongside Rahab's Rope and see the realities these women live in. You'll come face to face with the injustice of this world while partnering with an organization that is fighting for justice--one woman at a time. You could also spend time working with a connected orphanage, with AIDS patients or in the local slums.

For more information and to apply:

visit the Real Life Bangalore, India trip page

4 Reasons Your Family Should Go On a Mission Trip

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Your family should go on a mission trip.

I shared a rather strong challenge for parents on my blog about a year ago (and recently updated it), stating that much of the spiritual challenges Christian parents face would be corrected by going on a family mission trip. Here's why:

American children need bigger worldviews. Taking your kid to an area of the world where not every teenager has a Wii or an iPod is, for many, an eye-opening experience. Many young people in the U.S. have been coddled and comforted, and they will tend to believe that everyone has such luxuries... unless you show them something different.

Mission trips instill a sense gratitude. Instead of telling your child about the millions of starving children in the world, you can introduce them to a starving child. And then, you can marvel at how grateful your son or daughter is after a home-cooked meal.

Shared experiences strengthen the family bond. Many pastors have stumbled upon the realization that camps and retreats create better community than a church service ever will. By sleeping, eating, and having fun together, families find a much stronger connection. When you add the element of service (as with a mission trip), this bond is only moreso reinforced, and it even perpetuates an outward focus for families that can carry on long after the project is over.

Parents need to disciple their kids. Many adults abdicate responsibility of deepening their children's faith walks to youth ministers. But kids need to see how their parents are living out their Christianity every day. Moreover, they need to see radical examples of faith amidst adverse circumstances and challenges. And lastly, they need to see evangelism taught and modeled in a practical setting, which often doesn't happen. A mission trip creates the ideal context for each of these lessons to be transferred from parent to child.

Kids can inspire their parents. The benefit doesn't stop with the child watching their parent live out their faith, but continues when parents are able to watch the boldness of their children in stepping out in faith as well. It often surprises and humbles parents to see the willingness and ultimate action of the children meeting the needs and extending themselves in ways their parents have not seen before.

For more on this topic, read the following post: Families Need to Go On Mission Trips.

Introducing Real Life: Summer 2010 Destinations

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Do you remember being in high school and going on all of those mission trips during spring break? It was usually to Mexico or the inner city of a major US metropolis. But while it was fun and memorable, the spiritual high and the impact it had was momentary. A few weeks later you were always thirsting for more, craving for a chance to be on the field longer and to get completely wrecked.

We have your chance. It's called Real Life.

These are 1-3 month mission trips designed for college-aged students 18-21 years old. Real Life missionaries have the chance to serve in one of 11 countries on three different continents doing things such as planting churches, working with victims of sex slavery, preaching, teaching English, and more. This is your opportunity to fulfill that dream of falling in love with Africa or romping around the Amazon Jungle while doing something extreme for the Kingdom of God. The catch?

To live simply and love radically.

To find out more about where you could go, read below (click a location name for a full description).

Click here to learn more about Real Life missions.

Live a story worth telling on one of these trips:

Banaglore, India (girls only)
Andhra Pradesh, India
Kenya
Uganda
Philippines
Nicaragua
Bolivia
Amazon Jungle, Peru
South America Expedition
Africa Expedition
World Race Exposure

We're going to possibly be adding more locations over the next few weeks and spotlighting several of the ones above. So check back here for updates! Still have questions about Real Life?

>> Ask us questions here <<

Make a Year-End Donation to Adventures In Missions

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There's Still Time Left to Give a Gift to Adventures In Missions

Would you consider making a donation to the ministry of Adventures In Missions (AIM) before Dec. 31st?

Giving a gift to AIM is an investment in raising up thousands of radical followers of Christ in 2010 and years to come.

Since 1989, AIM has been an organization that has focused on prayer and discipleship in the context of domestic and international missions. With newer programs like the World Race, as well as our short-term trips for youth and adults, we continue to see God doing amazing things, and we need your help now more than ever.

Your tax-deductible donation to our ministry will give the opportunity for the hungry to be fed, for unreached people to hear the Gospel, for the Lord to be glorified, and for a generation to radically follow Jesus.

Please prayerfully consider what you can do between now and the end of the year. Click the following link to see a list of AIM causes where you can give:

http://adventures.org/give/.

Adventures In Missions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to the cause of mobilizing missionaries around the world. A member of the ECFA, AIM stewards each donation with conviction and compassion. We treat our donors with care and respect. Please consider partnering with us by making a tax-deductible donation.