AIM 20th Anniversary: Words of Thanks

Last month, during our 20th Year Anniversary Celebration at Adventures In Missions, we passed out cards and asked everyone to jot down some memorable AIM moments and ways in which the ministry touched them.

 

Here are some of the prayers, memories, and encourages that were shared:

 

While out on the World Race, Gary Black described Seth by saying, “He’ll lay down in the mud so you can step on his back and go higher.” I didn’t know Seth well then and didn’t understand what that meant. Having come on staff, I now know. I’ve come to know Seth and shared dreams with him.  He has given his time, energy, and networks to help me go higher. I’m where I am thanks to the sacrifice Seth has made to take AIM higher. I’ve found my tribe, my family, and my calling. AIM is where I belong and Seth was willing to lay down himself for me to be here. I couldn’t say thank you enough.

– Laura Jacobs

Our exposure to AIM is through having a daughter on the World Race (June 2009). We are thankful for the way this is stretching her and making her more productive and useful in advancing God’s Kingdom.

AIM works…thank you for persevering.

Seth, God always changes us through our involvement with people. In the last 6 years, I’ve changed a lot. God used you and your commitment to the vision he gave you to impact me in significant ways. If I hadn’t known you and been a part of this thing God is doing through you, I’d be less than I currently am. Thanks…

I like that there is not a big difference between the man and the ministry. AIM looks like Seth and Karen, what you see is what you get. That is integrity.

A 100 year old lady praying a blessing over me in Mexico – sharing the gospel in a village in India that had never heard of Jesus – praying over the girls on my ambassador team so they would hear Jesus speak their identity over them – Bungee jumping in South Africa – Late nights and Underground Church at TC – Motorbikes in Thailand – 27 bus rides across the Tibetan Plateau in China – The Pyramids, The Taj Mahal – sleeping on the streets and begging for money in Greece – praying for a place to sleep and staying in a mountain monastery. Praying for a van and getting it, only to have it break down on our trek through Mexico. Tons of memories.

I remember the time when…we celebrated AIM’s 20th Anniversary in the [training center]. There were lots of people who came. Memories were shared – great food was enjoyed and later, dancing. Congrats AIM! Congrats Seth and Karen!

My first experience with AIM was at a training camp. I was just visiting a friend that was leading a trip. I felt the presence of the spirit so strongly. It changed my life and is a huge reason why I work with AIM today.

I remember sitting at my desk in April of 2005 having a moment of asking, “is this my life?!” I searched online for a mission trip and found this crazy advertisement for the World Race. In response to my inquiry, Seth Barnes e-mailed me back immediately and the rest is history. Little did I realize how those first few e-mails inspiring me to be a part of a movement would find me almost 5 years later being a cog in the “movement machine.” It’s changed my life forever, I can’t imagine living any other way.

 

Seth…thank you for speaking the truth in love to me at FOLP. Thank you for being “iron sharpening iron” to me. Thank you for blazing a trail for the Kingdom. I praise God for allowing me to join this Kingdom ministry. I applaud your faith, hope and love. For God’s Glory

Karen, Laura and I praise God for your perseverance with joy. Every time we see you, your smile that is a representation of God’s strength encourages us. May our King continue to show His love to you! In His love for you…

I was in Uganda, month 4 of the World Race, and my heart was NOT in the right place…it was a time of breaking me and showing me life is NOT about me. Anyway, I was at the breaking point of tired of being the focal point…tires of being the Mzungu, of people thinking we were something special. We were hanging out with children and Dan (a team mate) gave me my iPod and said, “You need to hear this.” The song, “Love ‘Em Like Jesus” came on and my heart broke…and it was such a good thing for my heart because NOW I have more in common with kids then people my own age. NOW life is NOT about my comfort but the love for others. THANK YOU!

My adventures with AIM began because God called me to the Dominican Republic and AIM staff made that dream a reality for me. While there in 2002, the Lord changed my life and started me on a journey with AIM that would last seven years and over fifteen countries. I am forever changed because of what the Lord has done through this ministry. Thanks to Seth and Karen and everyone else who’s stayed faithful to the Lord for the last 20 years. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the next 20. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to be exalted in this place and around the world. God Bless

Thank you Lord for AIM! I have seen and experienced the heart of JESUS in the staff and ministries and values of AIM. Prayer, listening prayer, international staff team, faith, the Holy Spirit, whatever it takes, friends.

AIM has inadvertently led me around the world and introduced me to some of the most important people in my life. Through almost every state, Mexico, Belize, Kosovo and other places AIM has been God’s agent in changing my life. They’ve put up with me setting off fire alarms in the old west wing and “mining” with firecrackers in the fields. But, through it all, the people who have come and gone have loved me. *p.s. if someone could tell Mr. Countiss sorry about the firecrackers and smoke bombs, I’d appreciate it…

– Michael Rogers

When I went to Mexico with AIM for 15 days to visit the World Race, I saw a sick boy healed overnight and a paralyzed man rejuvenated. My skepticism was cured as I caught a glimpse of a generation of radically committed disciples being raised up. And I wanted to be a part of it.

Seth, my prayer is that the Lord will continue to bless you and your family along with the entire AIM family in unique ways. Thank you for allowing us to partner with you guys as the Lord leads and enables. Better things are yet to come. Your accessibility as a ministry leader is so unique. I will model that.

World Race coaching – I will never be the same thank you Jesus.

 

 

Now it’s your turn: How has AIM made an impact on your life?