Adventures in Missions (AIM) is an interdenominational missions
organization that focuses on discipleship. We emphasize prayer and
relationships in our work amongst the poor.
Since we were established in 1989, we have taken over 90,000 people
into the mission field, some for as short as a week and others for as
long as a year or longer. In several places around the world, we
minister year-round ministry to "the least of these". We
believe that by giving people the opportunity to hold orphans, bring
hope to the hopeless, and pray for the sick, lives are transformed.
We seek to disciple as Jesus did; our vision is that God would use us
to raise up a generation of radically committed disciples of Jesus
Christ.
Q: What does the cost of the trip include?
A: The cost of your teen's trip covers:
- Food
- Lodging
- Training materials
- AIM t-shirt
- Journal
- Ministry expenses
- Other associated costs
Q: What types of ministry will my teen be involved in?
A: AIM is a very relational ministry so your teen will spend his or her time building relationships with the people they are ministering to and share God's love through those relationships. Each ministry site offers a variety of ministry opportunities that might include:
- Children's ministries
- Feeding programs
- Community outreach
- Sports ministry
- Light construction
- Ministry expenses
- Prayer ministry
We try to meet the ministry needs of the community while also joining in with existing ministries through our partners.
Q: What will my teen be taught?
- We Listen for the voice of God and respond. We believe that God is living, active, and has something to say to us. Listening and responding to the voice of God and are the goals that drive us.
John 10:27 (ESV) 'My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.'
- We Proclaim God’s love through our story and actions. We are passionate about sharing Jesus’ story with those we encounter. As you serve in communities, proclaiming your faith by telling others how God has transformed your life will make an impact for the Kingdom.
Luke 4:18-19 (NIV) 'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.'
- We Partner with intention and use innovative ways to meet needs. We strive to effectively meet felt needs in a creative and efficient way. Ministries with which you will be partnering have been chosen with purpose.
Philemon 1:6 (NIV) 'I pray that your partnership with us is in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.'
- We Disciple and build relationships to see God transform lives. We empower and equip those with a desire to do Kingdom work, believing that communities and relationships will be transformed with the love of Christ.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even until the end of age.'
- We Challenge expectations to allow God to work through us. The mission field is abundant with unique experiences that may challenge your definition of normal. We embrace difference to allow God to meet needs as they arise.
James 5:11 (NKJV) 'Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord - that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.'
Q: Where will my teen sleep?
A: On the field, your teen will probably sleep on the floor. They should bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and air mattress (if applicable). Males and females will be separated for lodging. Bathing facilities will be available for all groups.
Q: Can my teen bring their cell phone, iPod or other electronic devices?
A: AIM does not restrict these items on our trips, but please consult your teen's group leader before sending any electronic items with your teen. Please remember, your teen is on the trip to minister
and develop a deeper relationship with God. iPods or other electronic devices may be a distraction to what God is trying to do in your teen's life. A cell phone may or may not have reception in overseas locations. AIM is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged electronic devices.
Q: Who are the project leaders?
A: All AIM project leaders are adults over the age of 21 who have participated in our project leader training. We perform background checks on all leaders prior to their acceptance. AIM project leaders have a heart for missions and are ready to serve!
Q: My teen will be traveling outside of the United States. How do I apply for a passport?
A: Per the U.S. Department of State travel website, "On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document." For information on applying for a passport, please visit this website or make an appointment at your local post office. Generally, it takes approximately 4 - 6 weeks from the time of application for your teen to receive his or her passport.
Q: What information does my teen need to turn in to his or her group leaders?
A: All mission trip participants must complete the online individual mission trip application. Your teen's group leader will provide you with the link to create your teen's individual mission trip
application. This application will provide AIM and the project leader with emergency contact information, medical information, t-shirt size and the required liability and medical release.
Q: How do I contact my teenager in the case of an emergency?
A: We encourage you to contact your teen's group leader directly using their emergency contact information. You may also call AIM at 1-888-265-2404 in the event of an emergency. This number will connect you with an AIM representative who will contact our site staff. Please use this phone number for emergencies only.
Q: Will the students be safe?
A: Yes. AIM strives to ensure safety on all of our trips. While on the trip, participants are not permitted to leave the base without a youth leader and each project leader is instructed to keep safety first. Please be in prayer for your team's safety while on the on the mission field.
Q: What if something political happens overseas?
A: AIM stays aware of the political situations in and around our project locations. AIM carefully assesses the safety of every project location. We also partner with local ministries to ensure the safety of our ministry locations in country. AIM will never send a team if we feel our participants lives are at risk.
Q: What security measures are taken?
A: While on the trip, participants are not permitted without a leader; each project leader is instructed to keep safety first. We strive to ensure safety on all of our trips. Please be in prayer for your team's safety while on the on the mission field.
Q: Will there be safe food and water?
A: Yes. If local water is not safe to drink, AIM staff will purchase bottled water.
Q: What is the course of action in case of a medical emergency?
A: In the event of a medical emergency, every effort will be made to transport the injured/ill participant immediately to a medical facility. Medical releases should accompany participant on the field and be readily accessible to the appropriate medical caregivers. Project leaders have received emergency response training (e.g., first aid, CPR).
Q: Can I send a package?
A: Your teen will be on project less than a week, so we ask that you do not send your teen a package while on their trip. Because of our various ministry locations, we cannot guarantee each location receives mail directly at their site or on a daily basis. If you would like to send your teen a letter or package during the week, please make arrangements with your teen's group leader.
Q: Can I go with them?
A: AIM youth group mission trips are designed for junior and senior high students. If you are interested in leading for your teen's group, please speak with your teen's group leader to see if they need any additional adult leaders for the mission trip. Please check out AIM's
family mission trips for more opportunities to participate in missions with your teen and other participants not in this age bracket.
Q: Will they be with other churches?
A: Depending on the size of your teen's group and the capacity at each location, groups may serve alongside other groups. AIM is an inter-denominational ministry. If capacity allows, we desire to provide opportunities for various Christian groups to serve together. Participants will serve with other youth from their group, but may have the opportunity to serve along side youth from other groups depending on ministry options at each location.
Q: What should my teen pack?
A: Your teen will be given a packing list detailing the clothes and gear
to bring. Generally, you can expect to bring:
- A week's worth of clothes
- A rain jacket
- A sleeping bag
- A flashlight & extra batteries (head lamp recommended)
- A water bottle (Nalgene like bottle recommended)
- A Bible, journal, and pen
@AIMissions
Adventures Youth
It is important for participants to remember that when on the field
ministering, they're representing God, Adventures in Missions, and
local missionaries. Modesty is key. Your child's youth pastor will
have a more extensive guideline that focuses on their specific
location.
The actual ministry schedule for your teen may vary based on location and ministry opportunities.
