U.K.’s Personnel Director Miriam van Reenan is giving praise for the privilege of being “one of the links in the process of sending missionaries to Africa and keeping them on the job.”  Last year was a “bumper” year as to new missionaries going into service in Africa.  During the fall months she had the privilege of visiting missionaries in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda to encourage them in the ministries God has given them.  This has been a wonderful encouragement as she continues with her “desk job” in the Nottingham Office.  Pray that during this year she will continue to see God manifest “His greatness and mighty hand” as she faithfully serves. 

In recent months Chuck and Susan Pinkerton experienced a change in assignment from serving as Provincial Mobilizers for Ontario, Canada, with some time being given by Chuck to care for IT/Computer needs in the AIM Office in Scarborough.  Last September Chuck was officially moved to full time work in the IT/Computer area in the office.  Pray for wisdom for him and guidance for Susan as she seeks to determine where God can best use her.  Pray also for a full-time couple to help as mobilizers in Ontario, a province where almost 50% of the Canadian population lives.

A year ago Jonathan and Dottie Hildebrandt were bringing closure to four years as Executive Director of AIM’s Asia Pacific area, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Korea.  They have been on home assignment in the U.S. since handing over leadership responsibilities to Len and Robbyn Lesleighter last April.  During this time they have enjoyed times with family, friends, and ministry partners.  Pray for the Hildebrandts as they complete home assignment and prepare to make AIM’s U.S. Retirement Center in Florida their home as of July 2008.

Unit Leaders for Namibia, Mick and Suzanne Rineer, are rejoicing as they witness God at work in this country.  AIM’s team is growing in number and reaching out to needy individuals in various areas.  Give praise for those involved in medical and youth work, in teaching and ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of Namibians and their families. Pray for Rineers as they give guidance to a growing team.  Pray also for new missionaries, Steve and Carrie Graham and their four children, as they adjust and begin ministering among children in a rural area near the coast.

Steve and Sharon E. continue to serve among the people of northern Mozambique. They are excited to see how the Lord is showing His greatness and mighty hand despite the daily challenges that come with a harsh climate, maintaining good health, and seeking to minister to individuals who need the “truth of the living God to pierce the darkness and set them free.”  They look forward to seeing the Cultural Center that has been going up, impact the community through the teaching of English, chronological storytelling, basketball, volleyball, and other activities.  Pray for wisdom in knowing how to use the Center most effectively for God’s glory and purposes in ministering to the needs of these people.

As Sue Merriman continues to give leadership to the small AIM team in Lesotho, she gives praise for continuing peace and safety throughout the country and for new doors of opportunity God is opening to teach in schools.  She is also encouraged to see ladies from her Bible study group growing in the Lord and the local church in Maseru reaching out to help needy people around them.  She requests prayer for teachers and also that local churches will continue to reach out and show concern and care for those needing help, with the goal of meeting spiritual needs as well as physical needs.

AIM’s Southern Region leadership are giving praise for God’s provision of homes and good transitions in Johannesburg, South Africa. Recognizing that “God has only begun to show His greatness and power,” they count on our prayers for wisdom, insight, and understanding as they evaluate opportunities and determine how to get involved to further God’s Kingdom in the southern region of Africa.