Q: What are the requirements to apply with AIM? A: You must be a born-again Christian with an active and growing relationship with Jesus Christ; you must be at least 19 years of age or have completed one year of college; you must be able to legally work in the U.S.; you cannot have been divorced multiple times or within the last five years.
Q: How long does the application process take? Or, how soon can I be on the field? A: A: The Short Term application process normally takes 6 months and medical students seeking a medical rotation should plan on applying 12-18 months in advance (including time needed for raising support). The Full Term application process normally takes between 4-12 months, with at least another 6 months to raise support before going out to the field.
Q: How do I begin the application process? A: The first step is to fill out the Ministry Interest Formon our website. Once we receive that form we'll contact you about the next stage in the application process.
Q: I'm not sure exactly where or to what the Lord has called me; is that okay? A: Absolutely! We'll prayerfully work with you to match your skill set and interests with needs on the field.
Q: What if I'm interested in a specific country or ministry? A: That's great! We'll do our best to offer you assignments that match your vision.
Q: How much does it cost to go to Africa? A: The Short Term application fee is $35. The only expense associated with the Full Term application process is the Candidate Week fee of $750/adult (see below). Both Short Term and Full Term missionaries raise prayer and financial support to sustain them on the field. Rough estimates include $4,500 for a Short Term summer team and $15,000 for a year-long individual assignment. Full Term support targets vary widely based on assignment, location, family size, and length of term, and generally aren't available until the Candidate Week stage. Remember that we serve a mighty God, and He is the one who supplies our needs!
Q: What's Candidate Week? A: Candidate Week is the last step in the Full Term application process and is required for all Full Term candidates. It is a week of training and orientation held at the AIM U.S. headquarters, at the end of which a decision is made regarding appointment as a missionary.
Q: Will I need to learn another language to go to Africa? A: Most assignments offer the exciting opportunity to learn another language. AIM recognizes the value of building relationships and making disciples by communicating with people in their own language. This is especially true for those applying Full Term. Language learning is part of the TIMO program, (Learn more about TIMO here) and when necessary, language school (in the States, in Africa or elsewhere) is an option. There are also positions and areas which do not require knowledge of a language other than English, but language learning is always encouraged!
Q: Can I go to Africa while my husband/wife remains in the States? A: AIM's policy is to appoint both spouses as a couple such that both spouses engage in ministry in Africa, which may include one spouse raising the family and building relationships in the community.
Q: What are the education options for my children? A: Some families home-school their children, some enroll their children in one of AIM's MK schools (RVA in Kenya or HOPAC in Tanzania), and some enroll their children in a national school.
Q: How is AIM different from other missions organizations? A: Every missions organization is different, and no one organization is necessarily better than another. It's all about finding the organization that's a good fit for you. Our missionaries describe AIM as having a "family feel." Perhaps what's most unique about AIM is its emphasis on reaching the unreached. Our vision is to see Christ-centered churches among all the peoples of Africa.
