Anabaptist International Ministries

Recent News Update

Growing tension to the east of us finally erupted in war on February 24th when Russian forces invaded Ukraine. Although the nearest conflict to us in Mińsk Mazowiecki is over 200 miles away, this has had an impact on us and on the people of Poland. There is a palpable level of distress at the violence, along with a strong show of solidarity for the people of Ukraine. The Polish government has opened the borders to Ukrainians fleeing violence. At this time, we are able to continue freely in our daily lives and ministry, and we have no reason to believe that the violence in Ukraine will extend to Poland.

Recently Matt & Deborah opened up their home to host two ladies—an American missionary and a Ukrainian—who are teaching English in Ukraine. They were in our community for a week and a half before moving on to friends in other parts of Europe. Will there be more people from Ukraine coming our way? Hospitality creates disruptions, so we feel a need for God’s grace to keep our hearts and homes open.

The latest reports show that over 100,000 Ukrainians have already sought refuge in Poland and more are still on the way. AIM is trying to partner with other churches and organizations in Poland to host refugees. There will be many needs for housing and food in the days (and likely weeks) to come. If you would like to contribute financially to support refugee aid, you can contact Matt Gingerich to find out about options at administrator@aimpoland.org. We will keep sending updates as the situation progresses. Thank you in advance for your prayers!

Youth Meetings 2022

Zimowisko (winter youth meeting) 2022 was a huge blessing to me. We had 3.5 days together with a group of approx. 18-20 youth. Thursday evening got things started with a time of worship, a message shared by Lavern, and some integration activities for the youth. Friday-Sunday we had a guest speaker, Łukasz, from Warsaw. He shared on the topic of loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. We had lots of opportunities throughout the weekend for the youth to break into small groups and to search the Scriptures together on the topics we were studying; it blessed me to hear how many of the youth shared that this was a highlight for them. One of the most fun highlights for me was the photo/video challenge we did in small groups on Saturday. Each group had a list of photo/video titles- for example, “earthquake”- and they had to create something to represent each title. The results were hilarious and we all had a great time watching the creative things each group came up with. Overall, simply being together, enjoying one another’s presence and enjoying the presence of God was the biggest gift. -Kristin

Reach 2022

Come see us at REACH 2022 on March 24-25. Bring your friends to our table or point them to an AIM presentation on Friday at this big event. REACH brings together conservative Anabaptist ministries and kingdom workers from all walks of life. Join us for this two-day program that includes 97 breakout sessions to support and equip people in ministry and all those with a desire for service. Over 50 participating ministries share their vision in focus sessions and displays. General sessions tie the event together with sermons, singing, and prayer. All are welcome!

• Location: Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
• Read more information and register: fbep.org/reach-2022

Personnel needs

We have an opening for one male and one female volunteer teacher to provide instruction in conversational English at Gateway to English, starting in August 2022. Teaching experience is preferred but not absolutely required. To volunteer or to recommend someone for this position,  please contact Matt Gingerich at personnel@aimpoland.org.

Give to AIM

Donors may indicate preferences for where their gifts are used (such as staff support, Gateway to English, or Seed of Truth) and AIM will honor preferences where possible. AIM reserves the right to assign all contributions where needed. If you would like additional information about how funds are used or if you wish to pledge ongoing support, please contact Shannon Lehman at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 717-816-4587.

To make a donation using credit or debit card, please visit our donate page.

Recent News Update

As we are sending this email, some of us on the team have tested positive for covid-19 or are otherwise sick with the flu. We are grateful that everyone has mild symptoms and are in the process of canceling in-person classes at GTE. Please pray for Matt and Marzena as they navigate the situation and communicate with our students.

Seed of Truth and Literature Distribution

“Thank you for the Christian literature you provide, Bibles for children and adults. These materials help our community to distribute in our area. This year, we are again conducting the “Christmas Gift” campaign for children and families who are in difficult financial and life situations. Some of the children are disabled or raised in foster families. In addition to the parcels, the children also receive Bibles for young readers or God’s message, and their parents have the opportunity to receive the UBG Bible. Please find attached some pictures. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for the recently delivered October and January Seed of Truth and ask if it is/will be possible to order November and December Seed of Truth.”

Ludwik Skworcz, Chairman of the Council of Elders from the Evangelical Brotherhood Association, translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Team Travels

The Christmas season brought a number of friends and family here for visits. It was a welcome contrast with last December when we were not able to host anyone because of travel restrictions. The holiday break also saw Charity and Lyndon return to their respective families for visits. They both will be gone in January, so we were delighted when Matt and Sharon King agreed to come to Poland for a month and substitute for most of their classes. Hadassah Hershberger was back for a visit, and we enjoyed having her teach as well. Matt, Sharon, and Hadassah have all taught here previously, so that is an added blessing. It’s easy to worry about the complications of international travel these days, so we are thanking God that everyone has had smooth travels so far.

Give to AIM

Donors may indicate preferences for where their gifts are used (such as staff support, Gateway to English, or Seed of Truth) and AIM will honor preferences where possible. AIM reserves the right to assign all contributions where needed. If you would like additional information about how funds are used or if you wish to pledge ongoing support, please contact Shannon Lehman at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 717-816-4587.

To make a donation using credit or debit card, please visit our donate page.

Gateway to English, our English school. We use the entryway and three windows to the left. Now that the sun sets soon after 3:00, it is nice to have a bright cozy school.

Small Talk

Our second small talk event of the year occurred on November 19. We focused on a Thanksgiving theme. As usual we enjoyed connecting with students outside of the class room while doing fun activities and eating tasty food. With increased covid-19 restrictions coming soon, we are extra grateful that we could host two small talks this year so far.

Funding Needs

We notice God’s presence in our lives most keenly when we’re also paying attention to exactly what we need from Him. God has been faithful to provide throughout all history, yet today we “notice” His provision in some particular ways. Thank you for your support this year. Your giving gives us confidence to proclaim Jehovah Jireh (“God will provide”).

We want to highlight the incredible increase of supply and need for Bibles across Poland. Partnering with EEM (Eastern European Missions), we’ve nearly doubled the number of Bibles shipped from last year’s total. We’re also committing to shoulder more of the costs associated with Seed Of Truth in order to help CAM allocate their funds elsewhere. You can earmark your gifts for “SOT” or “Literature Distribution” to help with these projects. Simply put, we need more partners in this great work!

Give to AIM

Donors may indicate preferences for where their gifts are used (such as staff support, Gateway to English, or Seed of Truth) and AIM will honor preferences where possible. AIM reserves the right to assign all contributions where needed. If you would like additional information about how funds are used or if you wish to pledge ongoing support, please contact Shannon Lehman at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 717-816-4587.

To make a donation using credit or debit card, please visit our donate page.

Gateway to English Small Talk

We held our first Small Talk of the year in October. Here are some thoughts from the teachers.

Small Talk was a great way to connect with our students through crafts, food and games! I really enjoyed having the opportunity to talk and interact with students, of all age ranges, outside of the classroom setting. -Charity

Small Talk is about community and connection. I really enjoyed seeing the interaction between family members who usually come at different times throughout the week. -Lyndon

This was my first Small Talk, and I really enjoyed seeing the students come and participate in the games and activities. My favorite part of this Small Talk was playing Spot It with some of my students. -Lizzie

It was an evening filled with good food, good friends, and good fun – especially the pumpkin bowling turned pumpkin smashing. -Curt

Hillcrest Visit

Recently we were honored to host a group of young people from Hillcrest Home. Hillcrest organized this trip as part of a thank-you to their volunteers for a term of service. We were able to give them a glimpse into some of our daily activities and show them a few of our favorite places. They, in turn, supported us in our various endeavors. They threw their energy into work projects, teaching, and cooking. We really enjoyed having them here. To learn more about the home, visit their website hillcresthome.org.

Funding Needs

We notice God’s presence in our lives most keenly when we’re also paying attention to exactly what we need from Him. God has been faithful to provide throughout all history, yet today we “notice” His provision in some particular ways. Thank you for your support this year. Your giving gives us confidence to proclaim Jehovah Jireh (“God will provide”).

We want to highlight the incredible increase of supply and need for Bibles across Poland. Partnering with EEM (Eastern European Missions), we’ve nearly doubled the number of Bibles shipped from last year’s total. We’re also committing to shoulder more of the costs associated with Seed Of Truth in order to help CAM allocate their funds elsewhere. You can earmark your gifts for “SOT” or “Literature Distribution” to help with these projects. Simply put, we need more partners in this great work!

Give to AIM

Donors may indicate preferences for where their gifts are used (such as staff support, Gateway to English, or Seed of Truth) and AIM will honor preferences where possible. AIM reserves the right to assign all contributions where needed. If you would like additional information about how funds are used or if you wish to pledge ongoing support, please contact Shannon Lehman at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 717-816-4587.

To make a donation using credit or debit card, please visit our donate page.

Gateway to English began lessons on September 13. With five full-time teachers, we were able to sign up over 130 students. Some students are new and some are returning after coming for many years. It is really good to be able to welcome students in person. We hope that we will be able to continue lessons face to face and not go back to lessons online.

AIM 20-Year Celebration

Matthew Gingerich writes,

On the last Sunday afternoon in September, the AIM team, Agape church members, other Polish friends, and the two visiting AIM board couples (Shannon and Joella Lehman and Samuel and Suzanne Sommers), gathered to celebrate God’s faithfulness over the duration of AIM’s presence in Poland. The first long-term team came to Poland in 2001, so this year marks twenty years that the mission has been operating in Mińsk Mazowiecki. It was a special time to look at pictures together and hear memories and testimonies from people who have been so connected to AIM through the years. We have received a lot of support and love from many Polish people. In turn, we heard testimonies of numerous people who have come to know Jesus personally and who have been encouraged in the faith through the work of AIM.

I was reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” Many AIM staff have come and gone over the years. It can be hard to know what one’s actions today are actually accomplishing, but I can see numerous instances of one person’s work bearing fruit even long after they have left Poland.

Hope Singers 2022

The Hope Singers tour is scheduled for July 18 – August 8, 2022. More information can be found at www.hopesingers.com.

Give to AIM

Donors may indicate preferences for where their gifts are used (such as staff support, Gateway to English, or Seed of Truth) and AIM will honor preferences where possible. AIM reserves the right to assign all contributions where needed. If you would like additional information about how funds are used or if you wish to pledge ongoing support, please contact Shannon Lehman at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 717-816-4587.

To make a donation using credit or debit card, please visit our donate page.

The Team’s Summer Highlights

Gdansk Trip

Kristin writes,

One of the highlights of my summer was a trip to visit the Polish seaside with some friends. Our friend Natalia organized the trip and invited a diverse group of people from different parts of Poland. Lyndon, Alyssa, and I were so blessed by this time spent with other believers, and were challenged and encouraged by their testimonies and passion for the Lord.

One of our goals for this trip was to camp on the beach. The only potential problem was that tents weren’t allowed for camping on the wild beach. Rain in the forecast didn’t slow us down, and we all packed our belongings in our backpacks, simply taking sleeping bags and sleeping mats for the night. We had a great day at the beach, with minimal rain until the evening came. When the rain began, we searched for shelter at a beach-side snack shack. There were large umbrellas, and we gathered underneath, enjoying being together but unsure of what to do for the night. One of the guys had the idea to ask the owner of the snack shack if it would be possible for us to take shelter there for the night. He looked surprised at the request, but he agreed to let us stay there, not wanting any money in return for the favor. The evening was spent huddled under a shelter there, and we had a beautiful time of singing and praying, thanking God for His provision for us.

The next morning our friends had the idea that we should give the owner and two workers some gifts and notes of appreciation for letting us stay there. I was so challenged to see this group of young people so enthusiastic about writing personal notes, and talking together about how to share the Gospel with these people, sharing ideas of Scriptures to include, etc. After quite a lengthy preparation process, our whole group of thirteen people went and presented the gifts and notes, and the young man who was leading out shared a  heartfelt word of gratitude with the worker. It was amazing to see her countenance change as he shared with her, and in that moment, I sensed something profound was happening. As we walked away, I felt God reminding me that He works through simple obedience in the small moments. I’m grateful to our Polish friends for exemplifying what it means to live lives that are committed to honoring the Father, and being intentional with sharing their faith with people they meet.

Evangelistic Concert in Warsaw

Lyndon writes,

On August 22nd, Deborah, Kristin, and I had the privilege of participating in a small outdoor concert in Warsaw. The event was hosted by a local congregation from the Church of Free Christians where some of our friends attend. Our trio sang several songs in English and in Polish. A number of other groups and individuals shared a few songs as well. The event was held in the churchyard, and quite a few people listened from their apartment balconies or stopped to listen as they walked by on the sidewalk. It was a blessing to be able to serve the Lord in this way, and it was encouraging to spend this time with friends and to make new connections with other believers.

School Resumes

In August we began looking forward to the start of the ‘20-’21 school year. As for  most people these days, the new school year brought us unusual circumstances. First, we had a very small team for school preparation in August. Alex and Alyssa had finished their two year terms, leaving only Kristin and Lyndon here as our full-time teachers. Our two new teachers had not arrived because of stringent travel restrictions during the pandemic. In addition, Jaden and Jewel had returned from the US but were in a 14-day quarantine that ended on September 3.

Secondly, we wanted to take seriously the new expectations and requirements for dealing with COVID-19. We installed sanitation stations, bought clear visors (masks are crippling in a conversational English school), and developed social distancing procedures,to name a few things. Hats off to Kristin, Lyndon, and Matt for bearing the brunt of this planning process. Registration opened on August 27 and the new school year started on September 7. Despite the extra planning and additional work, we’re thrilled to finally be in the same room with students again, after teaching online from March to June. We are grateful for each day with our students, as this school year looks more uncertain than usual.

Give to AIM

Donors may indicate preferences for where their gifts are used (such as staff support, Gateway to English, or Seed of Truth) and AIM will honor preferences where possible. AIM reserves the right to assign all contributions where needed. If you would like additional information about how funds are used or if you wish to pledge ongoing support, please contact Shannon Lehman at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 717-816-4587.

To make a donation using credit or debit card, please visit our contact page.