March Partners Update

REACH reflections by Jaden

Jewel, Patti, and I were privileged to attend the REACH conference this year. Our primary objective for attending was to represent the work of AIM in Poland. We found the conference rewarding for a number of reasons. First, it was good to talk with people from all across the spectrum of conservative Anabaptism. Of course we met many new people, but it was especially fun to unexpectedly meet old friends or relatives. Secondly, there were many lectures and presentations available for us to attend, and we were challenged and inspired by what we heard. Finally, we enjoyed working with Shannon and Dervin, our board members, and felt supported by former staff and teachers who were also attending the conference.

Personnel needs

We have an opening for a male volunteer teacher to provide instruction in conversational English at Gateway to English, starting in August 2022, for a two-year term. Teaching experience is preferred but not absolutely required.

To volunteer or to recommend someone for these positions or for more information, please contact Matt Gingerich at personnel@aimpoland.org.

Ukrainian refugee aid update

Our small church has been helping to meet the needs of Ukrainians in Poland and assisting with relief aid sent into Ukraine. Following are the ways we have focused on helping and an account of how your donations are being used.

Currently, we are renting three apartments for temporary housing. As refugees come and go, Lavern and Lolita and the New Perspective Foundation work to keep the apartments clean and stocked with bedding, toiletries, and food. They also spend time building relationships and helping refugees debrief from the trauma they’ve experienced.

Lavern and Lolita have rented a van and have made numerous trips to the border with supplies for Ukraine and also transported people to and from the border. On several occasions, we have rented a bus or van to take a group of people to other European countries.

International Host Connection works with orphans from Ukraine and has been very active in our area of Poland. Since the war began, we have helped provide logistical support for them in finding housing for orphan refugees.

We have given funds to foundations and churches at the border who are welcoming refugees and sending aid into Ukraine.

The Hershberger family have been at the front line for many of the endeavors just mentioned. Lavern writes, “One thing we are not doing is getting involved with any of this from a political perspective. Jesus did not give people the inside scoop on what was ‘really’ going on with Rome occupying Israel. However, he did say something about loving God, each other, and caring for the most helpless and undeserving. Thank God for so many people who are doing just that. Jesus said in John 16:33, ‘Here on earth YOU WILL HAVE many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I HAVE OVERCOME the world.’ We are seeing this happen before our eyes. May His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Give to AIM

Donors may indicate preferences for where their gifts are used (such as refugee relief, 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.