Anabaptist International Ministries

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.

Staff travels and changes

Alex Yoder ended his two-year term of service and returned to the US on June 30. We are grateful for and miss Alex’s kind, thoughtful contributions to our community and school.

The European Union’s external borders are still closed to tourists, but several of our staff were able to travel in June. Jaden and Jewel Kilmer began a two-month furlough, Kristin Herrin took a four-week furlough, and the Matt and Deborah Gingerich family spent two weeks in the USA for a family wedding. They were all grateful for the chance to travel and to renew relationships with family and friends.

Currently, we are trying to navigate travel restrictions that limit the arrival of new volunteers, as non-residents of the EU are barred from entering Poland. These new restrictions mean extra legal work so that we can get new volunteers into the country.

Agape Fellowship

Literature distribution

We are happy to continue partnering with Eastern European Mission to distribute Polish Bibles and Christian literature. EEM sent a new shipment of Bibles in July, with a total of 10,000 copies for our distribution. D, a brother from Warsaw, has already picked up 800 Bibles for further distribution. He works in several hospitals, giving him the opportunity to have conversations with many people about the Lord. He is able to give Bibles to other believers to support their ministries as well, such as a lady in Gdańsk who is engaged in ministry to Jews. It is exciting to be able to support Polish believers in ministry as they give out Bibles, but most of all we pray that people would have a hunger to read God’s word. If you would like to contribute to this project, please give directly to EEM.

Volunteering Project

For the last several years, one of our church members, Agnieszka, has been caring for a local family. This household consists of an elderly, bedfast grandmother, her widowed daughter, and teenage granddaughter. After working very hard to raise money to build a new house, they are nearly ready to move in, but they needed some help to paint and prepare the new house. They are very excited about their new house as recent torrential rains have been leaking through the roof of their old house and threatening to bring down parts of their ceiling. Some of our church helped with the painting project one evening.

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 Matthew Mast at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 814-789-4394.

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

Current Events

Near the end of April Lavern and Lolita traveled to the USA for their furlough of two and a half months. They are enjoying being reunited with their two oldest daughters and experiencing Georgia’s hospitality. We hope their time will be revitalizing, and that they will be able to return as planned.

Since the end of March, Agape has been having services online. In April, Poland initiated the first of four stages aimed at easing restrictions. In May, we gathered several times in homes or outdoors for worship and fellowship. We have also been having more small group interactions and that has been a boost to our lives during this isolating time. We’ve just entered the fourth stage of returning to a new normal and are enjoying simple pleasures like sitting down in a restaurant or walking outside without a face mask.

Gateway to English Update

In March, when Covid-19 began affecting Poland, we started offering online classes to our students. Now, at the end of May, our seven teachers are teaching 40 group and individual classes. For some of our students who are also parents, the challenges of tutoring children and working from home have made English lessons impossible. For others, having the opportunity to continue sharpening their English skills in the midst of isolation is attractive.

Kristin writes,

The last few months of school seemed simultaneously to move slowly and to fly by. The unexpected occurrence of switching to online lessons due to the quarantine, led to revamping some teaching techniques, and familiarizing ourselves with online platforms like Zoom and Skype. While moving to online lessons felt like a challenge at first, and we dearly missed the element of relaxed, natural human interaction that more easily takes place in a classroom, we quickly found that these online meetings with our students were one of the brightest spots in our weeks. We were all experiencing the same things–isolation, lots of questions–and we found that lessons felt a lot like talking with friends, as we were able to encourage and care for each other through a difficult time.

God is faithful, and we experienced Him guiding us in meaningful conversations during both individual and group lessons through this time. In the last couple months of school, we covered a wide range of topics, such as:

What motivates you?: We discussed things like fear, affirmation, and self-determination.

Gardening: It’s the season for planting here, and lots of students are into growing things.

The disease of being busy: We spent time looking at the busy pace of our lives, and asked questions about what our priorities are. We explored the importance of genuinely slowing down to ask people about the state of their hearts.

Humor: Lots of cheesy English jokes were involved. (Would you like to hear a pizza joke? Never mind, it’s too cheesy…)

The prodigal son/making decisions: As one of our last lessons, the story of the prodigal son sparked meaningful discussion about the characters in it and what Jesus meant for his disciples to hear in the story. Some students wrestled with the unfairness of the younger son getting a party thrown in his honor while the older son had worked faithfully at home for years. Some shared that as parents, they have come to realize how strong their love is for their children regardless of their children’s choices. We had some opportunities to share about the Father-heart of God. It is incredible that He loves us so deeply, that he is willing and ready to forgive us when we are truly sorry for our wrongdoings.

Friday was our last official day of school, and it’s hard to believe another year has come to a close. This year has been full of unexpected things—a quarantine, online lessons, cancelled plans. But it’s also been full of what is dependable and unchanging—the faithfulness of God, grace for each day, and beautiful moments of seeing how He redeems even the difficult things and uses them for His glory. All praise to Him.”

Literature Project

In 2017, AIM worked with Grace Press to distribute tracts and evangelism material to Seed of Truth subscribers. We are working with them again to publish two books about Christian martyrs during the reformation: In the Whale’s Belly and Whom Shall I Fear? Grace Press has done the work of translation and is covering part of the printing cost. Grace Press has done the work of translation and is covering part of the printing cost. AIM is printing 2000 of each of these titles to distribute in Poland and anticipates a printing cost of around $1,500. If you would like to support this project, please earmark your contributions “Grace Press Printing Project.” 

Financial Needs

We need approximately $3,000 to purchase tickets for volunteers traveling to and from Poland in the next two months.

Now that English lessons have ended for the summer, we need an additional $2,000 in June to cover expenses normally covered by income from English lessons.

Personnel Needs

We have an opening for one female and one male volunteer teachers to provide instruction in conversational English at Gateway to English, starting in August 2020. 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 Matthew Mast at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 814-789-4394.

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