The following pages contain a list of the tentative 2009 Novås Project global Outreach locations. These are the locations where you will spend the majority of your time during the projects. You will join a team of 3-6 of your teammates and live your lives as real missionaries, while you partner with local established missionaries and ministers.
How to submit a locations request:
1. Pray, pray, pray- We trust that through prayer Christ will guide us to a good decision.
2. Research- The list below contains a brief overview of the countries. Take some time and learn more about all of the locations.
3. Submit THREE different locations in the correct order as one being your top choice. Deadline for sending request is July 31st. If you don’t send in your request before the deadline you might not get your preferred location.
You will know your location and team soon after you arrive in Mexico for your training. In the mean time you may feel free to use your #1 preference to communicate to supporters. Odds are you will go there.
Keep in mind the need to be flexible. We will work hard to make sure you get to the location you desire, but this is missions and things are constantly changing.
The decision will be made on the following criteria.
1. Your Desire
2. The team dynamics
3. Approval of the host ministers
Project Overview:
Tiny and tucked neatly inside of South Africa, Swaziland is the kind of place that most never give a second thought. Looking at Swaziland on a map, it appears to be nothing more than an insignificant dot. A closer look reveals one of the great tragedies of today’s world. With the world’s highest HIV/AIDS rate (nearly 40% of the population are infected) and about 70% of the population living on less than $1 per day, Swaziland is hanging by a thread. The sad truth is that this country may not be in existence in the very near future if we, the Body of Christ, do not step in. That’s where you come in.
Ministry Description:
Despite the prevalence of HIV/AIDS here, the disease is still considered taboo and greatly misunderstood in this part of the world. Much of your time will be dedicated to spending time with orphans and other folks who have been affected by this awful disease. Your job is to simply love unconditionally and spend quality time with people in need. The Swazi people are renowned for their warmth and kindness, and will be sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
You will have the chance to spend time with people who have been shunned, stigmatized and rejected because of their state. Your time in Swaziland could play a role in changing the life of a person, or perhaps an entire nation.
Possible Locations: Mbane, Manzini
South Africa-
Project Overview:
South Africa is considered by many to be the adventure capital of the world. It is filled with a natural beauty and wildlife will leave your jaw on the floor. The country is filled with friendly people, rich culture and a struggle freedom! The people of South Africa are spiritually hungry and searching for truth and something that is real. This Adventure is one that will change you and give you the chance to see God change others as He uses your service to Him.
Ministry Description:
The team will have to opportunity to partner local ministries. Some of the ministry opportunities would include Children’s ministry/VBS program, Local church youth ministry, Prayer walks, Help with church planting, relational evangelism and Maintenance at our location host location.
Possible Locations: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth
Uganda
Project Overview:
Much of the ministry will be will be in partnership with Helping Hands Ministry. The team will be ministering at a school for orphans. There will be opportunities to provide friendship, bible studies, education and the gospel to the children. In addition to the children, you will have a chance to minister to young adults in the area with outreach events working alongside Ugandans who are trying to reach their peers.
Ministry Description:
The team will assist and learn how to best minister with and to the people of Uganda. There may also be opportunities for the team to work with local churches “in the bush” once a week. The opportunities to join God in what He is doing in Uganda will be many and full of variety.
Possible Location: Busia
Philippines
Project Overview:
As you read this, an epic spiritual tug-of-war is being waged for the soul of the Philippines. A sprawling, boisterous collection of more than 7,000 islands with 95 million citizens, the Philippines is one of the major spiritual battlegrounds in the world today. The nation has had a tumultuous past to say the least, having been occupied and influenced by several colonial powers. Grinding poverty is prevalent, leading to issues such as human trafficking and other illicit activities. You can help-let’s work together on God’s side of the rope and pull as hard as we can by pointing people to Him.
Ministry Description:
Your team will partner with local churches in Cebu and will focus mainly on reaching out to local youths. The temptation is great for young people here, as many pitfalls await vulnerable children. Opportunistic predators are all too willing to recruit impressionable kids into lives of crime or even slavery. You can help guide youths toward a better path, a path that leads to hope, meaning and life. Your participation can make the difference between light and darkness, or perhaps even life or death.
Nicaragua
Project Overview:
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. War and natural disasters including earthquakes and hurricanes have wreaked havoc on the area. Hopelessness abounds. Children are especially hurting, due to the lack of two-parent families.
The needs are great in Nicaragua but the opportunities for ministry on this Adventure are even greater. You might think that you don’t have much to offer people with such crushing needs, but remember: God does the healing, not us. All we do is plant seeds of truth and love, and water them. It’s up to God to bring about new life and growth. Anyone can plant seeds, right?
Ministry Description:
There is a vibrant ministry waiting for you in the temperate hill towns outside of Managua. (Nicaragua’s capital city). Children’s ministry, open air evangelism in the plaza and at the dump, and community help are all possibilities. Some construction on a new orphanage complex may be included and there is the possibility for rehab center visitation. You may also be involved in the feeding program at the dump.
Possible Locations: Granada, Managua
England
Project Overview:
England once led the way in sending missionaries and planting churches around the world. Now however, many of her own churches stand empty or nearly empty. Most of the congregations in these churches are elderly, leaving a bleak future for the congregation unless the young are reached for Christ. But all is not lost; God is at work in and through the few churches who stand as beacons of light in their communities.
London is a bustling, fast paced and unforgiving city. It is a place where people from all over the world have come to live and work. Southampton on the other hand is smaller, with a population of 280,000, although no less cosmopolitan than London. In London the church is thriving, although most of the congregations are foreign. In Southampton the church is growing again.
Ministry Description:
Through your ministry to these dark places, you will have the opportunity to breath new life into a place that desperately needs it. Working alongside Christian organizations and churches you will be going on prayer walks through the streets of London and ministering to the youth in Southampton. You will have opportunities to take the light of the Gospel to some of the darkest areas. You will visit the elderly in retirement homes, minister to the homeless, and do practical ministries, such as painting and repair work. You will also do creative worship and prayer at various famous sites in both cities. Be prepared to be challenged and to proclaim your faith to a people who can speak your own language.
Possible Locations: London, Manchester
Ireland
Project Overview:
Ireland, perhaps more than any country in recent memory, has seen religion used as a pretext for war, bloodshed and general animosity. Tensions between Protestants and Catholics on the island resulted in widespread bloodshed, and years of hatred, enmity and division. As a result, many of today’s Irish have turned their backs on religion, citing the violence committed in its name.
Ministry Description:
You will be working with like-minded pastors and young people who know the lay of the land, and will be able to help you acclimate to the Irish culture. You will have the chance to participate in prayer walks, children’s ministry and personal evangelism, all in one of the great settings of the world on the ancient, mysterious Emerald Isle. Ireland will provide a rich cultural experience, as well as a challenging, rewarding spiritual journey. God desires for us to be in unity with one another, come join us as we try to bring a fresh message of peace to a country still deeply wounded from years of division.
Possible Locations: Dublin
Romania
Project Overview:
Shrouded in mystery and legend, Romania is an exciting, ancient land. Often cited as “Dracula’s” land of origin, Romania has much more to offer than vampire tales. Many people here have grown alienated from religion, and have drifted far from Christ. While most have heard the name of Jesus, few know the true Gospel message and have experienced the life-altering affects of His grace.
Ministry Description:
Our work here will mainly focus on ministering to underprivileged groups of Roma people (commonly known as “Gypsies”). You will have the opportunity to spend time with grateful, energetic children at orphanages, run various youth programs geared toward sharing the Gospel message, and other fun evangelistic outreaches. Bring your sense of adventure, your soccer cleats and an open, loving heart.
Possible Locations: Bristritia
Mexico
Project Overview:
Matamoros, Mexico is our most popular Adventure destination. “The Gateway”, AIM’s center for outreach in Mexico, is here. Although it’s only a few miles south of the border of Texas, you don’t have to go any farther than Matamoros to find a world of poverty and need.
Your team will work in local neighborhoods and farming communities to help families who are poor materially and spiritually. Your day will be divided between construction, evangelism, prayer, and children’s ministries.
Our goal is to strengthen local churches and ministries. We’ll work alongside our Mexican brothers and sisters to change Matamoros for Christ.
Ministry Description:
AIM has worked in the poor areas of Matamoros for many years, and we have a good reputation among the local Christian community. Fulltime AIM staff live in the area to coordinate follow-up efforts for those who commit their lives to the Lord through the teams’ efforts. Students should come prepared to do a little bit of everything.
Ministry opportunities may include children’s ministry, door-to-door evangelism, prayer walks, discipleship visits, possible orphanage service, sports evangelism (most likely soccer), evening outreaches, and construction of churches or homes for the poor.
Possible Location: Matamoros
Peru
Project Overview:
Peruvians are coming to Christ by the thousands and AIM is involved in this movement. We have developed a comprehensive strategy to bring the gospel to the poorest of the poor. A primary objective is to establish such strong relationships with local follow-up staff that all new converts will be integrated into churches.
You will come back from Peru forever changed!
Ministry Description:
The people of Peru are looking for hope and are responding to the gospel in great waves.
In different parts in Lima (the capital city) and other cities like Chincha Alta, Ica and Canete there is a great diversity of ministry.
In addition, some teams will walk to mountain villages and conduct community outreaches in parks and squares to share Christ. Your group will partner with growing churches to build their ministries and support God’s work through them.
Possible Locations: Lima, Highland, and Amazon Jungle
Philadelphia
Project Overview:
In the heart of inner city Philadelphia, AIM’s ministry neighborhood is staffed year-round by experienced, street-wise Christians who reach out to those who live their lives in the midst of poverty, violence, and drug dealing. AIM works with local ministries and churches to meet the physical and spiritual needs of many different people including drug addicts, prostitutes, the homeless, low-income families, children, and teenagers.
We are committed to seeing each person’s life transformed by the power of Jesus Christ, and strive to see this happen through intensive prayer, evangelism, follow-up, and discipleship efforts. Each step is essential as we see unbelievers come to know and serve Jesus Christ in the fullness for which they were created. AIM ministry activities focus on building Christ-centered relationships, that those who are helped might be reconciled to God.
Ministry Description:
In addition to street evangelism and children’s clubs, evening outreaches and prayer ministry are a part of the weekly schedule. During the summer, ministry will include children’s ministry, usually held in a local park or in a struggling new church. Your team might paint, clean, or repair the mission center or homes of the needy. Sports evangelism, cleaning local parks, or helping with community gardens are other possibilities. We encourage you to be creative! Come prepared with music, mime, drama, or puppet ministry.
Possible Locations: Philadelphia
