AIMers bringing Hope to Orlando’s inner city
By Kirk Noonan
Ambassadors in Mission continue to partner with several ministries this week as students reach out to the people of Orlando. AIMers are serving others as they live out their faith and share the gospel.
“There is so much need here, especially among people who are looking for hope in these hard economic times,” says Mark Vega, Southeastern Spanish district youth director. “This is a prime opportunity for our students to be connecting points that help this city see that the only hope they can depend on is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
AIMers are venturing into some of Orlando’s most impoverished communities to hold outreaches in conjunction with MEGA Sports Camps and Convoy of Hope.
“When the people of Orlando see that the Assemblies of God is in their city for a week, we want them to hear how the Church reached out to the most poverty stricken areas with groceries, prayer and hope,” says Michael Redmon, U.S. director of outreach at Convoy of Hope.
AIMers are using sports as a way to build inroads with children and teens. On other days AIMers are going door to door distributing 35,000 pounds worth of groceries provided by Convoy of Hope.
While offering the MEGA Sports Camps and delivering groceries, students are also engaging in random acts of kindness such as picking up garbage and visiting with elderly residents. Giving AIMers the opportunity to minister to people where they live, say organizers, is one of the dynamic strengths of the outreaches.
“This enables us to reach people with the love of Jesus,” says Steve Pulis, Student Outreach director for the AG. “We are serving the city of Orlando instead of letting Orlando serve us.”
Pulis and others are quick to point out that this is a transformative experience for students.
“The training provided by AIM greatly benefit the city,” says Jim Wellborn, national AIM liaison. “It also gives our students the experience and confidence to bring similar, relevant outreaches back home to their local communities.”
The AIM outreaches continue through Friday. To learn more about AIM, go to www.aim.ag.org.