Testimonials
Reflections by Dr. Tosha Sampson Choma
I have been blessed to travel to Ghana in order to share the love of God through acts of service. Encountering the people of Ghana was an incredible experience, as I was graciously welcomed and I received genuine hospitality. When I arrived in the northern region of Weichau, I was overcome by emotion. Hundreds of young girls assembled and danced in anticipation of our arrival. I could not have imagined the reception I would have, nor the enthusiasm of the many young women and girls who were earnestly looking forward to a week dedicated to them alone. It was then that I realized how incredibly important it is for me to serve God by extending myself to others. Traveling with AIM has been a wonderful and inspirational experience. Getting involved in this ministry has been undoubtedly rewarding.
Thoughts by Lisa Malone
The night Adam Sampson converted to Christianity it was awesome and brought tears to my eyes. He declared that he was not only a Christian but he denounced his Muslim name and left his village to pursue by faith what the will of the Lord is for him. This was an extraordinary evening of remembrance for me, one that I will never forget. To date Adam Sampson is still in pursuit of God’s heart for him and is a faithful brother/member of AIM.
Empowering the Next Generation
by: Allen Paul Weaver III
In 2003, when I went on my first mission trip to Africa, I asked myself: “What am I capable of doing? I’m only one person.” The task before our group was tremendous: four men carried in eight large bags of clothing, shoes, school supplies and Bibles to give out. Our group leader had traveled to Ghana for the first time six months earlier. It was all new to us and our misconceptions — often facilitated by American media — met with an altogether different reality. This year, I traveled with a group of 20 to Ghana, West Africa, again to give out clothing and school supplies, but also to provide key support for the residents’ education, health and business needs. Through donations of supplies and money, we’ve already spent over $200,000 to empower this global community.
My Ghana Testimony of Summer 2007
By Patrice R. Troutman
I remember being a kid and watching television late at night. In the wee hours of the morning certain stations would show underprivileged kids in Africa and abused kids in the U.S. It was hard for me to believe that kids lived this way, and whenever I ate dinner my parents would encourage me to not be wasteful. “There are starving children in Africa,” they would say. I used to wish that I could give them my food or my nice parents who really tried their best to provide for me and love me. It wasn’t until years later when I realized that I could do that for them myself.
It began with adopting a little girl from Kenya named Wanjiku Lucy through one of those help agencies. I sent money for her every month, so she could be fed and educated. Somehow that didn’t seem to have the type of impact I was looking for. Then in 2004 I got involved with the AIM Organization, and I was afforded the opportunity to actually go to Africa. Since that time, I have been to Ghana, West Africa on three separate occasions. My last trip, August 2007, was really impacting.
I guess what sticks out to me the most was that through my efforts and the other team members, we made a difference in the lives of children. We fed them; we educated them. We lived with them; we sang with them; we laughed with them. We learned their names, and they came to know us by name. I gave them food, and I taught them. Simple things like what a swimming pool is and the fact that there are other places in this world besides what they know and have heard of, will stay with them forever. My life has changed because I touched theirs. And although I know that poverty exists all over the world, there is nothing like taking responsibility and trying to do something about it in your own way. Through AIM, I have been able to do that.
The Experience of a Lifetime
My Summer 2010 Trip to Ghana
By: James W. Johnson II
Man! Where do I begin? I’m not even sure how I made it to Africa, but God is so good! My trip to Ghana was so……….humbling. It truly made me think of how blessed I am with the life I currently have. No matter how hard I think I may have it. You’d often hear about Africa and the less fortunate in schools and on TV, but to be in the midst of it is a completely different story. What makes this experience so unique is how the Ghanians I’ve met carry themselves. You didn’t hear any complaining of what they didn’t have, I witnessed tons of smiles, happiness, and overall gratefulness. In addition, the girls at the conference are so eager to learn. Here in America, many kids take their education for granted by skipping school, dropping out and still have options if they decide to return. In Ghana, the kids are fortunate if they are able to get to sit in a classroom.
Being a part of AIM is a huge blessing. It put me around great people and gave me a sense of belonging. Ghana solidified that. AIM is more like a family. This is the type of cause people often talk about being a part of. I can actually say I am helping make a difference in so many lives. Providing education, better health, support, and most of all, opportunity. That’s all that’s truly wanted. Oh, How could I forget to mention, My trip to Ghana also led to my engagement. It was the perfect setting down in Coconut Grove. It began with an evening dinner, a short walk on the beach and ended with a tearful YES!! 2 Years later, I am a happily married to Avril Johnson. Who is also an AIM Member. This group is very special to me.
My Ghana Story (Aug. 2010)
By: Avril Johnson
I took my first missionary trip to Ghana in August of 2010. I must admit that it was profound and quite a humbling one. Interestingly enough I debated for a while about taking the trip because of the cost but I prayed over it and was lead to finally take the trip. God is so good! It turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. For years we’ve heard and watched televised programs about the poverty and hardships in Africa. Those stories have been touching but nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand. As disadvantaged and poverty stricken most of the people are, they still manage to walk around with smiles on the faces, the children in particular. Through this trip we were able to clothe, feed and teach hundreds of girls during the annual Wechiau Girl’s Conference. I was proud to be a part of this movement.
Being a part of AIM is a huge blessing. The group provides a great sense of family and belonging. The accomplishments that we have made thus far are amazing. It just goes to show how good God is and how a group of dedicated people working together can move mountains. AIM Team Hoorah Jehovah Shamaaah!!! Now for the highlight of my trip… I got engaged at Coconut Grove on the coast of Africa. Talk about a tear jerker! It was an unforgettable experience. Our story is a bit lengthy to get into right now but it was definitely one for the books. From that point on, we were officially a part of the AIM Mission family. Today, two years later, I am happily married to James Johnson who is also an integral part of the team.