ABOUT
The harvest is big; the opportunities endless. Welcome to our community; our tribe! Meet you in the field.
WHY AIM?
By serving with us, you will:
- Become part of a growing and multi-faceted community of laborers in over 200 nations.
- Receive mentoring/nurturing from veteran missionaries and national leaders.
- Be assisted every step of the way by staff who are committed to providing a viable pathway to the harvest.
- Reap the benefits of having the prayer and financial backing of true “supporters”, sharing in your burden to spread the Gospel and make disciples.
WHAT IS ASSOCIATES
IN MISSIONS?
Associates in Missions (AIM) and the Associate Missionary Program (AMP) are the two associate programs of the UPCI Global Missions Short-Term Missions ministry.
AIM is the entry-level associate program. AIMers then advance to AMP if they desire a longer overseas commitment.
The purpose of the AIM and AMP programs is to provide needed assistance to the field while also developing a greater burden and vision in the lives of the participants.
Associate programs are the training ground for cross-cultural ministry that can be used at home or abroad. STM seeks to prepare missionaries for tomorrow by training Associates today.
GLOBAL CONNEXTIONS
Get Connected! Discover > Prepare > Go! Register to attend our National Missions conference in the St. Louis area, October 24-26, 2024.
AYC
Depending on your age, you may want to experience an AYC trip sponsored and administrated by UPCI Youth Ministries. AYC trips are open to applicants age 15-30.
NEXT STEPS
The perfect bridge between AYC and AIM, consider applying for our 8-week Next Steps summer training and apprenticeship program. 2025 Locations: Japan + TBD
AIM
For those who want to skip straight to an AIM appointment, you can apply for a 2-12 month AIM term. Come one, come all! *Minimum age at time of departure is 18.
ASSOCIATE MISSIONARY PROGRAM
For AIMers on a trajectory toward a career in missions, we now offer the Associate Missionary Program (AMP). It is the recommended next area of service for AIMers to take before applying for Intermediate Missionary or Career Missionary appointments. Associate Missionaries are still part of our Short-Term Missions program but certain areas of promotion and fund-raising are expanded to allow them more access to our UPCI family of churches and donors. AIMers must have served at least 12 months on the field before applying.
MEET OUR TEAM
JAMES POITRAS
Director of AIM/Short Term Missions
Jim Poitras has a long history of missions. He started out as an AIMer to Nigeria in the 1980’s, met and married his wife, Linda, there and became a career missionary in 1986. After serving for many years in Ghana, hosting many AIMers along the way, Jim was appointed to serve in his current position in 2011.
Angi Clarke
Executive Assistant
Angi has six years experience as an AIMer serving in three regions. She currently helps develop and update our three websites and coordinates the Next Steps program. Her role is that of a “Missions Mobilizer,” with a vision to make room in missions for all generations.
RACHEL ZEHM
Executive Secretary
Rachel Zehm, a former Next Stepper, comes to our team from the great state of Arkansas. She served as an AIMer in various countries in Northern Europe for three years, is a general licensed minister and has years of experience and degrees that are a great asset to our team dynamic. We are excited to have her on board and are looking forward to the spice of life she brings our way.
Lexie Leaman
Office Clerk
Lexie, a former Short-Term Missions Intern, is one of our newest full-time team members. She assists with processing various STM applications, GiveSmart Fundraise setup and maintenance, and various other duties. In short, she’s an integral part of STM, working in the background to keep things running smoothly.