In conjunction with our commitment to winning the lost and providing theological training, AIM’s third strategy is to spread the gospel throughout India through the global missions model illustrated in Acts 1:8: “You shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest parts of the earth.” This strategy is being accomplished through the use of our National Church Planters (NCPs).

Our National Church Planters (NCPs) are better equipped to overcome the barriers associated with fulfilling the Great Commission than other missions organizations who deploy and support western missionaries. One of the main barriers in India is language. India has 18 official languages and 1,500 dialects and over 1,000 of these dialects have no written alphabet. Consequently, it is not feasible for a western based missions organization to send, train, and support the vast amount of western missionaries necessary to reach all the people of India.

In addition to language, there are other barriers such as persecution, the complexity of the cultures in India, extreme weather and living conditions, and travel and speech restrictions. In most cases, western missionaries are not free to publically proclaim the gospel. In places where these missionaries can speak, radical Hindus are quick to change the gospel message into a form of western colonialism.

When compared to western missionaries, our NCPs are much more cost effective. Consider that on average it costs $40,000 per year to support one western missionary in Asia. However, depending on the location and family size, AIM can support an NCP for $50–150 a month.

The lack of transportation is a major barrier for Pastors and NCPs in the villages of India and Asia. No one should miss the opportunity to hear the gospel due to a lack of transportation. Providing a means for travel enables NCPs to reach more people in a shorter amount of time.

Each year AIM provides its Pastors, NCPs, and regional leaders with bicycles and motorcycles required to extend the preaching of the gospel. All NCPs begin their ministries by walking from village to village to evangelize and minister to the needs of their churches. Once they have been proven to be faithful and effective, they are provided with a bicycle. After the distance required to minister effectively on a bicycle is reached, they are provided with a motorcycle when funding is available. Consider providing a means of transportation for a NCP who is willing to proclaim the gospel outside of his Jerusalem.