Representatives from both organizations met in early December 2008 to discuss formalizing a relationship they had explored for months. They [...]]]> CHICAGO, IL  /Christian Newswire/ — Awana, a long-time supplier of church and Bible study curriculum, and Adventures In Missions (AIM), an evangelical organization that specializes in prayer-focused mission trips, launched a strategic relationship, beginning January 1.

Representatives from both organizations met in early December 2008 to discuss formalizing a relationship they had explored for months. They concluded the meeting by signing a legal agreement and proposing steps for moving forward together.

“For a long time, I have admired the work that AIM has done, giving churches opportunities to serve around the world for the past 20 years,” said Kevin White, director of 24-7 Ministries, the youth ministry of Awana, from his office in Chicago, IL.

“It is an honor to work beside them in what I believe will be a long-standing relationship.”

The two organizations will share their influence and networks to make their services available to more churches.

Clint Bokelman, AIM’s director of short-term missions, echoed White’s enthusiasm:

“The ministries of Awana, including 24-7 Ministries, have a success rate greater than 90 percent in the church ministry they do all over the world; it is our pleasure to team up with them to provide opportunities for the Body of Christ to step out into the mission field.”

While long-term collaboration is the intention, the initial goal is to plug participants of 24-7 Ministries’ programming into opportunities in the mission field, while connecting churches that have participated in AIM trips to consider supplementing a missions experience with 24-7 Ministries’ curriculum and resources.

“We’re committed to not just do business with each other, but to walk together,” said Bokelman from AIM’s home office in Gainesville, GA. “For us, this is about relationship.”

For more information about 24-7 Ministries, visit: www.24-7ministries.net For more information about Adventures In Missions, visit: www.adventures.org