For the past four years the Advanced Training Fund (ATF) program has been coordinated by Jonathan Hildebrandt. His diligence and attention to detail has been used by the Lord to be a blessing in the lives of many African students. He has given many hours in processing and communicating with those who are involved in the many aspects that eventually lead to a student benefiting from a scholarship grant. His years of service and experience as an AIM missionary ensured the continued and expanding development of the ATF program. Jonathan left this position as of 30 September 2012. We want to express our appreciation to Jonathan for his faithful service.
A great blessing to the 2013-2014 African students who received awards was an increased amount of funds available to be used. To the donors to the ATF, you have been a blessing to these students. Two foundations also provided funds to ATF. Mr William Elliot, a retired AIM missionary and a grant writer, was used by the Lord to make this possible. This year marks a significant increase in the number of students who have received assistance. All the sources of donations have resulted in this blessing.
Beginning on 1 October 2012 David Rondeau has taken on the responsibility of serving as the ATF Coordinator. Over the past months he has been learning the various aspects of this position. Like Mr Hildebrandt, he too is a retired AIM missionary. He has served in the Congo, and as a Regional Administrator for the US mobilising region. He has been bless in getting to know about the African students who have applied for assistance for the 2013-14 school year.
May the Lord continue to bless and grow this ministry.
Statistics about Scholarships Awarded for the 2013—2014 School Year
The generosity of God’s people, who know the importance of a strong evangelical foundation for the future leadership of the African church, enabled 95 scholarships to be awarded this year. Please join with us in giving praise to God for this wonderful provision and what this means for churches in Africa. Most of the grants were for $2,000. The students being assisted come from a variety of backgrounds.
Some examples:
- As children they grew up in families where the father had multiple wives.
- A Muslim parent and Christian parent.
- Became a follower of Christ after years of being a Muslim.
- Have served in para-church mission organizations that motivated them into formal missions training.
- Strong desire to be able to address the issues African youth are facing in today’s world.
- An adult who grew up as an orphan who now wants to work with neglected and abused children.
Home Country
- South Sudan (9)
- Uganda (4)
- Kenya (43)
- Rwanda (3)
- Tanzania (10)
- Congo (6)
- Mozambique (16)
- Namibia (3)
- South Africa (1)
Other Statistics
- Number of different institutions = 26
- Number studying in Africa = 94
- Different courses of study = 17
- Women = 16
- Men = 79
Report Author: David Rondeau
Over the next few months, check out our stories page to read about some of the scholarship recipients of 2012-13 to see how their lives have been impacted by their studies.
Gifts to the Advanced Training Fund
Gifts can be given towards this fund to support students training for leadership.
Contact Robbyn Lesleighter, adminfinance.aus@aimint.net, 02 4322 4777, to arrange direct debit, internet banking, or credit card payments. Cheques can be made out to Africa Inland Mission International (Aust.) Inc. and posted to PO Box 328 Gosford NSW 2250. You can also use the “Give” tab on this website to donate online.
Please quote Project Number IO-135 to indicate it is a gift to the Advanced training fund.
October 2013
