Safety
Second only to God’s own faithful protection, AIM’s year round presence and well-established relationships are one of your best safety assets. Help us preserve our excellent safety record and the good relationships with our neighbors by following these guidelines.
- Stay in groups of at least 3 at all times – must have at least one guy and one leader. NEVER wander off by yourself even if it doesn’t seem like you’re going that far away
- Leave all valuables at home or at base – you can carry a few dollars if you would like, but any more than that is unwise.
- NEVER give money out to anyone – AIM keeps a consistent policy of trying to meet people’s physical needs, but never by directly giving out money.
- Follow the dress code to avoid attracting attention, inviting unwanted behavior or having your motives mistaken
- PRAY PRAY PRAY !! Pray before everything you do! Use common sense and spiritual sensitivity to avoid potentially dangerous situations
- Ask AIM staff if you are every uncertain about what to do or not to do
- Maintain a balance between courage and caution! Trust in God, but don’t become so comfortable in your own flesh that you put yourself in danger.
- Most violence occurs between addicts, and rarely, if ever, toward a non-addict
Cultural Sensitivity
· Realize that most people are more SIMILAR to you than they are DIFFERENT – they may have only made one or two bad decisions that put them where they are
· Don’t worry about what to say – many times all you have to do is listen!
· YOU WILL encounter drug addicts, prostitutes and homeless people – ask for the eyes and compassion of Christ. Be sensitive – our neighborhood is not a freak show for gathering pictures and stories to take home and impress friends & family with!
· Be sensitive with picture taking. While kids will love to get their picture taken, many adults may prefer not to. It could be an assumption of closeness, or even humiliating to take pictures of some people on Kensington Avenue. If you do take pictures, always take a picture WITH someone rather than OF someone! Take pictures with people only when you have established a relationship with them.
Prayer Walks
- Break into groups of 3-5. On Kensington Avenue, 2 groups should always stay within sight of each other, and one group must have a leader present. Intercede for each other as you see each other talking to someone.
- After you’ve spent time talking with someone, ask “Is it alright if I pray before I go?”
- If someone mentions a need, pray for that person right away! Don’t just promise that you will pray for them, DO IT!
- At least one person, and oftentimes everyone should keep their eyes open as you pray.
- Walk and pray! Ask for sensitivity to know what to pray for! Be creative! (pray for litterers!)
Ministry to Children
· Love the kids as much as possible and in as many ways as possible
· Encourage good behavior – always state what they SHOULD do rather than just what they SHOULDN’T DO
· Consistently treat them with respect so that you can expect it in return from them
· Be aware of and observe any rules or guidelines that the churches may have for dealing with kids or having kids in their building
· Don’t allow kids to use drinking water to throw on others or get themselves wet. We can use water guns or squirt bottles to keep cool at outdoor kids ministry, but keep drinking water for drinking only.
· Look for opportunities to share the gospel with kids 1-1 rather than relying solely on an invitation time
· Be sensitive to the kids’ emotions and attachment issues as you come and go. NEVER promise a child that you will write to them unless you absolutely will.
· Use follow-up cards sparingly, using as much detail as possible, and introducing kids to AIM staff or church staff. Consider sending pictures with info about kids that you minister to if you would like to create the best possibility that they will be followed up on.
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