Donor Testimony - Greg and Amy Norris

What first inspired you to give to AIM?  

Amy:  I first visited the AIM headquarters in 2005. I witnessed extreme material and spiritual poverty as soon as I exited the airport. The masses of people, filth in the streets and desperation and suffering of humanity of all ages was almost overwhelming. Then I arrived at AIM and the home the ministry created for children - a safe haven and open heaven amidst the surrounding darkness. I witnessed and experienced a retreat where children were welcomed, loved, provided for, educated, counseled and equipped. Clean water, nutritious food, loving arms and a safe place in which to thrive was the norm rather than the exception. Ultimately, it was a place where children were being introduced to the only God who sees and loves them deeply. It was compelling and something only God could have done through hands willing to be used by Him. We know God is at work through AIM and it is our privilege to get to join Him in it.

How have you seen God at work in the ministry over the years?

My husband Greg and I have found ourselves invested not only in the ministry as a whole, but in the lives of the individual staff and children of the home. We have watched them mature, go to university, start careers, families, businesses, churches and ministries of their own. They walk in the realization that they are blessed to be a blessing and they are doing it. The children have expanded the depth and breadth of AIM throughout the region. Others in the community have joined in their work. The hundreds of visitors to the ministry have had their own lives changed by experiencing God’s love, provision and power at work through AIM.

How has being a donor impacted you personally?  

We recognize that some will carry the vision and others will carry the provision. After almost 20 years of both hearing about and witnessing the power of God at work through AIM, their stories have become our stories - their testimonies, ours. As supporters of AIM, we have the great joy of knowing that we have a part in the story of lives changed for eternity. What greater investment than this? 

If you have had a chance to visit, please tell about a memorable moment from the visit. 

Amy: As much as I love witnessing the faith of the children, I really love watching visitors challenged and transformed by their experiences with AIM. Doing hard work in hard places can be scary and something those who value comfort and safety, resist. AIM provides opportunities for visitors to challenge their status-quo. Witnessing these children sacrificing to serve the poorest of poor, the sick and dying, those who are desperate for love - these things are indelibly imprinted in my memory. 

Greg: One of my most significant memories was when a young boy asked me how many miracles I had witnessed. It made me stop and think about how much I limit God and that I should expect immeasurably more than I do. This came from an eight year old boy.

What would you tell anyone else who is considering giving to AIM?

Reach out to us if you have any questions. We have been back to AIM 10 times and it is our joy to have regularly increased our giving. Even with a career in the financial markets, we don’t believe there is a greater investment than one with eternal significance. We trust the integrity of the AIM leaders and board. We’ve seen, personally, fruit born from this ministry. There is nothing more satisfying than joining God where He is already at work!