Interview With Robin Aim

Robin is the co-founder and CEO of the Afri-Lift Missionary Society, commonly known as Afri-Lift. It is 30 years since they left their hometown of New Plymouth for a 2 year stint in Kenya. Here Robin shares some insights into their journey.

Tell us why you decided to come to Kenya. You had a wife and three young children, your own business and an opportunity to bring your kids up in a nice country town.

Our church (the Assemblies of God) were involved in international missions. We felt that God was laying it on our hearts to go to Africa and ended up with World Outreach in Kenya.

Looks like Robin has been on a bike all of his life

Had you been overseas or to Africa before moving?

Air travel was much more expensive in those days, so no we didn’t come and do an investigative trip beforehand.

You’ve been here for 30 years now. Was it your original intention to come for that long?

Originally we committed to two years and it just kept getting extended.

Did you do any pre-training to prepare you for the international mission field?

Not specifically for missions. I had been to Bible College because Margaret and I felt that God was leading us into something.  Remember, this was over 30 years ago and there wasn’t the training facilities we have now. The Assemblies of God in Australia have a very good missions prep program.

How did your children cope with moving to Kenya?

Initially they missed their friends, which is understandable. Also, we came during the school holidays so they didn’t have anyone to play with for some time. However, if you asked my kids now they would tell you that they had the best upbringing on the international mission field.

Did you know anyone here when you came?

We knew of one couple who were here for 3 days when we first arrived, then they left.

What are some words of wisdom you can give to people who are considering committing to serving on the international mission field?

1.     Be committed to a local church.

2.     If you want people to be committed to you, then you need to be committed to them.

3.     Make a short term commitment on the field – 2 years. If you do that and then get it that it’s not really your thing you can return home and not have feelings of failure.

4.     Once you’ve completed 2 years be open to extending.

5.     In preparation, invest in some else’s calling. Pray and support them regularly.

6.     Have some computer and practical skills. We live in an online world and it’s important not to be weak in this area.

7.     Do some language study before you come if possible. There are many online courses but for those in large cities there are many options of learning a language.