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PROVE YOURSELF AN EXAMPLE
They weren't called "millennials," but the founders of UIM International were a sort of "millennial generation." The Clarks, Chamberses, and Frederickses were in that 20-30 "something" age range. Young and idealistic, but they were committed to a vision of reaching indigenous Native Americans with the Gospel, that they might have indigenous churches with indigenous leadership. The blessing of God on UIM International has been evidenced in longevity and youth coexisting to join experience and fresh energy to stimulate and strengthen UIM International in the long haul of ministry.
As Paul exhorted Timothy, "Fight the good fight of the faith . . . guard the deposit entrusted to you . . . ." He entrusted to Timothy what the Lord had entrusted to him (1 Timothy 6). It is a divinely ordained relay, not a one-person sprint. We all run for the sake of the others, and all for the glory of God.
UIM has been sustained by the Lord for nearly sixty years, with nearly 500 missionaries in that period giving of themselves in one capacity or another to the task of reaching the indigenous Native peoples of North America. The Lord continues to see fit to bring the millennials to UIM International, and we encourage many more to join this challenging work. All abilities are needed; mission outreach with the Gospel is needed more than ever. C'mon and make an impact for Christ with us!
"Let no one look down on your youthfulness . . ., show yourself an example of those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:12).
Always pressing forward,
 Dan Fredericks, Executive Director
UIM International
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Ministry Within the Millennial Generation
People born between 1980 and 2000 have been coined "millennials." The smooth use of digital media and online communication by millennials sets them apart from other generations. They are usually full of energy and ideas. They are the largest, most-educated generation, yet some carry looming debt and can't find full-time jobs. Those trying to recruit this age for full-time ministry find many who aren't interested. It seems they are more than willing to help a ministry with a work project or experience it for a short period of time, but to invest their whole lives--that is a different story.
As a Christian ministry, UIM is striving to connect with those that are from the millennial generation and beyond. We need their high spiritual and physical energy and technical knowledge to carry on the momentum that has been started in reaching the indigenous Native people of North America.
Though the need is still great, UIM has several of millennial age who have already answered the call and are investing their lives to reach the indigenous peoples for Christ.
In April, Daniel and Geneva Koster and Tyrell and Kate Zehner, finished cross-cultural training. This summer they are helping at Rock Nest Ranch in British Columbia, Canada. Both families are praying for the Lord's leading after camp.
Joseph and Leah Brock are in the process of reopening an existing field, reaching Navajos in Oakview, New Mexico. They are spending time learning Navajo and building relationships.  Michael and Kelli Bicket and Jasson and Kim Farmer are with our aviation field. Michael Bicket is a mechanic based at the Tucson hangar. Jasson Farmer is a pilot in our recently opened Tepic, Mexico, field. When they have time Kelli and Kim both write articles for the aviation field. This past spring through a merger with Crusader Ministries, Güido and Sandra Garcia, Isaac Diaz, Honorio and Pascasia Cruz and Cara Wiebe became UIM Mexico field missionaries.
There are several family units that have been approved as appointees and are in the process of raising money to become UIM field missionaries. Dale and Lisett Bourne have already started ministering to the Huichol people with Lisett's parents. Norman and Amanda Reynolds will minister in Thoreau, New Mexico, with Mark and Gina Morris at the Navajo Christian Leadership Center. Emmanuel and Kauzy Lara desire to join his parents working among the Attikamek on the Manawan Reservation north of Montreal, Canada. Anna Gabriel will be at Broken Arrow Bible Ranch. Cecelia Light, our administrative and clerical assistant at the UIM International office, has brought some new insight and was the one to propose the recent changes to the UIM newsletters, the monthly Faithnews (used to be UIM News) and a quarterly newsletter, Family Focus.  This isn't to say we no longer need or value our "older folks"; they are vital to our ministry! Like the military, we are looking for a "few good men (people)" to carry on what has already been started.
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UIM Summer Ministries in Full Motion!
Broken Arrow Bible Ranch has already had three weeks of camp, Alpha and Omega has had several weeks of activities, and Rock Nest Ranch is ready to start their first week soon. Short-term groups and work teams have gone and will be going to various areas of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Thank you to all who have participated! Please continue to pray that many hearts will be open and won to the good news of the Gospel.
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