Who Is AIM?

During the post WW II era, a young man, named John Overholt, volunteered to help with the recovery work in Eastern Europe. He left Poland with a lifelong desire to see the Anabaptist vision planted in that country.

As a result of his vision, the Salt and Light Foundation was established. They became acquainted with Jan Wierzyłowski. Jan flew to the United States and met with the Salt and Light Foundation board at Faith Builders Educational Programs (FBEP) during the winter of 1995-96.

Because of a series of unfortunate events, the Foundation terminated activity. Through Jan, the Foundation members asked Faith Builders Christian Fellowship (FBCF) to take on the foundation. Melvin and Shelia Lehman with others made a trip to Poland in 1997. Melvin caught a vision of reclaiming the rich Mennonite heritage that had survived in parts of Poland for more than 400 years.

In 1998-99 Anthony Gingerich, Marc Wadel, Ryan Lehman, and Jake Hochstetler lived in Poland investigating mission opportunities.

Two years later, FBCF decided to place a team in Poland independently of the old Foundation. Anabaptist International Ministries (AIM) was formed. Their vision was to establish an Anabaptist church and community in the country of Poland.

To aid in this effort, John and Laura Smucker and Lavern and Lolita Hershberger with their families began making preparations to move. Four young people, Atlee Graybill, Hannah Beth Graybill, Shannon Lehman, and Shaunda Lehman accompanied them to Poland on July 12, 2001.

From 2001-05, the men on the team have worked in the public schools to be legal in the country. In 2005, Heritage Foundation was formed, making it possible for AIM to begin pursuing their own dreams. Gateway to English was begun October 2005 as a conversational English school. This is now being used as a tool of evangelism.

On November 12, 2006, Lavern Hershberger was ordained as pastor of Agape Mennonite Fellowship.

This journey has been nothing short of a miraculous adventure that continues to this day. May the Lord continue to go before us.

Team members in Poland:

John, Laura, Conrad, Austin, Derek, and Allison Smucker

Lavern, Lolita, Hadassah, Annaliese, Caleb, and Sara Hershberger

Eric Hershberger

Robin Soukup

Alison Funk

Maria Zehr

Current team portrait--May 2007 (click to enlarge or download)