Reaching Indians Ministries International (RIMI) - Why Would ... · Web view2017/05/04 · The...

Reaching Indians Ministries International (RIMI)

An Informational Guide for the Ambassador Program

Reaching Indians Ministries International Ambassador Program Informational Guide

ContentsWhy Would I Want To Investigate And Consider Becoming A RIMI Ambassador?......................................3

What Is A RIMI Ambassador?......................................................................................................................3

How Would I Prepare For And Become An Ambassador?...........................................................................3

What Are Some Things Ambassadors Do?...................................................................................................3

As A RIMI Ambassador, Who Can I Talk To?................................................................................................6

Are Ambassadors Limited To A Specific Area Or Region?............................................................................7

As A RIMI Ambassador, what Ministry Information Will Be Provided?.......................................................7

How Are RIMI Ambassadors Involved In Fundraising?................................................................................7

What Kind Of Training And Support Is Available For A New RIMI Ambassador?.........................................7

Does RIMI Provide Contact Information For Existing Partners In My Area?................................................7

What Should I Do If I Want To Host An Event?............................................................................................7

Are My Expenses Reimbursed?...................................................................................................................8

How Do I Get Started Or Get More Information?........................................................................................8

RIMI MEETING / RETREAT TEMPLATE FOR AMBASSADORS........................................................................8

Funding A RIMI Ambassador Informational Meeting..................................................................................8

Why Sponsor A RIMI Ambassador Informational Meeting?........................................................................9

Who And How Many To Invite?...................................................................................................................9

When To Have The Meeting?......................................................................................................................9

How To Invite..............................................................................................................................................9

Where To Hold The Meeting?.....................................................................................................................9

Items To Consider When Planning a Meeting or Event.............................................................................10

What To Do At The Meeting?....................................................................................................................10

MEETING PLANNING AND GUIDELINES FROM RIMI STAFF........................................................................11

Post meeting survey questions (example questions).................................................................................14

Reaching India Missions International - Ambassador Program.................................................................15

Meeting Satisfaction and Value Questionnaire.........................................................................................15

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Why Would I Want to Investigate and Consider Becoming A RIMI Ambassador?Christ’s mandate “...go and make disciples of all peoples…” calls us to obey and surrender our lives completely for bringing hope and eternal life to the lost. RIMI’s primary focus is on South Asia in the 10/40 window.

“It is estimated that 1.6 billion of these people have never had the chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ - not even once! The seat of every major non-Christian religion - Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Animism, Atheism, and Sikhism - is headquartered in the 10/40 Window.

Two-thirds of the world's population — 4 billion people — live in the 10/40 Window.

95% of these 4 billion people are unevangelized.

87% are the poorest of the poor, living on an average of only $250 per family annually.

In many of the 69 nations, witnessing the Christian Gospel is illegal and will result in imprisonment or death.

45 of the 50 worst countries in the world for persecution of Christians are in the 10/40 Window.

Child prostitution and child slavery run rampant in many of these nations.

Horrific abuse of women and children remains unchecked, including an epidemic of pedophilia.

(http://win1040.com/about-the-1040-window.php)

Today, with your passion for missions and burden for reaching the lost, you can be a missionary to the missionaries through your prayers, networking with your local churches, friends, and families, and giving. Without leaving the US, or learning another language, you can reach the lost by being an Ambassador for RIMI in your community. Be being an ambassador you are strategically joining with God to fulfill His mission through RIMI and its various programs: Evangelism and Church Planting, Leadership Development, and Compassion Ministries.

What Is A RIMI Ambassador?A RIMI Ambassador is a volunteer who represents and promotes RIMI’s vision and mission to their circle of influence. Ambassadors are often active in:

developing a network of prospective and active partners (Ambassadors), help to distribute RIMI information, raise funds for the ministry, possibly visit India (and/or encourage others to visit), organizing, or helping to organize a RIMI focused event.

http://win1040.com/about-the-1040-window.php


How Would I Prepare For And Become An Ambassador?Becoming a RIMI Ambassador is as simple as making your wish to serve in this capacity known to the RIMI organization or to an active RIMI Ambassador who will contact the organization on your behalf. You will be asked to complete and sign a form stating your interest and sign a confidentiality statement that you will not publish or share the giving amounts of individuals or organizations.

To increase your knowledge and interest in the RIMI organization, a great starting point is to read the books Dr. Saji Lukos has written concerning his life story and the beginnings of the organization. These books are available from RIMI. The titles of the books are: Transformed for a Purpose, One True God, Kingdom Leadership (Lessons Learned to Impact Our World), and Stories of Change. These books are available for order on the RIMI website (HTTP://RIMI.ORG/) and are found under the RESOURCES heading. While you are on the RIMI website, you should also sign up to receive the Newsletter. Additional information can be obtained by contacting an active RIMI Ambassador and/or by using the CONTACT US Tab available on the RIMI web site.

What Are Some Things Ambassadors Do? Calling prospective partners to find out if they are interested in meeting with you so that

you can share about the ministry or have a RIMI staff member meet with them.

o How Do I Make It Happen?It’s as easy as inviting them to have coffee, or to share a meal with you. Choose individuals who have indicated that they are, or who you believe would be, interested in RIMI. Invite them to have coffee or perhaps a meal with you at a mutually convenient time and location. If you would like a RIMI Staff member to meet with them (typically this would call for a larger gathering), contact the RIMI office and share the details of what you would like to do.

On the day of the meeting, gather the materials, brochures, books, and so forth that you would like to use in your presentation then go with the idea that you will carry on a light (no pressure) but informative meeting. At the end of the meeting ask your guest(s) if they have any questions, what is their opinion concerning RIMI, and remind them that their help is needed to keep the ministry growing.

Calling, writing a letter, or sending an e-mail to prospective partners to invite them to check out RIMI’s website or Facebook page.

o How Do I Make It Happen?

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Take an hour or so and go through a list of your friends and acquaintances who have shown an interest in RIMI and/or who you think might be interested. Next, write a brief letter introducing RIMI and talking about your personal ties to the organization. Also, suggest that more information is available concerning RIMI, the organization goals and current work, and opportunities to be a supporting part of the ongoing work.Finally, send an individual email or hard copy letter to everyone on the list. Do not use bulk mailing or email to multiple persons. Send each email or letter directly to one recipient.

Organize a meeting of local pastors to share the ministry or have a RIMI staff member meet with them.

o How Do I Make It Happen?Jot down everyone you know from your home church and/or other churches in your area who is a pastor or staff member, who is a member of the missions board, who is the leader of the missions board, or who is active in missions work. (You may want to talk with your pastor and church missions leader to get additional names.) Send a personal letter, email, or phone call to invite them to come together to learn more about RIMI and their work in India and in the United States. (It might be helpful to serve a light snack at this event.)


Host a gathering of friends in a home.o How Do I Make It Happen?

Go through a list of your friends and acquaintances who have shown interest in RIMI and/or who you think might be interested. Next, write a brief letter introducing RIMI and talking about your personal ties to the organization and invite them to your home for a light snack and friendly discussion concerning Reaching Indians Ministries International.

Meet with a small group (e.g. Bible study) and give a short presentation.o How Do I Make It Happen?

Talk with the small group leaders who you may know and explain to them that you would appreciate the opportunity to talk with the group sharing information about Reaching Indians Ministries International, what the organization is doing and how they might play a part in the ministry. If you have slides from India or from a RIMI function you might consider showing them. If you are not acquainted with any small group leaders, contact your pastor and other local pastors that you may know to build a contact list.

Ask the missions team/committee from your church to consider supporting RIMI.o How Do I Make It Happen?

Talk with the missions team leader or chairperson for your church, and other churches in your area. Explain to them who you are and that you would like to talk with them, and their team, concerning their playing a role in RIMI’s ministry work. (It is best to contact these groups toward the end of their yearly budgetary cycle). This allows you to open the door to the RIMI ministry and gives them time and opportunity to include supporting funds for RIMI in their next budgetary cycle should they decide to do so.

Organize a small banquet in a local restaurant and share the ministry or have a RIMI staff member present.

o How Do I Make It Happen?Create a list of individuals you would like to invite. Compiling the names will take the same form described in the section above where we talked about hosting a group of friends in your home. With your list in hand, you should decide who is or would be most interested in playing a role in the work RIMI is doing. Next, decide how many folks you would like to invite. Then, find a restaurant that has a separate meeting room and be certain the room will hold the number of individuals you are planning for. Finally, book the meeting room and send invitations to your guests. On the day of the event, be at the restaurant early to welcome your guests and make them comfortable in the meeting room.

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Mail or hand a copy of a RIMI book or brochure to someone who has expressed interest in learning more.

o How Do I Make It Happen?If you have spoken to someone or had someone in attendance at a gathering who seemed interested in RIMI and the work that is going on, it is a good idea to give, or mail, them one of Dr. Lukos’ books or perhaps some of the RIMI Ambassador Program information, or both. If you are sending a book, it is probably best to begin with Transformed for a Purpose and build from there.

Schedule a trip to India and/or forward contact information to RIMI for anyone that expresses interest in visiting India.

o How Do I Make It Happen?If you, or someone you know has expressed an interest in making a mission oriented trip to India to work with RIMI ask their permission to send their contact information to RIMI’s office in Lindenhurst, Illinois. Please include the names and contact information for the interested parties.

Invite select prospects to attend the Annual Banquet (September) or Partner Retreato How Do I Make It Happen?

Invitations to banquets and retreats are sent out well in advance to allow ample time for planning. If you have someone in mind that you believe should attend, you should mention the opportunity to them and ask their permission to contact RIMI on their behalf. With their permission, call or email the RIMI office in Lindenhurst, Illinois and ask them to send an invitation to the individual.

Note: Once you have a date in mind for a meeting, please contact the RIMI office to prevent any potential overlap with other events. This also gives the office an opportunity to offer any assistance with your planning efforts.

As A RIMI Ambassador, Who Can I Talk To?You may contact anyone within your personal or ministry network, regardless of where they live. Organizationally, RIMI does not advise, and asks that you refrain from, using church directories, chamber of commerce member lists, and other semi-public sources of information for mass e-mails/mailings because the recipients may not know you and this can cause problems. RIMI does urge you to reach out to the people you know and through them to others who would, or might be interested in supporting and/or taking a role in the work of RIMI.


Are Ambassadors Limited To A Specific Area Or Region?No, Ambassadors are not limited to a geographical area. You may reach out to your friends and acquaintances wherever they may live. If you are reaching out to individuals some distance from where you live, it may be of use to find out if there is an active RIMI Ambassador who lives closer and could assist you in your efforts.

As A RIMI Ambassador, what Ministry Information Will Be Provided?In addition to the giving, serving, and informational material available on the http://RIMI.org/ website, a periodic brief or newsletter will be provided to keep you informed of what is going on organizationally and what the current prayer needs are.

How Are RIMI Ambassadors Involved In Fundraising?Ambassadors may use approved communications and materials provided by RIMI to encourage their network of friends and acquaintances to partner with RIMI. Resources such as brochures and other materials are available for download from the RIMI website or you can contact the RIMI main office and ask that the material be mailed to your home or church address.

What Kind Of Training And Support Is Available For A New RIMI Ambassador?In addition to support materials available on the RIMI web site and the site’s Ambassador Tab, there will be several opportunities for Ambassadors to be trained throughout the year. Conference calls and other in-person training sessions can also be arranged and provided as needed.

Does RIMI Provide Contact Information For Existing Partners In My Area?Although our privacy and confidentiality policies prohibit us from releasing current partners’ information, the Home Office can provide tools to assist Ambassadors in the development of networks of potential partners.

What Should I Do If I Want To Host An Event?There is a general event planning guide available. You can contact the staff at RIMI for additional information and for help in planning a successful event in your area. Please contact the

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Ambassador Program Coordinator for more information. In addition, a guide more focused on events for the RIMI Ambassador program is included in the following pages of this document.

Are My Expenses Reimbursed?Ambassadors are responsible for all of their own expenses. Some expenses may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. Please contact the Ambassador Coordinator with any questions regarding expenses.

How Do I Get Started Or Get More Information?To apply as an Ambassador or to request additional information about the program, please contact the office at 847-265-0630.

RIMI Contact Information:

Home Office

1949 Old Elm Road Phone: (847) 265-0630 Web Site: http://rimi.org

Lindenhurst, IL 60046 Email: [email protected]

RIMI MEETING / RETREAT TEMPLATE FOR AMBASSADORS(Also refer to: Meeting Planning and Guidelines from RIMI Staff - of this document)

Funding A RIMI Ambassador Informational MeetingAs you consider putting together a RIMI Ambassador Informational meeting, remember that, currently, the RIMI Organization does not have a budget line item to support these efforts. However, you are free to find a donor to underwrite the expenses. With proper planning, informational meetings of all sizes can be successfully held.

As you plan, keep in mind and budget for items such as:

the number of individuals who will attend the cost of seating for the attendees the cost of the meeting area the cost of food and beverage (Compare catered or not catered costs) the cost of projector, screen, computer, and sound equipment required the cost of musicians to provide worship music


other costs that may be associated with the meeting. With these cost estimates, begin to plan your meeting by identifying locations that may offer accommodations at low or no cost. For instance, a local church may sponsor your activity or some portion of it. A site may be found that will include chairs, sound equipment, projectors, and so forth.

If, with savings such as this, you still need to raise funds to break even, consider asking each guest to donate what they can toward the event and give a “hoped for” individual amount for breakeven funding.

A standard meeting flyer template is available at the RIMI office.

Why Sponsor A RIMI Ambassador Informational Meeting?One of the most effective ways to promote an idea or organization is to meet face to face with those who may be interested. With that in mind, a face to face meeting or retreat setting, and especially one that is small enough to feel intimate but with enough speakers or information to spark interest, is a perfect way to promote RIMI.

Who And How Many To Invite?Who and how many to invite should be based on the amount of time you can commit to the meeting and to how many speakers or appropriate video presentations you have. It is also a direct reflection of the number of folks you believe you, and your friends in this endeavor can reach out to. You might start by creating a list of your immediate friends, those you know from church and/or other organizations, and who you know that might be available and willing to add contacts to your invitation list.

When To Have The Meeting?Attempt to pick a day and time when there are no other major events going on in your area. The day should also allow your speaker to attend without other obligations. A final consideration is to choose a time and day when most of the folks you intend to invite will be free to attend.

How To InviteOptions Include:

A face to face invitation (probably best) Telephone conversation Mailer invitations (to specific individuals or groups such as church staff) Email invitations to individuals

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In each case, an RSVP should be requested to facilitate planning for room size, seating, and snacks or meals at the meeting

Where To Hold The Meeting? Meeting site should be centrally located to those who will be attending Meeting room size should be based on expected attendance and seating

arrangements. You will need additional space if seating around tables, a bit less space for individual chairs arranged in theatre style seating. (Remember that Americans with Disabilities Act may require access and accommodations for those with ADA needs.)

Commercial rental rooms, including restaurants, typically have a maximum number of people that can be seated in the area. These numbers are set in accordance with the local fire codes. You should not exceed the occupancy maximum number.

Items To Consider When Planning a Meeting or Event Number of attendees expected Event location Event duration Seating for attendees Music Sound Equipment Projector and Screen Area for books and materials that may be made available Food and beverages Places for attendees to stay (if you are holding a multi-day meeting) Make sure to provide registration packets including name badges

What To Do At The Meeting?

SAMPLE MEETING AGENDA

(showing 1-day meeting Agenda. Length of meeting may be expanded or shortened to fit planned time frame and availability)

9 am Host, Hostess, or meeting moderator: Welcome and Opening Prayer

9:05 am Host, Hostess, or meeting moderator: Why are we here / what to expect

9:20 am Music

9:40 am Speaker (Why Missions Matthew 28: 18-20 or similar topic)


9:55 am Speaker (Testimony - Why Missions)

10:35 am Speaker (India Experience serving with RIMI)

10:45 am Speaker (India experience serving with RIMI)

11:00 Break

11:15 am Keynote Speaker 1 (topical speech)

12:00 am Keynote Speaker (question and answer)

12:15 pm Break for lunch / light snack and time for guests to mingle

1:00 pm Host, Hostess, meeting moderator: (welcome back, prayer, outline of afternoon agenda)

1:15 pm question and answer time

1:30 pm Keynote Speaker 2 (topical speech)

2: 00 pm question and answer with speaker

2:15 pm Speaker (Where do we go from here?)

2:45 pm Wrap up question and answer (Host, Hostess, or meeting moderator)

3:15 pm Thanks to guests for attending and to guest speakers (Host, Hostess, or meeting moderator)

3:30 pm Final questions and answers – invitation to mingle and to pick up books and information

4: 00 pm Final farewell (Host, Hostess, or meeting moderator) Include a meeting evaluation for participants – either a hand out and collect paper or an email (Survey Monkey is a free, online survey service that may be useful)

5: 00 pm Debrief organizers – what went well, what needs work for next time

MEETING PLANNING AND GUIDELINES FROM RIMI STAFF(The RIMI Staff Guidelines found below are designed for meetings sponsored and funded by the RIMI organization. The mention of funding for the meeting items does not currently include RIMI Ambassador Meetings as described above)

Planning Guidelines for Ministry Events

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This is a holistic approach to planning an event with a wide range of audience numbers with the goal of sharing ministry information, developing relationships and establishing partnerships.

We have 3 categories of event type based on number of attendees.

Small: 1-20 people attending; see steps 1-5 below (generally a gathering in a home)

Medium: 21-50 people attending; see steps 1-5 below (generally held in a home, church or restaurant)

Large: 51-100+; see steps 1-6 (generally held in a larger church, restaurant, or banquet hall)

(Regardless of the size of your event, initial invitations should go out 6 weeks before your event. With follow up email (or phone call) reminders to those who have not responded 4 weeks before and each week leading up to the event.)

Event Organizer Responsibilities:

1. Request Approval from the home office (RIMI) to organize an event, including size of event and budget approximation. (2-6 months before event)

2. Set the date for event. (2-6 months before event) Things to consider when setting your date are:

a. Are there other events taking place in the area that will compliment your event? (i.e. missions conference, area churches hosting a missions fair, Saji’s speaking schedule etc.)

b. How many serious supporting partners, board members, or staff members may be available to attend event?

3. Type of event?

a. Breakfast

b. Brunch

c. Lunch

d. Dinner

e. Dessert

4. Set the number of attendees you intend to invite: Careful consideration needs to be given to the number of attendees you intend to invite to your event. Keep in mind items such as overall cost, room availability, size, and seating, planned itinerary, and so forth.


5. Setting your Venue. (2-6 months before event) Venue types to consider: home-based, church-based or larger community based events. Things to consider in selecting your venue

a. Food to be served/prepared and who will serve/prepare food

b. Budget

c. Intended audience number

d. Media capabilities

Privacy in Venue (as in closed off private room in a banquet facility)

6. Setting your Team. (2 months before event)

Team Leaders report to the Event Organizer once a week (or as needed) on progression/completion of tasks. Here are the main job descriptions:

a. Event Communications Coordinator - invites, emails, phone calls, social media

The event communications coordinator is responsible for the above actions and act as the

i. main contact for all RSVP’s

ii. This person may put together a team of people (1-3) who will carry out above responsibilities.

b. Media Coordinator – responsible for all technology as in slide-shows for church promos and acquisition of necessary tools used in presentations, (projector, sound, laptop/tablet from which presentation will run), setting up, running, and taking down of media components used for presentations.

i. This person may, depending on the size of the event, want to put together a team of 2-3 people responsible for individual tasks. Each team member will report to the main media coordinator on a weekly basis.

c. Display Materials Coordinator – Responsible for the acquisition from the home office (RIMI) the resources for a display table set for event. (Banner, table covering and resources- books, brochures, response cards, etc.)

i. Also responsible for the set up and take down of table, collection of contact information received from prospective or new donors and collection of all resources left over and their return to home office (RIMI). (2-3 people)

ii. Materials to be displayed may include, brochures and any other literature, books written by Saji Lukas or other authors, response cards, response envelopes, pens, Children & Missionary profiles

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If contacted, RIMI may be able to assist with the following:

1. Approving date, venue, and budget (if RIMI sponsored) for event

2. Supplying speakers

3. Supplying media content-slideshows, PowerPoint, media presentations, video

4. Supplying resources for a display table, i.e., Dr. Saji Luko’s books, books by other authors as approved by RIMI, brochures, children profiles, missionary profiles, response cards/envelopes, banner, table cloth and pens.

5. Any other support we can offer from the home office.

Post meeting survey questions (example questions)Just prior to the end of your meeting, you should gather input from those who attended. (be certain to allow time for those attending to complete their questionnaire and turn it in before they leave. Questions that might be appropriate for inclusion on a post meeting questionnaire might are listed below.

Prior to the meeting, the meeting team should choose questions from this list and put them in a one or two-page questionnaire that can then be handed out to and completed by each meeting guest at the close of the meeting:

1. Was the meeting well-planned?

2. Were the right people involved in the meeting?

3. Were the presenters well prepared?

4. Was the meeting time used wisely?

5. Was interaction between speakers and the audience useful?

6. What was the highpoint of the meeting?

7. What was your least favorite part of the event?


8. What additional topic(s) would you like to have had explained or discussed?

9. Based on your experience at this event, how likely are you to attend future events?

10. Please provide suggestions or comments to help us improve future events.(Questions 10 through 12 are asking for comments from the participant. Room should be given to allow written response for each of the three questions.)

Reaching India Missions International - Ambassador ProgramMeeting Satisfaction and Value Questionnaire

(Example Questions Continued)

1. How did you hear about this event? (please circle your response)

Received a mailer

Through a friend

Other, please specify.

2. How do you rate the event location? (please circle your response)

Poor

Below Average

Average

Good

Excellent

3. How do you rate the content that was presented? (please circle your response)

Poor

Below Average

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Average

Good

Excellent

4. Would you be interested in volunteering at our next event? (please circle your response below)

Yes

No

5. Please share any other comments or suggestions about the event.

6. How would you rate the topics and issues presented? (please circle your response)

Highly pertinent

Pertinent

Somewhat pertinent

Off the mark

7. If you have any comment to make regarding any aspect of the event, please write it in the space provided below.

8. The time allocated for each presentation was: (please circle your response)

Just what it should have been.

Too long.

Too short.

9. The staff were: (please circle your response)

Question: To what extent was the event able to meet your expectations?

Exceeded all my expectations


Met my expectations

Nearly met my expectations

Did not meet my expectations

Way below my expectations

Polite and helpful

Somewhat polite and helpful

Impolite and unhelpful

10. Please give your contact details. (Optional)

Address

Phone number

Email:

11. Did you feel satisfied with our speakers? (please circle your response)

Yes

No

Some were good, but the others were not.

12. How would you rate the following? (please circle your response)

Seating arrangement

Very Good Average Poor Very poor

Lighting


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Audio-visual equipment


Refreshments


Restrooms


13. How did you come to know about this event? ((please circle your response)

Received a mailer

Through a friend

Other, please specify.

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