This summer, construction began for the new site of AIM’s Missions Training Institute in Matamoros, Mexico. For the past 12 years, AIM partner Richard Rogers has been heavily involved in the work down there and has been one of the school’s biggest supporters. 
Raised Catholic, Richard never really had a good understanding of Christ until he attended a revival service at the age of 33.
After receiving a new understanding and commitment for what it meant to follow Christ, Richard spent many years teaching in the Sunday School program at his church. Later on, an opportunity to lead evangelism in his church, as well as other local churches, produced in him a deep compassion for people and a desire to minister to the lost and the poor. A reluctant trip to Rio Bravo, Mexico in 1997 ended up changing his life. “As I drove home through Texas, I’d pass a house and start crying because we are so blessed and don’t really appreciate what we have,” Richard shares.
He’s been going back to Mexico ever since, playing a huge part in the growth of the MTI. This year he’s felt directed by the Lord to focus on the school more than ever. He visited in January and April for preparation, as well as in June to help work. This October he hopes to help completely finish the remodeling job on the MTI building, and help the students and faculty move in. “The school is in the process of becoming self sufficient and they’re starting new ministries, so I want to help them as much as possible,” Richard states as one of his ministry goals.
Richard’s words of wisdom for anyone even thinking about doing missions is to start developing their relationship, their love, their faith, and trust in Jesus. “All ministry is just a byproduct of this and if you don’t have it, you won’t have anything to give away when you go. You may have a degree or a great desire to help people, but without a real love for God and for the people, you’ll only sound like a clanking gong or symbol.”
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