History of AICM

Jesus said "I have come to preach the gospel to the poor, freedom to captives, to give sight to the blind, and free those that suffer" (Luke 4:18)

The City Mission Movement goes back to January 1826, when David Nasmith, founded the Glasgow (Scotland) City Mission. David Nasmith born in Glasgow Scotland in March 1799, commenced working in manufacturing as an apprentice. His vision was for an inter-denominational agency which would work alongside churches and other Christian agencies to provide for the spiritual and material welfare of those in need in Glasgow.

In July 1830 Nasmith sailed to New York and visited between 40 and 50 towns in the USA and Canada forming 31 missions including various benevolent institutions. David Nasmith also founded missions in France, the London City Mission, the London Female Mission, the Dublin Christian Mission and a number of other ministries. David Nasmith is the spiritual father of the city mission movement. He "died poor" at the young age of 40 on Christmas day 1839 at Guildford, Surrey, England, but the work of the missions lived on, and the spirit of his endeavors is increasing throughout the world today, thanks to the many committed people who have taken up the challenge for the poor and lost.

From these early beginnings the City Mission movement has spread to almost every continent of the world with the dual purpose of providing spiritual ministry and meeting human need to the most disadvantaged in whatever form necessary in the local community. This includes the poor, hungry, unemployed, sick, homeless, abused, socially disadvantaged, psychologically disturbed, intellectually impaired, drug and alcohol addicted people, in prison, aged, underprivileged, uneducated and minorities. The projects/programs provided range from spiritual, food, clothing, accommodation, education at all levels, living skills, spiritual counsel, agriculture, sustainable living, self-help programs, welfare/human services programs, health care, drug and alcohol programs, rehabilitation of offenders. There are many other areas in which missions work to make a difference in the lives of people worldwide. The services are provided with compassion and without discrimination.

Mission Associations had been formed in some countries and continents but there was little sharing of information and fellowship on a worldwide basis. It was recognized there was a need to share the information and expertise which was available around the world to improve services and expand City Mission work.

The Executive Committee met in Bangalore, India in February 2004 and CMWA Board authorized Rev. Victor Paul to form Association of India City Missions.

With the Co-operation Of Different Mission leaders Dr. Paul formed the Mission called AICM (Association Of India City Missions) in the year 2004.

The leaders viz. from Manipur, Orissa, Mumbai, Bangalore, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other parts of India.

The committee realized the most cost effective and efficient way to achieve its mission and to link together City Missions around India:

• Subscribes to the fundamental truths of the Bible
• targets its ministry at a city or urban population
• combines evangelistic and caring (diaconia) ministry to those with human need due to suffering, distress, misfortune and/or helplessness

A City Mission is automatically a member of the Association if it is a member of a City Mission Organization which itself is a member of the City Mission World Association.

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