Ministering in various African countries and contexts, TIMO embodies the missionary spirit of flexibility which adapts to meet the needs of a given situation. As a result of this flexibility and adaptation, specific TIMO teams can look very different from each other causing some to wonder what makes TIMO what it is. These twelve core values are the non-negotiables which will be found among any TIMO team. These are TIMO’s values, and we hope that by the end of two years, you will have adopted them as some of your values as well.

  – The lost can be the classic “unreached” who have yet to be exposed to the gospel, but it also includes those who have yet to respond positively to the claims of the gospel.

  – TIMO believes it is critical to the proclamation task to articulate the gospel in the context and mother tongue of the hearer whenever possible.

  – All missions work involves relating: Our goal is to be able to say, along with the Apostle Paul: “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well (I Thes. 2:8).”

  – Living the truth of the gospel message and verbally proclaiming that same message should be two sides of the same coin.

  – A logical outgrowth of commitment to local language, to learning culture, and to lifestyle evangelism is living where
we minister.

  – If we are serious about learning language and culture
and earning the right to be heard, then we must come as students and learners rather than as experts.

  – Seeking to have a minimal amount of possessions frees us from the bondage of material things and removes some of the barriers between the team and nationals.

  – They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love – As Jesus told his disciples, functioning as a loving, committed team is eloquent testimony of who we are following.

  – Prayer is not just what we do before we go and minister, prayer is Kingdom work, the battle itself and not just preparation for the battle.

  – A continual upward spiral of spiritual, emotional, and mental growth for every TIMO alumnus is the goal.

  – As important as ministry is, TIMO stresses that one’s personal relationship with Jesus will always be the most essential aspect of our lives.

  – The local church with its support, accountability, and variously gifted members working as the body of Christ is the most powerful and effective means for sustained numerical and spiritual growth.