MAI was started in the Chicago suburbs in 1985 to train Christian publishers worldwide. Founders Bob Reekie, Jim Engel and Jim Johnson recognized the power of the written word and envisioned a ministry to help gifted Christians produce culturally relevant magazines, books and literature for readers in their own lands.

Since then, MAI has helped train North American Christians on global publishing needs and issues of the church around the world.

Here's how we've helped:

• Launched a mission communicators conference for writers, editors and designers of mission agencies
• Offered graduate-level training to students at Wheaton College and Columbia International University
• Arranged publishing internships with North American publishers for staff overseas
• Drawn hundreds of men and women in publishing around the world to our first LITT-WORLD conferences

 

Win-Win Internships at MAI

MAI benefited this last year from the vitality and help of four interns, students at Wheaton College. Elizabeth Wanee and Catherine Benton joined MAI weekly during their spring semester to research and create articles for our publications. In turn, we believe MAI increased their awareness of the global impact of Christian publishing. 

Here are a few of their reflections:

"I admire the fact that MAI is not simply a 'hit and run' organization, but strives to get involved with the people they come into contact with at conferences and stay in touch.

"I don't think I was aware of the lack of native-language publishing...Once I realized these things, I was especially encouraged by MAI's training and how the workshops are stimulating people to create stories for their fellow countrymen. 


"Lawrence Darmani especially impressed me with his many involvements in the publishing and writing world. His book Just Between Us surprised me that some of the issues - or most, actually - could have been written for a U.S. audience.  
– Elizabeth Wanee, History major 


"After learning about the importance of literature for several years at college, I realized how important literature can be outside of an American/British context. My thinking about literature had been mostly limited to the Western world, so seeing the emphasis on producing literature (and not just translations) in other areas of the world was a new and valuable experience.
 
"Reading about people who have dedicated their lives to publishing around the world has been inspirational. The power of books to change lives and influence people has been shown to me in various ways—through reading testimonies, researching publishing companies, and learning about books that are being published."
– Catherine Benton, English major