What Is Areopagus II America, or the AIIA Institute?
Areopagus (Hill of Ares / Mars Hill) became prominent in ancient Greece well before the time of Christ as an established and highly respected judicial court and legislative council. By the First Century the city of Athens had become a frequent forum for the exchange of information and commentary on various new ideas and philosophies.

The New Testament Bible Book of Acts, chapter 17, relates an account of the Apostle Paul's visit to Athens, including the Areopagus, circa 51-53 A.D., and of his proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in that place.

Areopagus II America (AIIA), or the AIIA Institute, is a contemporary adapted construct of the original Areopagus.

AIIA offers information and perspective on various worldviews and thought forms. The perspective and response offered by AIIA is distinctly Christian in nature. In this sense, AIIA may be considered a missionary outreach to America in this postmodern era - reflective of what we believe to be a strategic response to an age in which the mission field is more and more being marked by ideology rather than geography.

History
AIIA Founder and Executive Director, Daryl E. Witmer writes: "The vision for an 'Areopagus' approach to contemporary Christian evangelistic endeavor grew out of a personal devotional time that I had experienced in Acts 17 during the late 1970s. But it was many years before circumstances finally moved us to pursue that vision. AIIA was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1991. It has since grown quickly, receiving steady affirmation and increasing interest from a broad range of Christian individuals, leaders, and agencies."

Statement of Faith
The AIIA Statement of Faith is the same as that of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). AIIA also affirms the Chicago Statement of the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy. Copies of each statement are available upon request.

Statement of Mission
Areopagus II America is a transdenominational, non-profit organization whose mission it is to persuade people from all walks of life of Christian truth, to assist the Church in doing the same, and to promote understanding and goodwill between Christians and those espousing non-Christian worldviews.

[Image] Daryl Executive Director and Founder
The Executive Director and Founder of Areopagus II America is Daryl E. Witmer. Daryl and his wife, Mary (Lehman) Witmer, have resided in central Maine since 1975 where he has served for over twenty-one years as pastor of three rural churches - for many years circuit-riding between all three.

The Witmers have twin sons, Andrew and Stephen, born in 1976, and a third son, Timothy, born in 1979. Rev. Witmer presently continues to serve as pastor of the Monson Community Church. His ordination (1979) credentials are with the Evangelical Free Church of America.

In his early twenties, Daryl was significantly influenced by a term of study at Dr. Francis Schaeffer's L'Abri Fellowship in HuŽmoz, Switzerland. The nature of his own spiritual pilgrimage was a determining factor in his sense of call to the ministry.

In December of 1984, Witmer suffered an extensive ordeal with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder that has left him in a wheelchair with quadriparetic paralysis.

Board of Directors
AIIA is governed by an independent Board of Directors living in a number of mostly eastern states. The AIIA Board meets at least once annually and otherwise conducts business by telephone, mail, e-mail, or through the work of its Executive Committee.

Resource Associates & Affiliation
AIIA Resource Associates are individuals affiliated with AIIA who are knowledgeable of, and actively engaged in, some aspect of Christian apologetics ministry, i.e. science, cult research, etc. Resource Associates are not salaried staff, but are rather affiliated with AIIA in a mutually beneficial arrangement for ministry and resource purposes.

AIIA holds membership in the National Association of Evangelicals.

Ministry Aspects & Electives
The present and future ministry of AIIA includes:

An AIIA Ministry Electives brochure is available upon request, providing more detail on the range of AIIA's services and seminars, as well as ministry arrangements.

Ministry Support
AIIA is a non-profit corporation supported by interested churches and friends. Contributions to AIIA are fully tax deductible as per sections 170 and 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Receipt information is always promptly issued. Gifts in kind are also welcomed.

Endorsements & Affirmation

Dr. Carl F. H. Henry, theologian and author: "Among the regional enterprises that call America to return to spiritual roots, and sound a strong witness to Christ, is Areopagus II America."

Dr. Jay Kesler, president of Taylor University, Upland IN: "I am impressed with your purposes and the function I believe Areopagus Proclamation can achieve within the Church."

Stephen Macchia, president of the Evangelistic Association of New England (EANE): "Accept my affirmation of the fine work you are doing for the Lord in New England. I speak for the entire team here at EANE in commending you for a job well done!"

The late Dr. Richard C. Halverson, former Chaplain of the United States Senate: "Your idea makes it possible to communicate the truth freely, authentically, and in a balanced way, without intimidating. God bless you, brother."

Michael S. Heath, executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine: "AIIA is an intellectual and Biblical oasis in a desert of arid relativism. I highly recommend AIIA and personally benefit from this ministry."

Dr. Martin Crain, Director of Professional Doctoral Programs at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Chairman of the AIIA Board of Directors: "Areopagus II America is solidly grounded in Scripture and provides a general issues-oriented approach to witness..."

Dr. Donald R. Jacobs, anthropologist, International Missions Consultant: "The vision which birthed Areopagus II America is as current as the morning paper and as enduring as the Bible."

For Further Information, or to receive the PROCLAMATION without obligation
Write us at AIIA - PO Box 262 - Monson Maine 04464-0262
Telephone and Fax: (207) 997-3644
E-mail address: AIIAInstitute@aol.com

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