What Does SIM Mean?
SIM originally stood for Sudan Interior Mission. At the time, “Sudan” did not refer to the modern country of Sudan. Instead, it meant the broad region of Africa stretching from modern-day Senegal to Ethiopia.
Our story began in 1893 when Walter Gowans, Rowland Bingham, and Thomas Kent set out to share the gospel with the millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa who had never heard it. Their story is one of perseverance, faith, and a passion for bringing the gospel to the least-reached.
At the time, many mission organizations believed that reaching this region was impossible. Still, our founders persevered, despite facing serious challenges. After several attempts, a team established a base 500 miles inland in Patigi, Nigeria. From there, SIM’s ministry began to grow.
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:14-15
As the ministry grew, SIM joined with other organizations from Africa, Asia, and South America. In the 1980s, these organizations came together under a new name: Society for International Ministries.
As we continued to grow and our ministry expanded around the world, the name was eventually shortened to SIM. Today, SIM is no longer used as an acronym for a longer name. While the name comes from our history as Sudan Interior Mission and later Society for International Ministries, it is now simply SIM.
“[Our founders] had a heart for the 60 million unreached people who didn’t have access to the gospel. So, SIM started as Sudan Interior Mission. But we like to say we’ve outgrown our name since then, because now we send workers to over 70 countries,” Mission Coach Alli H. said.
How Should I Pronounce SIM?
SIM can be pronounced in two ways: simply as “sim” or by saying each letter individually, “S-I-M.” Both pronunciations are correct. You may hear either one when talking about SIM.
So, whether you say “sim” or “S-I-M,” you’re referring to our organization. The pronunciation may vary, but the meaning does not. Whether spoken as a word or as individual letters, SIM refers to the same global organization.
Explore How You Can Serve with SIM
For over 130 years, SIM has believed that no one should live and die without hearing the good news of the gospel. That conviction continues to shape our ministry today as we support workers sent by churches to share the hope of Jesus where needed most.
“We invite believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue to be a part of this journey together—to send teams to locations around the world, so that everybody can have the chance to hear the gospel,” Alli said. “SIM originally stood for Sudan Interior Mission … but we are sending to all these different countries now.”
No matter what your skills or passions are, there is a place for you to join us.
Are you interested in serving with SIM? We would love to hear from you. Connect with a mission coach and attend a Connect event to learn more.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Maggie Watts
Content Creator
I am a content creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.