Bolivia Coordination

I would like to let you know that we have made some changes in the missionary personnel responsible for coordinating VIM teams in Bolivia. Michael Keyse is no longer serving as a GBGM missionary and we have assigned John and Suzanne Funk to cover the coordination of VIM teams to the Evangelical Methodist Church in Bolivia until we find a permanent replacement.

John and Suzanne Funk have been working as GBGM missionaries at the Methodist Rio Colorado School in the Beni, Bolivia for the past three years where they have experience coordinating teams at the school. We have made this temporary arrangement to insure that the VIM teams now planning to visit Bolivia will be provided for in a appropriate and adequate manner and so that others can continue to plan for future visits to Bolivia.

Please do not hesitate to be in touch directly with John and Suzanne about any upcoming trips to Bolivia. I would also appreciate it if you would advise any VIM Coordinators or team leaders with whom you have contact of this change.

John and Suzanne can be contacted at:
John@funk4.com
Suzanne@funk4.com
Home telephone 591-2-2412152
Cell Phone 591-720-94165

CUBA

CUBA MISSION OPPORTUNITY:
We are looking for a few members for a Cuba team this Spring (Feb 28-Mar 12). The team will be working on housing for the faculty at the Havana Seminary, visiting local churches and become infected with their enthusiasm. There will be work to suit all abilities. The all inclusive cost is about $2100. Contact Neil Vander Linden (864-859-3652) for further information. Team must be in place by November 1 in order to meet Cuban Visa deadlines.

WNCC Building Team Projects

The WNCC UMC Building Team projects have been posted. They may be found at:
http://wnccumc.org/vim/pdf/WNCC-BuildingTeamProjectsDetails.pdf

Building Team Postings

The WNCC Building Committee will post its annual work teams in August. New countries will include Belize, Argentina, Laos and the Philippines. Please go to the Missions/Volunteer in Missions page to find out more information.

A new project is being conducted near Batey 7. Many residents are refugees from Haiti who entered the DR seeking work during the sugar cane season. As immigrants, they are generally not recognized or supported by the government.

To address this problem, several UM churches are partnering with offenders and ex-offenders through the Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries to construct a school made of three shipping
containers. An UMVIM construction crew, led by Darrell Long, will install a foundation for the school and provide a roof to cover the containers, to be located along the medical clinic’s back property.

This school will be used for the education of children, the vocational training of women and various purposes of the local church/clinic. Support for employment and education will increase
opportunities for children and family. Collaboration with church volunteers also encourages community residents to take a more active role in improving their living conditions, education,
medical services and neighborhoods. The local church will supply teachers and vocational skill possibilities.

Needs and opportunities:
• Prayer: for trained workers, energy, supplies and fi nances; • Building Materials: nails, screws,
caulking, iron support beams, plywood, lumber (2x4’s for desks and decking), welding equipment, angle iron (1/4” thickness), Door and window supplies;
• Funding to purchase supplies and some air fare.

Get involved.

Contact:
mcollins@wnccumc.org,
darrell@berothoil.com or
chaplainstilwell@forsythjpm.org

Haiti Medical Team

Four team members needed for a Dental team to Ouanaminthe, Haiti April 24-May 3. Dentists, nurses, and laypersons to assist in clinic are requested. People trained in the Kendall optometry system are especially needed. Team will fly out of Orlando. For more information, contact Liza Case at twocheetas@gmail.com.

CUBA UMVIM

CUBA UMVIM TRIP: Trip is scheduled for July 2-13, 2009. Team of 12 will visit Havana Cuba and work to finish the Methodist Seminary. Cost is approximately $2000 plus cost of trip to Miami. Deadline for Visa Application and deposit of $300 is due April 1. For additional information contact Linda Archer (813-891-4219) or email Linda.English@phoenixmi.com.