Wednesday, December 30, 2009

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

Thursday, October 8, 2009

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.

Monday, August 24, 2009

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

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

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.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

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

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

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.

Friday, March 6, 2009

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.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Mission to Russia

In need of 4 males to make trip to Ekaterinburg, Russia June 9th - June 20th, 2009. To work with Bible School for children and adults or lite construction around the church.The construction work will consist of sanding and painting windows, lawn maintenance, repairing cracks in the church walls, refinishing floors. There may be other repair items as the mission progresses. The total cost of the mission is $2700 which includes two days of visiting Moscow on the return. If you would like to worship and serve with Christians on the other side of the world please contact James Gillespie at 318 - 470 - 6806. The mission to Ekaterinburg also includes a wonderful train ride from Moscow with the sights of Siberia outside your window. Don't miss this opportunity.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Sudan VIM Team

Virginia Conference UMVIM Team to Southern Sudan

There is a need for two additional two team members who will be part of the first United Methodist presence in the Southern Sudan city of Rumbek. This Virginia Conference UMVIM team will attempt to build relationships as a first step for a possible future United Methodist presence in the area. Presently, there are no UMC churches in this area of Southern Sudan in the East Africa Conference.

Team members must be very flexible and have a willingness to undergo possible travel hardships with regard to weather, food, and accommodations. Internationally experienced UMVIMers may be especially suited for this mission.

Travel dates are April 20 to May 7, leaving and returning from Richmond. There is a mandatory team meeting March 15 in Great Falls, VA. The cost of the trip is $3700. For more information contact Kip Robinson at Krobin7856@aol.com or 804.264.7856.

Sudan VIM Team

Virginia Conference UMVIM Team to Southern Sudan

There is a need for two additional two team members who will be part of the first United Methodist presence in the Southern Sudan city of Rumbek. This Virginia Conference UMVIM team will attempt to build relationships as a first step for a possible future United Methodist presence in the area. Presently, there are no UMC churches in this area of Southern Sudan in the East Africa Conference.

Team members must be very flexible and have a willingness to undergo possible travel hardships with regard to weather, food, and accommodations. Internationally experienced UMVIMers may be especially suited for this mission.

Travel dates are April 20 to May 7, leaving and returning from Richmond. There is a mandatory team meeting March 15 in Great Falls, VA. The cost of the trip is $3700. For more information contact Kip Robinson at Krobin7856@aol.com or 804.264.7856.

Sudan VIM Team

Virginia Conference UMVIM Team to Southern Sudan

There is a need for two additional two team members who will be part of the first United Methodist presence in the Southern Sudan city of Rumbek. This Virginia Conference UMVIM team will attempt to build relationships as a first step for a possible future United Methodist presence in the area. Presently, there are no UMC churches in this area of Southern Sudan in the East Africa Conference.

Team members must be very flexible and have a willingness to undergo possible travel hardships with regard to weather, food, and accommodations. Internationally experienced UMVIMers may be especially suited for this mission.

Travel dates are April 20 to May 7, leaving and returning from Richmond. There is a mandatory team meeting March 15 in Great Falls, VA. The cost of the trip is $3700. For more information contact Kip Robinson at Krobin7856@aol.com or 804.264.7856.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

UMVIM Teams needed in China

UMVIM teams needed this summer in China. Teams should consist of 10-20 members, and trips typically last two weeks. The following slots need to be filled: June 15-30, July 1-15, August 1-15, and Auguest 15-30. Teams will spend about half their time teaching English and visiting orphanages, and the rest of their time visiting mountain villages and taking supplies to those in need.

At-cost expense is $30 per day, per team member, and includes bus, hotel, meals, water, translators, local transportation, gifts, supplies, and materials. For more information, please contact Peter Bowling at mailto:peterbowling@hotmail.com.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Team Leader Training

There will be a Team Leader Training on February 25th at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC beginning at 9:00 AM and ending at noon with an Ash Wednesday Service.

Anyone wishing to eventually lead a team (domestic or international) should attend a team leader training. To pre-register, please contact Laura Diviney at ldiviney@wnccumc.org.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

In 2007 a program started in the mountain region of western NC called The Timothy Project. This approach endeavors to identify strengths within the community and build up the community from within. If you are considering a North Carolina project to be a part of, consider this one -- go to www.thetimothyprojects.com/missions.htm.

New Webpage

Please check out the new webpage for SEJ UMVIM at www.umvim.org

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Youth with a Mission

Youth with a Mission (YWAM) Nicaragua is part of an international, interdenominational Christian mission reaching to the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Evangelism, Training and Mercy Ministries. In Latin America, we are known as Juventud con una MisiĆ³n.
We are a ministry of YWAM International which was founded in 1960 and now has approximately 20,000 full-time staff in more than 1,200 centers in nations worldwide. We have been operating in the Managua area since December 1989. Our mission trains Nicaraguan youth to disciple and develop their own nation in Biblical principles and to be a blessing to other nations.

For more information, contact:
Stephen G. Knopp II
Executive Pastor
Denver United Methodist Church
(704) 483-1601 ext. 107

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Kentucky

The Kentucky Conference was devastated by the recent winter storm. Certified Early Response Teams for western Kentucky are needed for debris/tree removal and CERTIFIED ELECTRICIANS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED!

All Certified Early Response Teams must schedule with their Conference Disaster Response Coordinator and Conference United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Coordinator (Mike Collins). A list of Conference UMVIM Coordinators in the SEJ can be found at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mv/mission-teams-umvim/jurisdl-umvimcoords/sej-umvimconfcoords/. A list of Conference Disaster Response Coordinators in the SEC can be found at www.umvim.org/0809disastercoordinators.xls. Don't forget to acquire insurance!!

All connections in Kentucky are to go through:
Dr. Larry Busch
270-498-0887

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

UMVIM needs dental and non-dental volunteers

Mission trip to Corozal, Belize scheduled for July 4-11, 2009. Team currently has one experienced Dentist and two dental assistants. Opportunity to go early or stay late for R&R on nearby island. One or two more dental professionals and other non-dental volunteers needed. For information, contact Dr. Scott Wachter, Senior Pastor at Surfside UMC in Surfside Beach, SC at swachter@surfsideumc.org or 843-238-2734.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Plumbers and Electricians Needed

URGENTLY NEEDED! The flood recovery effort in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is in desperate need of licensed plumbers and electricians! If you or a team of volunteer plumbers or electricians are willing to donate your services, please contact Becky Wood at the contact information below! Plumbers and electricians are crucial right now to prepare for over 3,000 volunteers who will be coming this spring and summer.

For more information, please contact:
Becky Wood
Director of Recovery - Storms 2008
Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
2200 Heritage Green Dr.
Hiawatha, IA 52233
(319) 393-1607 (office)
(515) 238-5346 (cell)

Thursday, January 29, 2009

VIM Teams needed in Laos

Seven year ago, Laos Samphang Methodist Church (LSMC) was born with three couples’ families, and the church has continued to grow since. In January of 2006, GBGM sent the first missionaries to Laos to carry out God’s ministry. The church had grown from three couples’ families into 69 congregations or (villages) that held Sunday worship regularly. A church facility is greatly needed for LSMC in Laos. Of the 69 congregations, only seven hold their worship in a church building; 63 congregations hold worship at the lay preacher’s or a laity member’s house. In the last three years, the Laos Council and Missionaries to Laos put in a lot of work to show LSMC that by the year 2016 the Laos Council and GBGM can build 63 church buildings to house its members. In order for the church to grow faithfully, both spiritually and socially as witnesses to the larger community, our obligation is to find a way to build church facilities to hold church events, activities, and Bible study. We believe gathering regularly and socially is foundational to spreading God’s good news.

In order to meet these goals and this vision, the LSMC Council has set up a few projects that greatly need VIM teams to help to accomplish what is necessary for the year 2009. Currently, there are four church buildings and a school facility that need to be completed for this year. The greatest of the church building’s needs are vinyl/tile supplies, ceiling work, concrete wall finishing, and electrical work. Each project will cost between $2,500.00 and $3,500.00. Please help LSMC by spreading word of this need to other members in the church or friends you think may be part of God’s solution.

For more information, please go to http://worlddesk-asia.blogspot.com/, "Projects in Laos."

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Team Insurance is a MUST!

All Church Teams should carry Team Insurance! This will cover emergencies and evacuations. There are two sources for information:
The WNC Building Teams: Contact Don Newman at dnewmankt4ts@hotmail.com for more information.
  • $10,000 Medical Coverage for Illness/Injury ($100 deductible)
  • $100,000 Emergency Medical Evacuation
  • $5,000 Trip Interruption/repatriation
  • $250 Loss of checked baggage
  • Emergency Medical Reunion coverage upto $50,000 (includes cost of a round-trip economy air fare, and reasonable travel and accommodation expenses for up to 10 days).
  • If traveling with a child, pay up to $50,000 to reunite the child to the USA.
  • $50,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Cost: $1.51 per day for international and $2.02 per day for US teams. Cost for non-Building Team Committee teams for application is $10.00 per team.

The SEJ UMVIM Insurance: Contact http://www.umvim.org/ for more information.

  • $10,000/$25,000 Medical Coverage for Illness/Injury ($50 deductible)
  • $100,000 Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation
  • $5,000 Trip Interruption
  • $250 Loss of checked baggage
  • Emergency Medical Reunion coverage for one personin case of Medical Evacuation or Repatriation
  • Return of Minor Children traveling with a parent
  • Cost: 0-4 days would be $12/$14, 5-10 days would be $16/$18, 11-14 days would be $20/23, and 15-21 days would be $27/$30. Registration costs per person are $12 for domestic teams and $17 for international teams.

For additional information contact Mike at mcollins@wnccumc.org

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Funeral Arrangements for Tom Wilson

Ruth Wilson called. Tom died shortly after midnight (Sunday) at Duke Hospital. A memorial service will be held later this week at Christ UMC in Greensboro. No specific arrangements have been made at this time, since Tom Jr's wife will not arrive from Taiwan until late Monday.

While this is very sad news to us, we continue to be thankful that Tom was our dear friend and Sue's mentor in UMVIM building team ministry.

Here is Tom’s address if you want to send a card:
1711 Hobbs Road
Greensboro, NC 27410
336-218-8633

Update:
Here's the info about Tom Wilson's arrangements.
The family is gathering for lunch followed by interment (columbarium) at 12:30 Wednesday. A Memorial Service is at 2:00 at Christ UMC, Greensboro.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

United Methodists' Volunteers' in Mission (UMVIM)

In 2008 the leaders of the Building Team Committee, the Medical Volunteers in Mission Committee and the Disaster Response Committee agreed that we needed a central structure to better keep our United Methodists' Volunteers in Mission on task.

The following concerns were shared:

  1. Most of the Teams going out are “individual Church Teams.” Many lack leadership training, financial accountability in-country and within the foreign country and many lack Insurance and Safe Sanctuary policies;
  2. Many individual Church Teams have not connected their work with the Conference work and some have gone without knowledge of the country’s leadership;
  3. No control by local church in countries;
  4. Need to establish contacts world-wide;
  5. Many teams have no “future” plans once they return and no connections for future teams to other areas;
  6. There is a need for some type of team registration and need, at times, for additional persons on church teams;
  7. There is a need for persons from other areas (i.e. Medical or Education) on Building Teams, and vice-versa. There is also a longing for new types of teams from churches.


Following discussion, the following suggestions were made:

  1. Establish a Volunteer In Missions Web page that will be the key page for all types of volunteers in mission. The Building Teams’ Link, the Medical Teams’ Link, … will fall UNDER this area in the Ministry Links, but all will continue to be shown. Where it says “Sign up today” change to say “Inquire”;
  2. In addition to the example shared, the web page on VIM should include the following:
    - what to do in case of emergency
    - include link to insurance coverage
    - link to the State Department for alerts
    - a way to register the teams (send team’s information to Mike who will then send information to Marty for the webpage, with a notification sent to the Country Coordinator, if there is one) and to share if the teams are OPEN for additional members. Also, shared that there needs to be a listing for US Teams/projects as well;
  3. Directed Sarah Watkins-Davis to form an official Education VIM Committee;
  4. Recommended that a Volunteer In Mission Committee be established to coordinate efforts between the following: Conference Disaster Response Committee, Building Teams Committee, Medical VIM Committee, and Education VIM Committee;
  5. Directed that a letter be sent out from my office (if agreeable, from the Bishop) noting the need for churches and groups to register teams for emergency, safety and coordination reasons. The Building Teams Committee and Disaster Response Committee will defray this cost. This letter will go out immediately following the August 23rd meeting of the Commission on Missions/Outreach (COMO);
  6. Recommended that the Country Coordinators of the Building Team Committee be listed on the web according to the country they represent and that they be resources for all types of teams going to their represented country;
  7. Recommended that Disaster Response in foreign countries continue to be done through the Country Coordinators;
  8. Directed that a “Letterhead” for Volunteers In Mission be developed and that it be used by the Building Teams, Disaster Response, Medical VIM, and Education VIM Committees