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
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Guatemala trip
Greetings from the Crystal River United Methodist Church.
As Don and I are now retired (Don, from First Ocala UMC) we are helping the mission team in our local church, Crystal River. We have a VIM trip to Momostenango, Guatemala planned but are in need of additional members to complete the team! The date for the trip is April 5 - April 11, 2010. The projected cost per person is $1000 with a deposit of $100 (make check to Crystal River United Methodist Church) due by December 15. The primary project will be to construct a retaining wall in the church courtyard to prevent mudslides into the church complex. This courtyard is used to minister to the children throughout the week and on Sundays. We will also share the love of Christ through Bible School. If you would like to share this information with others, we may be able to complete the team and hold our group travel rate. Thank you so much. Contact information: Christine Dial Phone # 352-794-3584
email: cd1945@aol.com
2600 N Comanche Pt
Crystal River, FL 34429
As Don and I are now retired (Don, from First Ocala UMC) we are helping the mission team in our local church, Crystal River. We have a VIM trip to Momostenango, Guatemala planned but are in need of additional members to complete the team! The date for the trip is April 5 - April 11, 2010. The projected cost per person is $1000 with a deposit of $100 (make check to Crystal River United Methodist Church) due by December 15. The primary project will be to construct a retaining wall in the church courtyard to prevent mudslides into the church complex. This courtyard is used to minister to the children throughout the week and on Sundays. We will also share the love of Christ through Bible School. If you would like to share this information with others, we may be able to complete the team and hold our group travel rate. Thank you so much. Contact information: Christine Dial Phone # 352-794-3584
email: cd1945@aol.com
2600 N Comanche Pt
Crystal River, FL 34429
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.
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
Argentina
Coordinator: Don Newman 704-938-5040 dnewmankt4ts@hotmail.com
Orientation: TBA
Project: TBA
Location: TBA
Team 3 Feb. 2010 (TBA) TBA $2,700
Belize
Coordinator: Tim Spradley 336-906-5652 churchstuff4alison@yahoo.com
Orientation: Nov. 21, 2009, 10 a.m. Mocksville UMC
Project: Belama Project
Location: Belize City
Team Project: This team will install a roof for a new church. It will give the congregation in this rural community a central place of worship. The community currently has no church and must travel to other parts of Belize City to worship. Church members have already begun the project by their own efforts and are dedicated to seeing its completion. Job location is a 30-minute van ride from the airport. Meals will be prepared by team members. Housing will be a local motel, with a 10 minute walk to the job site.
Team 5 Feb. 10–22, 2010 Tim Spradley $1,400
Chile
Don Newman 704-938-5040 dnewmankt4ts@hotmail.com
Orientation: TBA
Project: TBA
Location: TBA
Team 8 Feb. 2010 (TBA) TBA $2,700
Costa Rica
Coordinator: Keys Pendleton 336-442-8892 PastorKeys@PleasantGroveUMC.org
Orientation: Nov. 7, 2009, 10 a.m., Concord UMC, Catawba, NC
Project: Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Dios Es Amor
Location: Canas
This project is to provide a church building for the growing congregation of Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Dios Es Amor. They rent the building they are in now and it is too small for them. The building team needs to do columns, bond beams and block walls. The site is about one hour from the airport in Liberia. The team will be in a motel close to the building site. Church is to provide meals for the team. The temperature is hot during the day and cooler at night.
Team 9 Jan. 16–30, 2010 R. Sailors $1,300
Team 10 Jan. 30–Feb. 13, 2010 M. Duncan $1,300
Project: Emanuel Evangelical Methodist Church
Location: Guadalupe
This team will finish walls, put in tile flooring and possibly put in steps to second floor. The purpose of this project is to provide a home for the pastor and his family. The team will be staying on site. This project is about 30 minutes from the airport. The team will sleep in dorm type rooms. Meals will be provided by pastor’s wife.
Team 11 Jan. 30–Feb. 13, 2010 D. Pryor $1,300
Project: Eglesia Fresca Uncion
Location: Esparza
This team will start a building for a shelter for abused women, beginning with the footings and block walls. This site will also need some electrical work in existing buildings. Minister has requested Vacation Bible School to be taught. This provides a safe Christian haven for abused
women for the Puntarenas area. This is the only Methodist Church in the Puntarenas District.
The site is 2 hours from airport in San Jose. Meals will be provided by church members and sleeping arrangements will be the classrooms.
Team 12 Feb. 7–20, 2010 B. Latta, Jr. $1,300
Project: Hauri Community
Location: LaFortuna
The team will dig and pour footing, tie rebar, lay block walls, construct columns and bond beams for new cassrooms. Te congregation is growing and needs classrooms – this is not a Methodist congregation, but a group room the Sherrills Ford area has been working on this site for a number of years and requested our help this year. This is a great opportunity to expand the Kingdom of God by working ecumenically The team will stay at John Otte’s Camp, Camp Fishhook. Meals will be provided at the camp. Distance from the airport is about 3 hours. This location is close to Arenal Volcano.
Team 13 Jan. 10–25, 2010 W. Hubbard $1,300
Project: Fuente de Vida
Location: Las Juntas
The team will install drop ceilings, soundproof the church walls and enlarge the upstairs
classroom space. We need to put in columns, bond beams and fl ooring for upstairs rooms, to meet Costa Rica laws for noise pollution. Churches in Costa Rica are being forced to meet these laws or be closed by the government. The site is 2 hours from the airport, in a small town setting. Meals provided by the church. The church has a masonry contractor who works with the team.
Team 14 Jan. 16–30, 2010 G. Gordan $1,300
Cuba
Coordinator: Philip Wingeier-Rayo 704-219-6718 Phil.Wingeier@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu
Orientation: TBA/Christ UMC, Statesville
Project: To be assigned by the Cuban bishop
Location: Somewhere in Cuba
Specific work is unknown at this time. This trip is not for the light-hearted, first-time volunteers or youth under the age of 18. It is for those with an open heart to love, serve, and minister in the midst of great hardship and difficult challenges. This trip will help us to remain in relationship
with a church that is often isolated and faces great emotional and material hardships. You can expect a very warm climate, good hearty meals and unpredictable sleeping accommodations. Do NOT expect to follow U.S. standards for construction techniques and tools.
Guatemala
Coordinator: John Hodgin 336-362-0163 jhodgin3@triad.rr.com
Orientation: Nov. 7, 2009, 10 a.m./ Rehobeth UMC, Greensboro
Project: Sanctuary at Potrero Viejo
Location: Town of Potrero Viejo, Quiche Province
Teams will continue work on the new sanctuary building started last year by VIM volunteers. Work will consist of block work, leveling the floor for concrete and possibly roofing. This church has grown from 60 members to over 300 members in just a few years and needs the larger building. Members of the church have worked side by side with our teams to accomplish this task. Team members will stay at the church in the old sanctuary. Bathrooms and showers are onsite. Meals will be cooked by local VIM personnel. Church is in the mountains at high altitude and teams need to acclimate. After arriving in Guatemala, teams will spend the night in a hotel on the way to the site. Remote with rustic living conditions, but in a beautiful, pastoral setting.
Team 16 Jan. 20–Feb. 1, 2010 Brad Ehrhardt $1,200
Team 17 Feb. 12–22, 2010 John Hodgin $1,200
Team 18 March 6–14, 2010 Dana McKim $1,200
Project: Sanctuary at Potrero Viejo
Location: Town of Potrero Viejo, Quiche Province
Work is a continuation of the above project. The difference is that this is the designated youth team. Young people are encouraged to choose this team if they are interested in mission but they are younger than the required age of 16.
Orientation: Feb. 20, 2010, 10 a.m. Myers Memorial UMC, Gastonia
Team 19 (Youth) June 2010 (TBA) L. Suggs $1,200
Honduras
Coordinator: Tim Spradley 336-906-5652 churchstuff4alison@yahoo.com
Orientation: Nov. 21, 2009, 10 a.m./ First UMC, Mocksville, NC
Project: Iglesia Metodista de Colonia San Miguel
Location: El Paraiso
This team will build the second story of a church building, with classrooms and a sanctuary. Some team members will provide VBS and snacks for the local children. This project will give the congregation in this rural community a central place of worship. Until the lower level was complete last year, this congregation met in a location that provided no electricity or water. Sunday school is still being held outside. This building will also be used for the Becas con Bendiciones program that provides sponsorship to children who cannot afford school. The job site is a 10-minute walk from the local motel where team members will stay. Team meals will be provided by locals. It is a 2.5-hour drive to the worksite from Tecucigalpa Airport.
Team 20 Jan. 5-17, 2010 F. Fritts $1,450
Jamaica
Coordinator: Don Routh 336-936-9178 drouth46@roadrunnercom
Orientation: Dec. 4, 2009, 10 a.m./First UMC, Mocksville
Project: Golden Springs Methodist Church
Location: Higgin Town St. Ann
This team will fi nish a church hall. It involves electric work, tile fl oors, doors, windows,
sidewalks, painting, plumbing, tables, chairs, etc. It will be used for local missions and church
events and will also allow church members to more effectively reach out to the community.
Team members should be carpenters, masons, electrical and helpers. Team members will stay in a rented house that has 2 bathrooms and showers. Most will be in beds and others will need air mattresses. Team members will cook their own meals. The bus ride from the airport is 3 hours.
Team 21 Jan. 7–21, 2010, D. Routh $1,200
Team 22 Jan. 21–Feb. 4, 2010, L. Strange $1,200
Team 23 Feb. 4–18, 2010, T. Miller $1,200
Mexico
Coordinator: Sue Trollinger 704-366-5001 jtrollinger@carolina.rr.com
Team leaders will meet with their teams before departure for orientation
Project: Centro Social Mamie Baird Location: Cortazar
The team will continue to work on the school that also serves as a social center to teach young women domestic skills. Work is expected to include finishing out the second fl oor classrooms and the accompanying restrooms. Construction of steps from the first level to the second level may also be included in the work load. This project ranks very high in priority for Bishop Herrera of the Septentrional Conference of the Mexican Methodist Church. The center has long been a project with strong support from this conference in Mexico. Team members will stay in homes of members of the local Methodist church. Cortazar is approximately an hour from the airport in Leon. Members will have breakfast, lunch and dinner at the project site prepared by the local church women.
Team 27 June 15–25, 2010 S. Trollinger $1,200
Project: Templo Sinai Metodista Location: Cerro Gordo
Team will continue work on the fellowship/classroom/parsonage building. The team is expected to do finish work on the second fl oor. This would likely entail plastering and painting walls, pulling electrical wire and installing fi xtures, constructing stairs with two fl ights and a landing at
the lower end of the building. The team may also have to erect a retaining wall at the upper end of the building. This is a poor community with many children. With the completion of this project, the church will have full use of the facilities and the pastor and congregation will better be able to minister to the community. The team will stay in the homes of church members and friends. Cerro Gordo is 50 minutes from the Leon airport. Team members will likely
have breakfast in their host’s homes. Lunch and dinner will be at the project site and will be prepared by women in the church.
Team 28 Feb. 9–19, 2010 M. Cornelius $1,200
Project: Templo Agua Viva Metodista Location: Aguascalientes
Work will continue on the three-story classroom/fellowship/parsonage building. The team is expected to work on the second and third floor levels. This will likely entail plastering and painting, installing doors and windows, installing electrical fi xtures, and setting plumbing fixtures in the parsonage bathroom. If all of the fi nish work is completed, the team can then help with the roof on the church sanctuary. Completion of this building will make it possible for the church to have a full-time ordained minister. This is the only Methodist church in a city of almost one million people. Completion of this building will enable the church to meet the needs of the protestant citizens of the city, especially the children and youth.
Team 29 March 10–24, 2010 G. Elkins $1,300
Project: Iglesia Metodista Emaus
Location: Chetumal
Following the most recent mission trip, the church constructed beams to support the roof. The building team will likely help with the completion of the roof by installing the metal, on which a layer of concrete will be poured. The team may also be involved with interior work such as
plastering, painting walls, pulling electrical wiring, installing fixtures, doors and windows. This is the only Methodist church within hours of Chetumal and is one of the very few protestant churches in the region. The sanctuary, when finished, will be a beautiful worship center that most likely will lead a large number of people to Christ, especially from the neighboring large
residential area. The bus ride from the airport is almost 3 hours. The women on the team will stay in the home of the local Methodist contact person; the men will stay in the cement block building next door that is owned by the church. Breakfast will be in the home where the women are staying. The team leader has the option of having the team prepare its own lunch and
dinner, or having the local church women do it for them. Living facilities will be next door to the state university and the Bay of Chetumal. This area is near sea level and in a somewhat tropical climate. It will be hot and humid during the trip.
Team 30 Jan. 20–Feb. 3, 2010 D. Millsaps $1,300
Nicaragua
Coordinator: Phil Wingeier-Rayo 704-219-6718 Phil.Wingeier@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu
Orientation: TBA/Christ UMC, Salisbury
Project: Esteli Location: Esteli
Team will assist with the building of a church in Esteli, both physically and relationally. The Methodist Church in Nicaragua is a very new denomination with only 12 years of history. It has now expanded to 12 mission churches, but only 7 have their own building. Not only does this project provide an opportunity to help build a church, it also provides a time to build a relationship of mutual encouragement with the Nicaraguan Church.
Team 31 Jan. 11–25, 2010 J. Roseman $1,500
Puerto Rico
Coordinator: Joel Key 336-885-1927 joelfaithkey@juno.com
Orientation: Nov. 22, 2009, 3 p.m./ New Salem UMC, Statesville
Project: Lares Methodist Church Location: Lares
The Lares project is a continuation from the last three years; it will be continued work on their new sanctuary. The construction will be concrete blocks and steel enforced concrete columns. Electrical work as needed. This is the final phase in a long-term building program. It is needed for further growth. The team will be housed in the Seventh Day Adventist Camp. Lares is about a 2-hour drive from the airport in San Juan. The team members will prepare their own meals. Some of the church members will invite the teams to their homes for meals.
Team 34 Jan. 13–27, 2010 J. Key $1,000
Team 35 Jan. 27–Feb. 10, 2010 L. Smith $1,000
Team 36 Feb. 10–24, 2010 J. Hendrix $1,000
Coordinator: Don Newman 704-938-5040 dnewmankt4ts@hotmail.com
Orientation: TBA
Project: TBA
Location: TBA
Team 3 Feb. 2010 (TBA) TBA $2,700
Belize
Coordinator: Tim Spradley 336-906-5652 churchstuff4alison@yahoo.com
Orientation: Nov. 21, 2009, 10 a.m. Mocksville UMC
Project: Belama Project
Location: Belize City
Team Project: This team will install a roof for a new church. It will give the congregation in this rural community a central place of worship. The community currently has no church and must travel to other parts of Belize City to worship. Church members have already begun the project by their own efforts and are dedicated to seeing its completion. Job location is a 30-minute van ride from the airport. Meals will be prepared by team members. Housing will be a local motel, with a 10 minute walk to the job site.
Team 5 Feb. 10–22, 2010 Tim Spradley $1,400
Chile
Don Newman 704-938-5040 dnewmankt4ts@hotmail.com
Orientation: TBA
Project: TBA
Location: TBA
Team 8 Feb. 2010 (TBA) TBA $2,700
Costa Rica
Coordinator: Keys Pendleton 336-442-8892 PastorKeys@PleasantGroveUMC.org
Orientation: Nov. 7, 2009, 10 a.m., Concord UMC, Catawba, NC
Project: Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Dios Es Amor
Location: Canas
This project is to provide a church building for the growing congregation of Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Dios Es Amor. They rent the building they are in now and it is too small for them. The building team needs to do columns, bond beams and block walls. The site is about one hour from the airport in Liberia. The team will be in a motel close to the building site. Church is to provide meals for the team. The temperature is hot during the day and cooler at night.
Team 9 Jan. 16–30, 2010 R. Sailors $1,300
Team 10 Jan. 30–Feb. 13, 2010 M. Duncan $1,300
Project: Emanuel Evangelical Methodist Church
Location: Guadalupe
This team will finish walls, put in tile flooring and possibly put in steps to second floor. The purpose of this project is to provide a home for the pastor and his family. The team will be staying on site. This project is about 30 minutes from the airport. The team will sleep in dorm type rooms. Meals will be provided by pastor’s wife.
Team 11 Jan. 30–Feb. 13, 2010 D. Pryor $1,300
Project: Eglesia Fresca Uncion
Location: Esparza
This team will start a building for a shelter for abused women, beginning with the footings and block walls. This site will also need some electrical work in existing buildings. Minister has requested Vacation Bible School to be taught. This provides a safe Christian haven for abused
women for the Puntarenas area. This is the only Methodist Church in the Puntarenas District.
The site is 2 hours from airport in San Jose. Meals will be provided by church members and sleeping arrangements will be the classrooms.
Team 12 Feb. 7–20, 2010 B. Latta, Jr. $1,300
Project: Hauri Community
Location: LaFortuna
The team will dig and pour footing, tie rebar, lay block walls, construct columns and bond beams for new cassrooms. Te congregation is growing and needs classrooms – this is not a Methodist congregation, but a group room the Sherrills Ford area has been working on this site for a number of years and requested our help this year. This is a great opportunity to expand the Kingdom of God by working ecumenically The team will stay at John Otte’s Camp, Camp Fishhook. Meals will be provided at the camp. Distance from the airport is about 3 hours. This location is close to Arenal Volcano.
Team 13 Jan. 10–25, 2010 W. Hubbard $1,300
Project: Fuente de Vida
Location: Las Juntas
The team will install drop ceilings, soundproof the church walls and enlarge the upstairs
classroom space. We need to put in columns, bond beams and fl ooring for upstairs rooms, to meet Costa Rica laws for noise pollution. Churches in Costa Rica are being forced to meet these laws or be closed by the government. The site is 2 hours from the airport, in a small town setting. Meals provided by the church. The church has a masonry contractor who works with the team.
Team 14 Jan. 16–30, 2010 G. Gordan $1,300
Cuba
Coordinator: Philip Wingeier-Rayo 704-219-6718 Phil.Wingeier@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu
Orientation: TBA/Christ UMC, Statesville
Project: To be assigned by the Cuban bishop
Location: Somewhere in Cuba
Specific work is unknown at this time. This trip is not for the light-hearted, first-time volunteers or youth under the age of 18. It is for those with an open heart to love, serve, and minister in the midst of great hardship and difficult challenges. This trip will help us to remain in relationship
with a church that is often isolated and faces great emotional and material hardships. You can expect a very warm climate, good hearty meals and unpredictable sleeping accommodations. Do NOT expect to follow U.S. standards for construction techniques and tools.
Guatemala
Coordinator: John Hodgin 336-362-0163 jhodgin3@triad.rr.com
Orientation: Nov. 7, 2009, 10 a.m./ Rehobeth UMC, Greensboro
Project: Sanctuary at Potrero Viejo
Location: Town of Potrero Viejo, Quiche Province
Teams will continue work on the new sanctuary building started last year by VIM volunteers. Work will consist of block work, leveling the floor for concrete and possibly roofing. This church has grown from 60 members to over 300 members in just a few years and needs the larger building. Members of the church have worked side by side with our teams to accomplish this task. Team members will stay at the church in the old sanctuary. Bathrooms and showers are onsite. Meals will be cooked by local VIM personnel. Church is in the mountains at high altitude and teams need to acclimate. After arriving in Guatemala, teams will spend the night in a hotel on the way to the site. Remote with rustic living conditions, but in a beautiful, pastoral setting.
Team 16 Jan. 20–Feb. 1, 2010 Brad Ehrhardt $1,200
Team 17 Feb. 12–22, 2010 John Hodgin $1,200
Team 18 March 6–14, 2010 Dana McKim $1,200
Project: Sanctuary at Potrero Viejo
Location: Town of Potrero Viejo, Quiche Province
Work is a continuation of the above project. The difference is that this is the designated youth team. Young people are encouraged to choose this team if they are interested in mission but they are younger than the required age of 16.
Orientation: Feb. 20, 2010, 10 a.m. Myers Memorial UMC, Gastonia
Team 19 (Youth) June 2010 (TBA) L. Suggs $1,200
Honduras
Coordinator: Tim Spradley 336-906-5652 churchstuff4alison@yahoo.com
Orientation: Nov. 21, 2009, 10 a.m./ First UMC, Mocksville, NC
Project: Iglesia Metodista de Colonia San Miguel
Location: El Paraiso
This team will build the second story of a church building, with classrooms and a sanctuary. Some team members will provide VBS and snacks for the local children. This project will give the congregation in this rural community a central place of worship. Until the lower level was complete last year, this congregation met in a location that provided no electricity or water. Sunday school is still being held outside. This building will also be used for the Becas con Bendiciones program that provides sponsorship to children who cannot afford school. The job site is a 10-minute walk from the local motel where team members will stay. Team meals will be provided by locals. It is a 2.5-hour drive to the worksite from Tecucigalpa Airport.
Team 20 Jan. 5-17, 2010 F. Fritts $1,450
Jamaica
Coordinator: Don Routh 336-936-9178 drouth46@roadrunnercom
Orientation: Dec. 4, 2009, 10 a.m./First UMC, Mocksville
Project: Golden Springs Methodist Church
Location: Higgin Town St. Ann
This team will fi nish a church hall. It involves electric work, tile fl oors, doors, windows,
sidewalks, painting, plumbing, tables, chairs, etc. It will be used for local missions and church
events and will also allow church members to more effectively reach out to the community.
Team members should be carpenters, masons, electrical and helpers. Team members will stay in a rented house that has 2 bathrooms and showers. Most will be in beds and others will need air mattresses. Team members will cook their own meals. The bus ride from the airport is 3 hours.
Team 21 Jan. 7–21, 2010, D. Routh $1,200
Team 22 Jan. 21–Feb. 4, 2010, L. Strange $1,200
Team 23 Feb. 4–18, 2010, T. Miller $1,200
Mexico
Coordinator: Sue Trollinger 704-366-5001 jtrollinger@carolina.rr.com
Team leaders will meet with their teams before departure for orientation
Project: Centro Social Mamie Baird Location: Cortazar
The team will continue to work on the school that also serves as a social center to teach young women domestic skills. Work is expected to include finishing out the second fl oor classrooms and the accompanying restrooms. Construction of steps from the first level to the second level may also be included in the work load. This project ranks very high in priority for Bishop Herrera of the Septentrional Conference of the Mexican Methodist Church. The center has long been a project with strong support from this conference in Mexico. Team members will stay in homes of members of the local Methodist church. Cortazar is approximately an hour from the airport in Leon. Members will have breakfast, lunch and dinner at the project site prepared by the local church women.
Team 27 June 15–25, 2010 S. Trollinger $1,200
Project: Templo Sinai Metodista Location: Cerro Gordo
Team will continue work on the fellowship/classroom/parsonage building. The team is expected to do finish work on the second fl oor. This would likely entail plastering and painting walls, pulling electrical wire and installing fi xtures, constructing stairs with two fl ights and a landing at
the lower end of the building. The team may also have to erect a retaining wall at the upper end of the building. This is a poor community with many children. With the completion of this project, the church will have full use of the facilities and the pastor and congregation will better be able to minister to the community. The team will stay in the homes of church members and friends. Cerro Gordo is 50 minutes from the Leon airport. Team members will likely
have breakfast in their host’s homes. Lunch and dinner will be at the project site and will be prepared by women in the church.
Team 28 Feb. 9–19, 2010 M. Cornelius $1,200
Project: Templo Agua Viva Metodista Location: Aguascalientes
Work will continue on the three-story classroom/fellowship/parsonage building. The team is expected to work on the second and third floor levels. This will likely entail plastering and painting, installing doors and windows, installing electrical fi xtures, and setting plumbing fixtures in the parsonage bathroom. If all of the fi nish work is completed, the team can then help with the roof on the church sanctuary. Completion of this building will make it possible for the church to have a full-time ordained minister. This is the only Methodist church in a city of almost one million people. Completion of this building will enable the church to meet the needs of the protestant citizens of the city, especially the children and youth.
Team 29 March 10–24, 2010 G. Elkins $1,300
Project: Iglesia Metodista Emaus
Location: Chetumal
Following the most recent mission trip, the church constructed beams to support the roof. The building team will likely help with the completion of the roof by installing the metal, on which a layer of concrete will be poured. The team may also be involved with interior work such as
plastering, painting walls, pulling electrical wiring, installing fixtures, doors and windows. This is the only Methodist church within hours of Chetumal and is one of the very few protestant churches in the region. The sanctuary, when finished, will be a beautiful worship center that most likely will lead a large number of people to Christ, especially from the neighboring large
residential area. The bus ride from the airport is almost 3 hours. The women on the team will stay in the home of the local Methodist contact person; the men will stay in the cement block building next door that is owned by the church. Breakfast will be in the home where the women are staying. The team leader has the option of having the team prepare its own lunch and
dinner, or having the local church women do it for them. Living facilities will be next door to the state university and the Bay of Chetumal. This area is near sea level and in a somewhat tropical climate. It will be hot and humid during the trip.
Team 30 Jan. 20–Feb. 3, 2010 D. Millsaps $1,300
Nicaragua
Coordinator: Phil Wingeier-Rayo 704-219-6718 Phil.Wingeier@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu
Orientation: TBA/Christ UMC, Salisbury
Project: Esteli Location: Esteli
Team will assist with the building of a church in Esteli, both physically and relationally. The Methodist Church in Nicaragua is a very new denomination with only 12 years of history. It has now expanded to 12 mission churches, but only 7 have their own building. Not only does this project provide an opportunity to help build a church, it also provides a time to build a relationship of mutual encouragement with the Nicaraguan Church.
Team 31 Jan. 11–25, 2010 J. Roseman $1,500
Puerto Rico
Coordinator: Joel Key 336-885-1927 joelfaithkey@juno.com
Orientation: Nov. 22, 2009, 3 p.m./ New Salem UMC, Statesville
Project: Lares Methodist Church Location: Lares
The Lares project is a continuation from the last three years; it will be continued work on their new sanctuary. The construction will be concrete blocks and steel enforced concrete columns. Electrical work as needed. This is the final phase in a long-term building program. It is needed for further growth. The team will be housed in the Seventh Day Adventist Camp. Lares is about a 2-hour drive from the airport in San Juan. The team members will prepare their own meals. Some of the church members will invite the teams to their homes for meals.
Team 34 Jan. 13–27, 2010 J. Key $1,000
Team 35 Jan. 27–Feb. 10, 2010 L. Smith $1,000
Team 36 Feb. 10–24, 2010 J. Hendrix $1,000
Thursday, June 18, 2009
ADOPT A CLINIC
The Good Samaritan Clinic in Batey 7, Dominican Republic, is the main “outreach program” of the WNCC Medical Volunteers in Mission Committee. Beginning with a dream in 2000, the
clinic has been fully operational since 2002. The clinic primarily serves the medical needs of an impoverished community – surrounded by sugar cane fi elds – of 1,200 people, yet its work reaches well into the extended region, serving over 17,000.
The clinic is staffed by a full-time physician and health care support staff. It sees 75-100 patients a week. In addition, visiting mission teams supplement the efforts, performing close to
300 much-needed, often-delayed surgeries and outreach clinic visits. Over 1,000 patients are seen yearly.
With involvement of these volunteers, other projects to improve the medical health of the ommunity have been conducted. These projects include health education classes, the building of
latrines and the provision of a new water purifi cation system. This commitment to improve the economic health of the community resulted in the building of an educational building which will soon begin sewing technical classes and baking classes. The hope is that this will bring much needed income to the area.
Without the Good Samaritan Clinic’s presence, none of this could have happened. God is truly at work in this place and those being served truly feel the love of Christ’s hands through Christ’s
followers. While it is nearly assured all of the 2009 fi nancial concerns will be met, we see 2010 fi nances to be troubling. Individuals and churches are asked to consider placing the Good
Samaritan Clinic in their 2010 budget as a conference Advance Special by “adopting a clinic for a day.”
The clinic is open approximately 250 days a year — for $100 a day, 250 churches/
individuals can assure this vital ministry will continue. Choose a day — birthday, anniversary, life-changing date, … Share it with the conference Mission/Outreach offi ce. Following the day, we can have the Good Samaritan Clinic share a report on how lives were changed on “your day.”
Contact mcollins@wnccumc.org to learn more about this developing project
clinic has been fully operational since 2002. The clinic primarily serves the medical needs of an impoverished community – surrounded by sugar cane fi elds – of 1,200 people, yet its work reaches well into the extended region, serving over 17,000.
The clinic is staffed by a full-time physician and health care support staff. It sees 75-100 patients a week. In addition, visiting mission teams supplement the efforts, performing close to
300 much-needed, often-delayed surgeries and outreach clinic visits. Over 1,000 patients are seen yearly.
With involvement of these volunteers, other projects to improve the medical health of the ommunity have been conducted. These projects include health education classes, the building of
latrines and the provision of a new water purifi cation system. This commitment to improve the economic health of the community resulted in the building of an educational building which will soon begin sewing technical classes and baking classes. The hope is that this will bring much needed income to the area.
Without the Good Samaritan Clinic’s presence, none of this could have happened. God is truly at work in this place and those being served truly feel the love of Christ’s hands through Christ’s
followers. While it is nearly assured all of the 2009 fi nancial concerns will be met, we see 2010 fi nances to be troubling. Individuals and churches are asked to consider placing the Good
Samaritan Clinic in their 2010 budget as a conference Advance Special by “adopting a clinic for a day.”
The clinic is open approximately 250 days a year — for $100 a day, 250 churches/
individuals can assure this vital ministry will continue. Choose a day — birthday, anniversary, life-changing date, … Share it with the conference Mission/Outreach offi ce. Following the day, we can have the Good Samaritan Clinic share a report on how lives were changed on “your day.”
Contact mcollins@wnccumc.org to learn more about this developing project
Container Building in Dominican Republic
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
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
Monday, April 20, 2009
Newsletter by Shana Harrison, UMC Missionary
Spilling the Chile Beans April 2009
Newsletter from Shana Harrison and La Esperanza
As Alain, Adriana and I left the group home en route to spend Christmas at the beach, Adriana inquired with a voice of indignance, “Do you know what Tia Alejandra asked me?” I responded with a gentle, “What?” Adriana continued, “She asked me if I believe in Santa Claus! I told her OF COURSE I do! I have been BAPTIZED and CONFIRMED!”
First Quarter
Life at La Esperanza is very much in motion! 2009 began with a bang as a VIM team from Texarkana and Hope came to help us get the group home and workshop in shape to meet the standards of the Ministry of Health. A new classroom and a new bathroom were installed at the workshop. In addition to that, much of the space in the group home was renovated, leaving us with a very nice laundry room, staff bathrooms, and a space where families can meet with the residents in private. Many, many thanks to those who made all of these improvements possible!
Just as the group was winding down their labors, I began having back problems and ended up spending the majority of the summer (end of January and much of February) in bed, avoiding surgery on a herniated disc. Fortunately the bed rest paid off, and I am back at it 100%! I continue to swim and do some exercises to strengthen my back. So, hopefully I won’t find myself in the same condition any time soon. Many thanks for your prayers and words of encouragement!
As summer drew to an end, everyone returned to discover and appreciate the new spaces at the workshop and to begin once again the balance of work and play. This semester the participants are making gift bags, gift tags, cards, and chains for holding glasses.
We welcomed a new member into the group home in mid-March. Lorena enjoys helping out with tasks around the house, particularly sweeping, and thus far she successfully shares a room with Edith. (I was afraid that the nightly snoring contests would be a problem, but there have been no complaints!) I continue to appreciate the way that the residents and participants so warmly welcome new members into the community. I have a lot to learn from their gifts of hospitality and acceptance.
You may have noticed a drastic change in both the style of the newsletter and its delivery. Enrique, the one responsible for creative design, web management and newsletter delivery took a full time job in his home town. We hope to have someone more creative and computer literate than I am in place soon. We also experienced problems with the delivery of our last newsletter as it was considered SPAM. So, we will be contacting you and asking you to sign up once again if you are interested in receiving the newsletter.
En Crescendo
After 3 ½ years, the Chilean government approved La Esperanza’s change of legal structure. What does this mean for us? We have changed from being a dependent of the Methodist Church of Chile to being a foundation. The new board of directors includes three representatives from the Methodist Church of Chile (including the bishop), three representatives from the families of the beneficiaries or volunteers of the organization and three members from the community at large.
We will continue to operate in the same locations, providing services to the same people. We will now be known as Crescendo instead of La Esperanza. We will soon have a new logo and a new website.
As a foundation, we have our own tax I.D. number which will improve our chances at having government projects approved. As a dependent of the Methodist Church of Chile, when we applied for government funding, it appeared that we owned all of the properties of the Methodist Church of Chile, etc and thus were not in need of assistance compared to other organizations. Now there will be clarity that we are an organization that needs and deserves the government’s support in meeting the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.
What does this mean for you?
You still have the opportunity to be an active part of this ministry with adults with disabilities in the offering of your prayers, presence and gifts. Donations are to continue to be directed to the same Advance Special #14056A under the name of Crescendo. We are striving to involve more and more Chileans in this ministry and to eventually obtain the large majority of funding from within the country. Last year national donations tripled, totally approximately USD 30,000. The beneficiaries are also paying more than they have in the past. However, given this time of financial crisis and this time in which we are not yet able to apply for all of the government projects, we still need your continued financial support to ensure the quality services offered to adults with developmental disabilities.
In My Mind I’m Gone to Carolina….and Arkansas, Tennessee and Virginia…
The good news is that it is not just in my mind this time! I will be itinerating from August through October. So, if your church would like a visit, please be in touch with me at sdhchile2003@yahoo.com or shana@laesperanzachile.org. I will be in Arkansas August 16-17 and again from September 30 until October 30th. I will be in Tennessee on August 19th and then I go on to the Western North Carolina Conference from August 20-23rd. I will be with the North Carolina Conference from August 24th-September 21st and then in Virginia from September 22nd -27th. There are still dates available, and I am eager to meet with you and your congregations to share the exciting and important events that are happening in Santiago. So, please drop me a line if you are interested in a program.
I do look forward to seeing as many of you as possible while I am in the States. Many, many thanks for your continued support. Your prayers, cards, emails and donations are of tremendous value not only to me personally, but also to the community of Crescendo. Together we are making a difference in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and in the way that Chilean society views and incorporates these people.
Newsletter from Shana Harrison and La Esperanza
As Alain, Adriana and I left the group home en route to spend Christmas at the beach, Adriana inquired with a voice of indignance, “Do you know what Tia Alejandra asked me?” I responded with a gentle, “What?” Adriana continued, “She asked me if I believe in Santa Claus! I told her OF COURSE I do! I have been BAPTIZED and CONFIRMED!”
First Quarter
Life at La Esperanza is very much in motion! 2009 began with a bang as a VIM team from Texarkana and Hope came to help us get the group home and workshop in shape to meet the standards of the Ministry of Health. A new classroom and a new bathroom were installed at the workshop. In addition to that, much of the space in the group home was renovated, leaving us with a very nice laundry room, staff bathrooms, and a space where families can meet with the residents in private. Many, many thanks to those who made all of these improvements possible!
Just as the group was winding down their labors, I began having back problems and ended up spending the majority of the summer (end of January and much of February) in bed, avoiding surgery on a herniated disc. Fortunately the bed rest paid off, and I am back at it 100%! I continue to swim and do some exercises to strengthen my back. So, hopefully I won’t find myself in the same condition any time soon. Many thanks for your prayers and words of encouragement!
As summer drew to an end, everyone returned to discover and appreciate the new spaces at the workshop and to begin once again the balance of work and play. This semester the participants are making gift bags, gift tags, cards, and chains for holding glasses.
We welcomed a new member into the group home in mid-March. Lorena enjoys helping out with tasks around the house, particularly sweeping, and thus far she successfully shares a room with Edith. (I was afraid that the nightly snoring contests would be a problem, but there have been no complaints!) I continue to appreciate the way that the residents and participants so warmly welcome new members into the community. I have a lot to learn from their gifts of hospitality and acceptance.
You may have noticed a drastic change in both the style of the newsletter and its delivery. Enrique, the one responsible for creative design, web management and newsletter delivery took a full time job in his home town. We hope to have someone more creative and computer literate than I am in place soon. We also experienced problems with the delivery of our last newsletter as it was considered SPAM. So, we will be contacting you and asking you to sign up once again if you are interested in receiving the newsletter.
En Crescendo
After 3 ½ years, the Chilean government approved La Esperanza’s change of legal structure. What does this mean for us? We have changed from being a dependent of the Methodist Church of Chile to being a foundation. The new board of directors includes three representatives from the Methodist Church of Chile (including the bishop), three representatives from the families of the beneficiaries or volunteers of the organization and three members from the community at large.
We will continue to operate in the same locations, providing services to the same people. We will now be known as Crescendo instead of La Esperanza. We will soon have a new logo and a new website.
As a foundation, we have our own tax I.D. number which will improve our chances at having government projects approved. As a dependent of the Methodist Church of Chile, when we applied for government funding, it appeared that we owned all of the properties of the Methodist Church of Chile, etc and thus were not in need of assistance compared to other organizations. Now there will be clarity that we are an organization that needs and deserves the government’s support in meeting the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.
What does this mean for you?
You still have the opportunity to be an active part of this ministry with adults with disabilities in the offering of your prayers, presence and gifts. Donations are to continue to be directed to the same Advance Special #14056A under the name of Crescendo. We are striving to involve more and more Chileans in this ministry and to eventually obtain the large majority of funding from within the country. Last year national donations tripled, totally approximately USD 30,000. The beneficiaries are also paying more than they have in the past. However, given this time of financial crisis and this time in which we are not yet able to apply for all of the government projects, we still need your continued financial support to ensure the quality services offered to adults with developmental disabilities.
In My Mind I’m Gone to Carolina….and Arkansas, Tennessee and Virginia…
The good news is that it is not just in my mind this time! I will be itinerating from August through October. So, if your church would like a visit, please be in touch with me at sdhchile2003@yahoo.com or shana@laesperanzachile.org. I will be in Arkansas August 16-17 and again from September 30 until October 30th. I will be in Tennessee on August 19th and then I go on to the Western North Carolina Conference from August 20-23rd. I will be with the North Carolina Conference from August 24th-September 21st and then in Virginia from September 22nd -27th. There are still dates available, and I am eager to meet with you and your congregations to share the exciting and important events that are happening in Santiago. So, please drop me a line if you are interested in a program.
I do look forward to seeing as many of you as possible while I am in the States. Many, many thanks for your continued support. Your prayers, cards, emails and donations are of tremendous value not only to me personally, but also to the community of Crescendo. Together we are making a difference in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and in the way that Chilean society views and incorporates these people.
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