The Call to Mission
As old as the church itself

Volunteers in mission have been present since the beginning of the church. St. Paul was one of the earliest volunteers in mission. As a tentmaker, he financed his own missionary journeys to preach the Christian gospel and share the love of Christ with persons in many places.

In more recent times, the concept of giving personal time in volunteer Christian service has developed into a major mission effort.  All of God's children have unique gifts and skills which can be used in ministry. The Mission Volunteers Program Area facilitates the wise use of these gifts and skills.

The work of the church is done largely by volunteers!

In 1976, a special movement was organized in the Southeast called United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM).  This "grass roots" organization gave direction and impetus to the volunteer effort in the United Methodist Church.

Since that time, thousands of volunteers have served throughout the world. For many who have chosen this form of mission, it has been a life changing experience.

The Volunteers who serve Volunteers In Mission, both lay and clergy, are engaged in Christian ministry. In fulfilling the work to which God has called us, we embody the UMVIM motto "Christian Love in Action".

All of God's children have unique gifts and skills which can be used in ministry.   Volunteers may serve locally in churches and communities - visiting, assisting in nursing homes, repairing houses, tutoring, etc.

They may serve in annual conference projects such as community centers, children's centers, camps, and Vacation Bible Schools.

They may serve nationally or internationally, sometimes ecumenically, in projects ranging from construction to evangelization to social outreach and medical assistance.

Volunteer Opportunities
(There is a need for YOU!)

• Agricultural work

• Children's programs

• Community outreach programs for the elderly

• Emergency food distribution

• Evangelism and leadership development programs

• Hostel and guest house management

• Maintenance and construction

• Medical projects

• Office work

• Administration

• Accounting

• Carpentry

• Ecological education and action

• Prison and hospital visitation

• Sports and recreation

• Teaching English as a second language

• Youth camps

Ways to Serve

• Individual Volunteers - Individual volunteers, either single or as married couples, are needed for short term projects.   The usual length of service is from two months to two years.  The individual volunteer is expected to cover the cost of transportation and personal expenses in the place of assignment.  Because they are viewed as missionaries by the host community, the individual volunteer should possess a growing Christian faith and understanding of mission.  Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills are of great benefit. Contact the Individual Volunteer program.

• Work Teams -Ten to twelve persons from a local church, district, or conference commit themselves to work on a construction project in a mission setting (usually a church, school, or clinic building).

• Disaster Response Teams - After a major disaster such as a flood, hurricane or earthquake, volunteer teams initially respond to help with clean-up and assessment, and over the long term assist in reconstruction of damaged areas.

• Medical Teams - Teams of physicians, dentists, and other medical personnel serve one to three weeks in places where medical attention in needed. Medical personnel may also accompany a work team.

A short list of recent accomplishments

• Joined in the relief and rebuilding work in Florida after Hurricane Andrew

• Transformed buildings at a mission farm in Old Matare, Zimbabwe, into classrooms and facilities for the United Methodist Africa University.

• Helped construct a self-contained village 40 miles from Moscow for elderly and physically challenged persons.

• Provided medical care to Rwandan refugees in Zaire.

• Tutored Chinese immigrant youth in Hong Kong.

• Led Bible School for children in Bath, Jamaica.
  

South Georgia Bishop Richard Looney & Jill Blankenbaker

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Please print and fill out the Volunteer Data Form!