United Methodist Volunteers In Mission
Christian Love in Action!
International Project List for Teams
March 31, 2006
Mission Volunteers Program Area,
General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church
475 Riverside Drive, Room 330, New York, NY 10115
Tel (212) 870-3825 E-mail:
voluntrs@gbgm-umc.org
| United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) Jurisdictional Offices | |||
| North Central | Brookings, SD | (605) 629-3390 | Email: umvim-ncj@brookings.net |
| Northeastern | Cortland, NY | (607) 756-7799 | Email: UMVIMNEJ@twcny.rr.com |
| South Central | Columbia, MO | (573) 253-1374 | Email: umvimscj05@sbcglobal.net |
| Southeastern | Decatur, GA | (404) 377-7424 | Email: sejinfo@umvim.org |
| Western | Sandpoint, ID | (208) 263-4094 | Email: love2trvl@imbris.com |
For assistance with any project listed,
contact your Jurisdictional and / or Annual Conference UMVIM Coordinator
GHANA
Rehabilitation of Wesley Church / Saltpond Wesley Church / Saltpond
Renovation and refurbishing of church building (76-year-old building patterned
after Westminster Abbey).
KENYA
Kenya Methodist University, Meru - Teachers' housing, an older house needing
remodeling into a guest house. A conference and training center needs extensive
repair and remodeling. Additional small projects are always available. The
university offers theology, business, agriculture, biology, math, computer
science & education courses, & will soon begin to offer courses in health
education with a view to training nurses & doctors.
Maua Methodist Hospital - Building of new staff apartments. Rehabilitation and
painting of patient wards and staff housing. Need doctors to do eye,
gynecological, orthopedic and other surgeries. This 250 bed hospital islocated
300 km northeast of Nairobi, adjacent to Meru National Park in the Nyambene
Hills.
Nyambene Multi-Purpose Building - Located in the same compound of the Maua
Methodist Hospital, this building is supposed to serve the community as a
meeting place. It is a place where the youth, women and men could meet for
various activities such as meetings, workshop, craft training and adult literacy.
On one side of the building there will be offices for administrative purposes. A
large work team can complete this project.
Meru Street Children Project -
Construction of a kitchen, dining hall & girls' dormitory. Due to increase of
street children it has become necessary to build a home for young children, most
of whom are orphaned or abandoned. This is a new project that will require
substantial help.
Tharaka Children and Women Welfare Program -
This was started out of the needs in the community of Tharaka people. It covers
the whole of Tharaka District. There are a lot of orphans and widows in this
district. Many children do not go to school because there is nobody to pay
school fees for them. It is a place where the youth, women and children could
meet for various activites.
Coast School for the Physically Handicapped, Mombasa - Repair furniture &
equipment, paint classrooms. This Methodist school serves 160 physically
disabled children & requires special equipment such as wheelchairs. Team members
with skills in rehabilitation of physically handicapped will be an added
advantage.
Kibera Children's Home (Nairobi) - Rehabilitation of abandoned children in the
streets and rehabilitation of orphaned children. Attached to it is a feeding programme for the street children and orphans as well as education programme for
those of school age bracket. The need here is to give parental love and care to
those who feel unloved and neglected.
Kiandegwa Health Clinic - This is a health clinic facility in a mission area in
a relatively poor community. It is a community project that aims at providing
health care facilities at an affordable rate. It also emphasizes on primary
health care, nutrition, clean envionment and basic hygiene.
Kisumu Village Polytechnic - This is a facility that specializes in training
young people and providing them skills in wood work, masonry, type-writing,
handicraft, sewing, etc. It encourages school leavers who cannot get jobs to
have the necessary skills for self-employment in their neighbourhood.
Kiamakoro Village Polytechnic - Same as previous listing in another location.
This aims at training artisans and instructors who would be useful in other
lower cadre institutions like the primary school. Greatest need is for equipment
and buildings.
MOZAMBIQUE
Chicuque Rural Hospital
AIDS Clinic: Teams are needed to assist in building an AIDS clinic in Chicuque,
Mozambique. This clinic will provide voluntary testing, a counseling center, and
will be the center for home based care.
It is estimated that 4 teams of 15 persons each can get the work done. Each team
will need to raise funds for materials. Youth, age 16+, are accepted.
The plan is for a 32 meter x 11 meter block building. Materials can be purchased
locally.
A medical component to the team is also possible, in conjunction with the
existing hospital. There is a need for General Surgeons, OBGYN, ophthalmologist.
There is an operating room with anesthesia services.
Bible school opportunities exist with local children.
Housing in a guest house five minutes walk from site.
Kitchen construction: Construction of hospital kitchen and purchase of kitchen
equipment.
The building will be of cement blocks and concrete, with a metal roof (15 x 9
meters). Current is 220v Tools available on site.
Medical personnel are also welcome: General surgeon, OBGYN, Ophthalmologist
(credentials submitted in advance).
Opportunities also exist for HIV education classes and Bible School.
Housing in the guesthouse (5 minutes walk)
Centro De Comunicaηγo De Massinga (Massinga Comunication Center) Matingane in
Massinga Sul District - Needs: Roofing, plastering, painting.
Centro De Reavivamento Espiritual (Spiritual Revival Center) Inhassoro in
Mavecane. - Needs: Construction of different houses.
Igreja De Inhassoro (Inhassoro Chapel) Inhassoro - Needs: Roofing, plastering,
Windows and door frames, painting.
Capela De Matacalane (Matacalane Chapel) Matacalane - Needs: Roofing, plastering,
Windows and door frames, painting.
Igreja De Matingane (Matingane Chapel) Matingane in Massinga Sul District -
Needs: Roofing, plastering, Windows and door frames, painting.
Residκncia Pastoral De Fadjine (Fadjine Pastoral House) Location: Fadjine
Parish- Masssinga North District - Needs: They have bricks; the structure is 2
meters high.
Capela De Malonguela (Malonguela Chapel) Homoνne - Needs: They have bricks; the construction of the house has not yet commenced.
Capela De Guilundo (Guilundo Chapel) Guilundo Inharrime - Description: The construction has not begun yet.
Capela De Xinhambanine (Xinhambanine Chapel). The chapel is already finished,
inaugurated and in use - Needs: Benches only.
Igreja De Chamanculo Maputo - Description: The foundation has begun with some elevation of walls.
Centro Educacional De Matsinhe (Matsinhe Educational Center) Matsinhe,
Morrumbene North - Description: They have 4 classrooms, but it needs doors and
window frames, plastering, and painting.
Residencia Pastoral De Dunhe (Dunhe Patoral House) Dunhe- Zavala - Description: It is in the initial construction phase.
Tete District Residencia Do Superintendente (Districtal House) Tete - Needs: Roofing material, window and door frames.
Manica Casa Pastoral (Pastoral House) Manica - Needs: Windows, Doors, Plastering.
Nampula Casa Pastoral (Pastoral house) Nampula - Needs: It is in its initial
construction phase
Sofala Residencia Do Superintendente (Districtal house) Beira - Description: They have broken the ground for the construction of the DS house.
HABITAT and The Methodist Church in Mozambique - Join Missouri and Mozambique Methodist churches to house 75 families in Mozambique, many of whom are households headed by children or impacted by AIDS/HIV. Volunteers can dig holes, lay and cut concrete blocks, put on roofs, level floors, shovel and mix mortar, transport sand and dirt, carry materials, and do anything they can to help with the building of houses. No experience needed. For more information contact jvillasenor@habitat.org.
NIGERIA
HIV Vaccine Clinics, Owerri, Imo State.
This project involves an initial double-blind study to prove the effectiveness
of a new HIV treatment vaccine. After this, many will need to be vaccinated and
retested as necessary. This will involve many new clinics being built and set
up. Also planned is simultaneous HIV/AIDS education. Prayer and evangelism will
also be a big part of this outreach. This is an excellent opportunity for
two-track medical/construction teams. Also interaction with the community
children is encouraged through Bible school. Housing available.
SIERRA LEONE
Operation Classroom www.operationclassroom.org assists the church in Sierra
Leone in the following areas:
Work teams to refurbish schools, clincs, and churches destroyed by war.
Refurbishing the UMC Health Maternity Center,Kissy.
Installing the dental unit at the UMC Health Maternity Center,Kissy.
Physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel at the UMC Health Maternity
Center, Kissy.
The Child Rescue Center, Bo -
http://www.childrescuecentre.org/index.html.
On July 4, 2000, the Child Rescue Center (CRC) was opened in Bo, Sierra Leone
under the direction of Rev. John Yambasu and in cooperation with the Sierra
Leone Conference of the United Methodist Church. Joseph Humper, Bishop of the
Sierra Leone UMC took the CRC into the structure of the United Methodist Church
and has provided guidance and advocacy for the children. Bishop Humper brought
people together in Africa and in the United States with a common goal to help
the war-traumatized children of his country. The product of this is a
well-respected children's facility that provides a life-saving and life-changing
environment for these children.
The CRC consists of a residential home that houses, feeds, clothes and educates
forty children in a loving and safe environment. In addition to these forty
residential children, the Child Rescue Center also supports 100 additional
children living in family settings, by paying their school tuition, providing
school uniforms, purchasing school supplies and providing health care. These
children receive assistance from the CRC while continuing to live at home with
their families or caretakers.
Teams are needed for construction of the Vocational Training Center. Medical
teams are needed to provide clinical services. Additional needs include
renovation of existing buildings.
SOUTH AFRICA
Southern Africa Methodist Volunteers In Mission (SAMVIM):
Lotus River - The Lotus River Methodist Society has been meeting in a classroom
for over 20 years. After much hard work and planning, the society is ready to
begin construction on their church building. Some funds have been raised, but
assistance is needed.
Khayalitsha Site B - a township of over a million people that did not exist 20
years ago. People flock to this area looking for work and have created this new
community. The Site B Methodist Society has already started construction of a
multi- purpose building.
Namaqualand Leliefontein - an area famous for it's annual transformation of the
desert into a carpet of flowers, it is home to a number of poor rural
communities. It is also the historical home of Methodist work in Southern
Africa. The church owns a hostel for the boarding school in Leliefontein, which
serves the surrounding area. The hostel is in dire need of renovation. Much work
remains.
Leondale Methodist Church Highveld/Swaziland District - The Methodist Church at
Leondale has purchased property and erected a tent for their 220 member
congregation. Church members are fundraising for a new church building. Need
teams to help construct the new building.
Nseleni Town Methodist Church - A larger new building is needed for a church and
the existing building can be utilized for Sunday School Classes. A work team and
funding is need to build a block clad, steel framed church building on the
existing site.
High School Project plans to build two story schools, hence the name "High
School", in Mozambique villages in the flood plain are underway. Plan is to
construct low cost lightweight buildings on stilts for school classrooms which
in emergencies become a community refuge. Work team from South Africa are needed
to help with the construction.
Phomolong Methodist Church In Ivory Park - has R80,000 to build a church here. A
small metal building has been erected, used as a preschool during the week and
for church services on Sunday. Additional funds needed as well as local work
teams to help with the construction of the Church.
Orange Farms Methodist Church - Two new Methodist Churches needed in Orange
Farms in the Highveld and Swaziland District. Local involvement from Gauteng
area needed with both funding and development of work teams, and work teams from
the USA needed.
Amsterdam Church Project Highveld And Swaziland District - Church building is
currently condemned. We are also trying to get the local Heritage Society (if
one exists) to see if ichurch can be salvaged. Need teams locally to help with
the renovation or a new structure. Need funding for this project.
Wattville Church Project In Benoni Hightveld & Swaziland District - The
Wattville Church needs a new, larger building for its ministries. The local
society has started a building program. Need U.S. and local teams to help with
construction of this steel and brick structure.
TANZANIA
Methodist Leadership and Training Institute - Musama/Bunda - Construction of church offices and missionary dorms. Volunteers sought who will put people first and share the love of Christ with the Tanzanian people. Tools will be provided locally. A contribution for materials is needed. Local church members will assist by working on the site, purchasing materials and cooking. A tour day to the Serengeti is possible.
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe Annual Conference - Various projects in consultation with the
leadership of the annual conference.
Africa University -
All teams going to Africa University are coordinated by the UMVIM, SEJ office,
315 West Ponce de Leon Ave. #750, Decatur, GA 30030; 404-377-7424; 404-377-8182
(fax); sejinfo@umvim.org. 14-15 teams per year (up to 24 persons per tea needed
to assist with building staff housing: painting, bricklaying, plastering,
assisting in library, carpentry, possibly teaching. Medical volunteers welcome,
especially dental & eye specialists.
ZOE Ministry -
Working with AIDS orphans, Zoe Ministry is an advance special of the North
Carolina Conference of the UMC, and works through the UMC in Zimbabwe. A major
component of the work is supporting a feeding program for the orphans, many of
whom have little or no resources, and have the oldest children in a family
acting as heads of household. Teams are sought to help in building a worship and
feeding center as the program seeks to reach more children. Additional
information is available at www.zoeministry.org.
CAMBODIA
Teams sought to teach guides at Siem Reap, near Angkor Wat, as well as to hold
Vacation Church Schools.
Teams sought to teach teachers of English in Phnom Penh as well as 24 students
at the Methodist Bible School.
CAMBODIA/LAOS/THAILAND/VIETNAM
Indo-Thai Limited - offers assistance to medical teams in working with
governments of these countries for permission to bring in supplies and do
medical work, including all travel arrangements.
FIJI
Methodist Davuilevu Theological College - renovate old dorm into new
in-service training center (requires complete rebuilding. Local contractor
on-site).
Methodist Davuilevu Theological College - Remodel current housing for
students with families. (new roofing, floors, paint)
Dilkusha Girls Orphanage - volunteers to help girls with homework, read to
the girls, play and snuggle with them
Dilkusha Girls Orphanage - renovate upstairs dorm of 1906 building (needs new
flooring, ceiling and wall boards, electricity, plumbing, paint)
Dilkusha Girls Orphanage - team to clean and repair exisiting solar panels to
provide orphanage with hot water.
Navusa Institution - renovate exisiting buildings for classrooms and dorms
for this remote boarding school for boys from far-away villages. (needs
flooring, ceiling panels, paint, windows, doors). Wood-working course on-site
needs tools, but the students can work alongside teams.
Veilomani Boys Home - This home for orphaned boys has a workshop skills
training. Volunteers are needed to assist with training in light automotive,
cabinet making, woodworking, and welding.
INDIA
Clara Swain Hospital Bareilly - physical therapists.
Crawford Memorial Hospital The Methodist Church of India - plastic surgeons,
orthopedic surgeons, OBGYN, nurses, public health nurses for 27 locations.
The Christian Medical College in Vellore India Vellore, India - receives new &
used equipment; the Vellore Board pays shipping costs. Medical volunteers may
serve at Vellore Hospital; particular needs for anesthesiologists,
cardiothoracic surgeons, opthalmologists, and clergy who can serve as CPE
trainers. Long-term volunteer terms of 6 months to a year are especially needed.
INDONESIA
English teaching Medan - Teams for teaching English classes at the Methodist
University of Indonesia, Medan and at the Biblical Seminary outside Medan.
English teaching Jakarta - Team needed for teaching English in Jakarta at the
Wesley Seminary as well as teaching teachers of English.
Methodist University of Indonesia in Medan - Lecturers in medicine invited to
teach at the Methodist University of Indonesia in Medan.
KAZAKHSTAN
Kurchatov UMC Kurchatov - Reconstruction needed for a one story building (a
former kindergarten) used by the small United Methodist congregation. No teams
have ever served here and the need is great.
NEPAL
Health Services Department United Mission to Nepal - general
practitioners/family physicians, pediatricians, internists, hospital director,
psychiatrist, internist, surgeons, tutor/nurse educators, dentists, biomedical
maintenance personnel; anesthetist.
TONGA
Tupou High School Tupou High School - Renovation of classroom wing at Tupou High
School (repair concrete floor, ceiling, door, windows, paint, replace
blackboards, etc).
Library - Changing 2 classrooms into a much-needed library.
School renovation - Renovation of small (50 studen school (wiring, repair desks,
add shelves, seal roof, paint).
Desks for Schools - Build desks for all schools.
BAHAMAS
Methodist Habitat Priority Project list
Central Eleuthera - Camp Symonette - Staff Cottage.
At the front entrance to the campsite is a two story structure that is used by
the caretaker of the camp. The top portion is a two bedroom apartment that is
used by our caretaker Mr. Martin Gaitor. The bottom portion has been used for
storage. The intent is to convert the bottom area into a living space for
interns, staff and other visitors to the campsite. The top portion is also in
need of repairs. This will be used for as housing for a fulltime coordinator of
Camp Symonette which we are in the process of acquiring.
North Andros - North Andros. Parsonage repair (drywall, electrical, carpentry).
South Eleuthera - Tarpum Bay Manse.
The Tarpum Bay is ideally located on the Southern end of Eleuthera, thus
providing an excellent staging area for Methodist Habitat activities on the
Southern End of the island. It is located on the water front in beautiful Tarpum
Bay. It has a two bedroom apartment upstairs, with an open meeting are below.
There is also an office attached with access to a phone line. There is also a
storage are attached to the back ideal for the storage of tools and materials.
Tarpum Bay Methodist church has graciously allowed us to partner with them in
the restoration and use of their manse. We have agreed to assist with
restorations. In return we will be able to use the manse and office facilities
for interns, staff, rentals and other activities.
Central Eleuthera - Gaitor Residence, Camp Symonette.
Martin has been living and working with his family at Camp Symonette for the
past ten years. Martin has sometimes gone months without salary and has taken a
personal interest in the protection of the camp. Martin is a committed employee
and a great ambassador for the church and Methodist Habitat. We would like to
assist Martin to move into his own home soon. Because the residence will also
double as a commercial property, we would like to assist Martin in completing a
portion of the unit.
Abaco -
Teams traveling to Abaco can fly directly into Marsh Harbour (MHB). Numerous
airlines fly from South Florida into Marsh Harbour.
During the summer months, there are opportunities for construction and VBS
teams.
Cat Island - Great Bethel Methodist Church.
Carry out repairs to the Manse/Parsonage. There is need for painting, drywall
and wood and masonry work.
Central Eleuthera - Camp Symonette.
There is a need for ongoing repairs at the Camp. We are in the process of
getting quotes to upgrade electrical and plumbing services, repair water system,
replace furnishings and linen, upgrade kitchen facilities and provide a reading
room for clients.
South Eleuthera - Methodist Habitat Administrative Building.
A suitable place is being sought to develop a Disaster Response/Mission Centre
in South Eleuthera. This center will also serve as the central administrative
building for Methodist Habitat. Work is expected to begin in early spring.
North Eleuthera - Bluff Community and Mission Center.
The Bluff community is located on the northern end of Eleuthera. It is a growing
community that is in need of more coordinated activities for its youth and young
adults. Completion of the Bluff Community and Mission center will enable to
church to be a more life changing force in the community. The center is
currently has its roof on and will need some masonry and carpentry work to
complete.
Cat Island - Orange Creek Residence.
Completion of a home for a senior citizen. This project already has its siding
and part of its roof in place. Teams are needed to complete work here.
Nassau - Coke Memorial Methodist Church.
Coke Memorial Methodist Church is situated in an area of Nassau that is
economically and socially challenged. However, the church is experiencing
tremendous growth under the leadership of its Pastor and lay leaders. They are
quickly outgrowing their facilities. This new facility will include a sanctuary
for worship, youth meeting rooms and rooms for other social outreach such as
soup kitchens, a clothes closet and church office.
Because Nassau is a modern city built around tourism there are numerous banks
and sightseeing facilities. Team will live in Nassau.
Central Andros - Camp Makepeace.
Andros is the biggest island in the Bahamas. Camp Makepeace is located in
Central Andros. The site is a five-acre beach and creek front property that has
a church and Mission center already onsite. Work has already begun on the
expansion of the site. (There are two fulltime missionaries living at the site).
This site will become a retreat and mission centre. It will be the headquarters
for Habitat work on Andros. There are dormitory style sleeping quarters here and
also kitchen facilities. Teams will live work and swim on site. There is also
opportunity to visit blue holes, the batik factory and the barrier reef.
Majority of materials will have to be shipped in ahead of time as hardware
stores have limited supplies.
Central Andros - Mastic Point.
Completion of the Mission Centre in Mastic Point. This center is a 1500 square
feet manse/parsonage that will house mission teams and other church groups.
After the site is complete, work teams will begin to work on homes in the
surrounding communities of North Andros.
Disaster Relief Centers -
The church is working to establish such centers throughout the islands. Teams
are sought for construction and to train disaster volunteers.
All of the BCMC projects are contingent on the support received for them. While
the goal is to eradicate substandard housing in the Bahamas, be aware that
disasters do arise that call for immediate attention. Until November, you will
also have to be cognizant of the fact that this is the active hurricane season.
Members of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church have met with the new
Government Minister of Social Services and have expressed confidence that the
government is interested in partnering with us, especially in cases of inner
city projects and aid to senior citizens. All projects are carried out in
consultation with the Department of Social Services.
CUBA
Repairs to churches - Churches & parsonages throughout the island request teams
for construction & repairs. All UMVIM teams to Cuba are coordinated by Aldo
Gonzαlez, 12181 Queens Brigade Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030, tel.: 703/631- 7417; fax:
703-385-1276; email: afgon@aol.com. Because of Cuba's special circumstances,
only deeply committed United Methodists with previous volunteer experience
should participate in teams going to Cuba. There must be no drinking alcohol or
smoking, & teams must avoid giving the impression of going as tourists. Shorts
of a decent length may be worn at the work site, but not in other places. Teams
are assigned by the Methodist Church in Cuba as needed.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Church of Buenos Aires Santo Domingo - This quickly growing church is located in
a far west neighborhood of Santo Domingo. The people are very poor. The new
church will have three levels. The first level has just been completed where the
church is meeting. During the weekday, this area is used as a school. The next
two floors will eventually house the sanctuary, more classrooms, and a medical
clinic. Stay in hotel with meals prepared by church members.
Church of Santiago Santiago - There is new excitement in this church and the
church is growing by numbers each week although they meet under a tarp. Most of
the walls are up but a lot of work is still left to do. They lack columns,
cement roof, stucco, windows, doors, pews, pulpit furniture, electrical work,
installing of bathrooms, and much more. Teams can stay in hotel, local
university campus, or with families. Meals prepared by church members.
Chapel of San Rafael San Cristobal - This poor village is located in the east
hills of San Cristobal. This growing little church is meeting in a termite
infested building (12 x 20). The new chapel has been started and the walls of
the basement are up. We are still lacking the cement roof of the basement which
will be the floor of the sanctuary, block walls for the sanctuary, stucco,
windows, doors, zinc roof over the sanctuary part. Teams could stay with
families, hotel, or during the summer in the church school.
Church of Ensanche Quisqqueya Santo Domingo - This church is located in a modest
section of Santo Domingo. The church has been growing rapidly and no longer has
room for all of its members. Enlarging the present sanctuary is truly needed.
Groups could stay in a hotel or with families. Meals prepared by church.
Chapel of El Zero Higuey - This congregation has been meeting in homes.
Recently, they purchased a piece of land and the church has begun the project.
We are lacking stucco, cement floor, furniture, doors, electrical work, and
windows. Teams can stay in a local hotel and church members would prepare meals.
Church of Los Soto Higuey - This congregation has recently purchased a piece of
property and now is ready to begin the construciton process. Their dream is to
have a small chapel with a zinc roof. Teams would stay in a local hotel and
church members would prepare meals.
Chapel of La Pina Sabonetade Yasica - The members of this congregation have
purchased land. It has been a dream for many years to have an actual church
building. The plans are to build a small chapel with a cement roof due to severe
weather. The idea is that this chapel would be a place of refuge for this poor
community. A well has recently been dug on the church property to provide water
to the community as a means of outreach. Teams could stay at local school
depending on the time of year or in a hotel in a neighboring town called
Cabarete. Meals would be prepared by church members.
Chapel of Villa Clara Samana - Located in a poor community, this rapidly growing
church has purchased their own land and begun building a large church by faith.
Through their sacrificial giving and hard work, the walls and roof are up. Now
they need stucco and a floor. Teams can stay in a hotel and have meals prepared
by church members.
Manse of Duverge - The old wooden manse is termite infested, very small and not
salvageable. It has been decided to build the manse by adding a second floor to
the new church structure. The idea is to build the manse with several bedrooms,
a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living/dining room. If the ministry in Duverge is
to prosper, it is essential to build a suitable house for the pastor. Stay in a
modest hotel in Duverge with meals prepared by church members.
Manse of Mella - This poorly constructed home needs to be remodeled. Interior
walls need to be knocked down and new interior block walls need to be laid.
Groups can stay with church families or in a hotel in Duverge. Meals will be
prepared by church members. Alternately, groups can stay in Barahona which is a
30 minute drive.
Church of Yaguate Between San Cristobal and Bani - Yaguate is a small town among
the sugar cane fields, a forty-five minute drive southwest of Santo Domingo. The
building directly behind the church will be used primarily for educational and
medical purposes. The first floor has been completed and the church school is up
and running. The immediate need is laying block, installing windows and doors,
putting in electrical fixtures, stuccoing inside and out, laying the floor, and
painting for the second floor. The group can stay in the homes of church
members, or in a hotel in Santo Domingo. Members of the church would prepare
meals.
Second Church of San Pedro de Macoris - The congregation is building a block
annex behind the church in order to provide day care for working mothers.
First Church of La Romana - The church is buying an adjoining lot and partially
build structure to use for their over-crowded Sunday School and outreach
programs. They wish to complete the building in order to continue growth.
Church of Canoa - Not everyone can fit in the existing church for Sunday School
and Bible School so an annex was begun. The walls and roof are now up, but still
lacking the floor, windows, doors, stucco, and electrical work. Teams would stay
in a modest hotel in Barahona and church members would prepare meals.
National Church Office Santo Domingo - The national D.E.C. office has lacked
sufficient space for offices, meetings, etc. for many years. The church has
begun expansion of the first floor and is building a second floor in order to
add offices, a kitchen, meeting room, and resource areas. Teams could stay in a
hotel, and church members would prepare meals.
Villa Consuelo Evangelical School Santo Domingo - In a poor neighborhood in
central Santo Domingo. Urgent need to finish the second floor of this
overcrowded school. Two additional classrooms and two bathrooms are needed. This
school still needs: lying of blocks, pouring of cement roof, adding doors,
windows, stuccoing, electrical installations and sanitary installations.
Cambita Evangelical School - Cambita is a small town in the hills forty-five
minutes from Santo Domingo. Three new classrooms are partially built, but need
doors, windows, stuccoing, painting, electrical installations, and a cement
floor. Teams can live with church families or in a hotel in Santo Domingo.
Church members will prepare meals.
Las Arras Evangelical School Santo Domingo - Las Arras is located in a very poor
seciton of Santo Domingo. They do have a strong outreach program within their
community. They have started a school for children but are now in need of more
room to house all the students. A second floor is needed. Laying lots of blocks,
stuccoing, pouring the ceiling, electrical work, installing doors, installing
windows, and painting is needed. Teams could stay in hotels or possibly with
church members. Church members would prepare meals.
Samana Evangelical School - The central church has begun building a school to
help the community with its lack of classroom space. The foundation and part of
the walls have been laid. Everything else needs to be completed.
Church of Mella Village of Mella - This is a small church located in an isolated
town near the Haitian border. The church is fairly new but lacking bathrooms and
a cement roof. Team would stay with families or in a modest hotel in the
neighboring town of Duverge. Meals prepared by church members.
Bombita and LaHoya - Two year volunteer to handle sponsorship details, and help
with assemblies in two schools and youth groups in the villages of Bombita and
LaHoya.
National Church Camp in Bani - The National Camp is a site that has needed
renovation for many years. Dormitories need new cement roofs, new dormitories
need to be built, and the chapel needs some minor renovations as well. Lots of
painting, electrical, carpentry, and block laying work are needed. It will take
a number of volunteer teams to complete this project.
HAITI
Due to security concerns, teams to Haiti have been on hold for some time. However, on Tuesday, October 18, 2005, Charles Maddox, coordinator of VIM teams to Haiti, returned to Haiti and the Methodist Guest House. His wife & co-coordinator, Patty, will follow in January. The UMCOR-NGO's newly established office opened a few days prior to this. Elections have been scheduled for mid-December and the situation there appears to be more stable, but as you know things can change very quickly. Arrangements are being set up again for scheduled teams to return but we offer strong words of caution as team leaders prepare their team members. Teams will be expected to work where assigned. This may not be where you want to go, but the coordinators' responsibility is to put teams where they will be safe. His reliable sources have served teams well, and he has faith in their judgment. Thank you for gratefully accepting his placement for your team. Prior to leaving conduct sessions with team members regarding their behavior - not going out alone, especially at night, and keeping as low a profile as possible. The last thing we want is for team members to expose themselves and their hosts to unwelcome danger by foolish behavior. Charles will be contacting teams who canceled to let them know he is back and will take it slowly, easing back into the receiving of teams. Of course, we'll be carefully watching the situation around December 11th-18th and again when the newly elected president is installed. For more information, contact Charles Maddox at vimhaiti@hotmail.com
JAMAICA
East Kingston Circuit
Kingston - St. Marks 1 Balkan Avenue. Harbour View, Kingston 17:
a. Re-landscaping of church yard Approximate cost US$3000,00.
b. Raising of the perimeter fencing Approximate cost US$6000.00
Port Royal - St. Pauls, Main Street, Port Royal:
a. Paving of quadrangle to establish a multipurpose outdoor games court.
Approximate cost - US$2,500.00.
b. Renovation of Manse - Tiling of floor, painting of interior and exterior
walls, correcting plumbing for use as small conference facility and temporary
lodgings for visitors and church workers.
Approximate cost US$5,000.00
Kingston Wesley Methodist Church - Tower Street, Kingston.
a. Renovation of church:
- Repairs to roof. Approximate cost US$2,500.00
- Repairs to ceiling. Approximate cost US$10,000.00
- Repairs to windows and doors @ US$350.00 each; 24 windows and doors
- Painting of interior and exterior walls. Approximate cost US$3,000
- Erecting new communion rails. Approximate cost US$2,500
b. Enclose an open verandah/porch to establish a common room on existing buildings serving as shelter for the elderly Approximate cost US$4,000
c. Outreach Project Buildings Repainting of grillwork, exterior and interior
walls.
Cost: US$3,000.00
Elletson - 2729 Windward Road, Kingston 16:
a. Education Programmes (Academic, Social and Christian Education)
- Homework Programme
- Evening Education Programme for youth and adults: employment readiness skills
are scheduled to be included in 2005)
- Music: Singing Groups and Band
- Sports: basketball and netball
-
Preparation of the grounds for sports: demolishing an old structure, paving etc.
Approximate cost: US$4,000
-
Part-time instructors (academic, music, sports): annual assistance US$ 8,000
-
Equipment: keyboard, drum set, sports equipment (cost depends on source)
b. The Chapel: replacement of roof. Removal of existing sheeting (over 90% has
been in place since 1921); repair of wooden polished ceiling; covering of roof
using aluminium sheeting. Approximate cost: US$ 12,500.00
c. Construction of Vestry. In addition to the regular function, the vestry will
assist in improving the facilities for counselling until the Mission Centre
becomes a reality. Structure type: block and steel. Approximate cost: US$
13,500.00
d. Support Services. A 30-seater bus to assist with transportation for all the
activities (the elderly to worship service, the Basic School children on field
trips, children, youth, women and men to their respective Zone and District
events etc) and to be able to engage in private contracts so as to generate
income for maintenance and replacement.
Lucea Circuit
Claremont Methodist Church Hall: Claremont is one of the five congregations in Lucea Circuit. It is located about 10 km from Lucea town. Claremont community has a lot of young people including Claremont Methodist Church. Most of them are graduated from the Claremont All Age School, which is owned by the church. This community does not have any facility, which can accommodate 300 persons comfortably. Even during the school graduation ceremony most parents have to stay outside because the chapel is too small. Having a hall in the community will make a difference in the life of the people and of the community. In addition the church is proposing to use that hall as well to train young in that community and even teaching them new skills, which can enable them better prepared to face the challenge of life. Most of the members of the Claremont Methodist Church are women and over 65 years old along with some young people who do not even start to work. The approximate cost is US 30,000.00. The church is planning to raise about US 3000.00 to 4000.00 of this amount. In addition, the members are preparing to accommodate mission teams, if they desire that option.
Riverside Methodist Church: Hurricane Ivan damaged this chapel last year. After several months of fund raising including the assistance of the District, the members were able to replace the entire roof. Our present need is to paint this chapel and re-dedicate it to the glory of God. We are appealing for help to enable us painting this chapel. The approximate cost is US 3,000.00. The church will provide accommodation for volunteers who are willing to help.
Riverside Methodist Church Indigent House: A work team from the North Carolina Conference built this house after Hurricane Gilbert when they came to work at the Riverside Methodist Chapel which was damaged by the above Hurricane. The church uses this house to assist the poor people in the community who cannot afford one. After the Hurricane Ivan both the Riverside Methodist Chapel and the House were found badly damage. Some progress has been made with the chapel but we have not yet been able to repair the indigent house. The person who was living in the house just before the hurricane is a member of the Riverside Methodist Church. There is a member of the church who accommodates him until we are able to repair the house for him. The cost to fix the house is approximately US 2,000.00. The church will provide accommodation for volunteers who are willing to help.
Manchioneal Circuit
Dalvey Chapel: The Dalvey Congregation is the smallest of the 5 churches in the
Manchioneal Circuit. It has a Youth Fellowship of over forty and a thriving
Sunday School in excess of thirty students. The present church was built with
the help of a VIM team after the original church was destroyed by a hurricane. A
project was approved for the painting of the church premises inside and out.
Estimated Cost: US$1,000.
Manchioneal Vestry: This project involves the remodelling of the existing vestry
to include a Prayer Room, kitchen and bathrooms. The congregation has already
raised 50% of the required funds. Estimated Cost: US$12,000
Port Antonio Circuit
Hope Bay Chapel: The roof of this chapel is in complete disrepair and needs to
be replaced. Work to be done includes the taking off of the previous roof and
the putting on of a new wooden frame and covering with metal aluminium sheeting.
Estimated Cost: US$14,000.00
Portmore Circuit
New Portmore Caretaker's Cottage: The work to be done includes the fabrication
and installation of beams, the decking, the casting of concrete beams and slab,
the dressing of walls, installation of windows and doors, plumbing and
electrical work.
Estimated cost: US$ 30,000.00.
Braeton Methodist Church Hall: The first phase of the refurbishing of this hall
where youth meetings, Sunday School Classes and other gatherings are held, has
just been completed. This first phase included the following: enclosure of the
hall with addition of concrete walls, doors and windows; addition of bathrooms
and a robbing room for the Choir. The second phase of this project is the tiling
of this hall. Estimated Cost: US$ 3,000.00.
New Portmore Methodist Church: The Portmore Circuit is the Methodist Churchs
newest Circuit in Jamaica, and was inaugurated in 1997. The Circuit is comprised
of three congregations: Braeton, Portmore and Trinity. While Braeton and Trinity
have their own place of worship, Portmore has been using a small chapel,
belonging to the National Heritage Trust. The Portmore Circuit is established in
the fastest growing community in the Caribbean with about 300,000 people
actually living in the area at present, thus the opportunities for mission are
tremendous. The actual size and state of the old chapel used by the Portmore
congregation are certainly severe hindrances to numerical growth. Since its
establishment just over twenty-five years ago, the Portmore congregation has
been trying to have its own building. Ground for the new Portmore Methodist
Church and Hall was broken in 2001 and building work started a little later. The
foundations have been completed and the metal structure is in place. All this
has been done so far by local contractors, mostly from funds which have been
raised by the congregation over the years through events such as rallies,
concerts, a food fair, etc. Serious help is urgently needed in order to continue
and complete this work. The Chapel designed to shelter 600 persons with
possibility to host others on both sides of the building, now needs to be
covered. The concrete floor needs to be cast before doors and windows can be
installed. A concrete roof needs to be cast right now for the first floor of the
Hall which will also shelter the Circuit Office at the bottom and will be able
to accommodate 500 people on top. Some 2,000 additional concrete blocks need to
be laid, and concrete posts and beams need to be cast. Plumbing work required to
install toilet facilities and electrical work are additional areas for which
help will be needed. This is an interesting project which requires the help of
several work teams. Estimated Cost: The first phase of this project which
includes the Chapel and the bottom part of the Hall is estimated at 15 Million
Jamaican Dollars, or approximately US$300,000. At this stage, some 6 Million
Jamaican Dollars have been spent. Therefore, another 9 Million Jamaican Dollars
or about US$180,000 is required to complete that phase. However, the work can be
done step by step as the money becomes available.
New Portmore Circuit Office Section: The work to be done includes the
fabrication and installation of beams, the decking, the casting of concrete
beams and slab, the dressing of walls, installation of windows and doors, light
partitions, plumbing and electrical work.
Estimated cost: US$ 40,000.00.
New Portmore Multi-purpose Area:
Kitchenette, Choir Robing Room, Stewards Office: The work to be done includes the fabrication and installation of beams,
the decking, the casting of concrete beams and slab, the dressing of walls,
installation of windows and doors, plumbing and electrical work. Bathroom
facilities with access for wheelchairs, Sanitary block, kitchenette.
Estimated cost: US$ 20,000.00
New Portmore Methodist Church Chapel: Installation of 2x4 wooden frames, 25
pairs of window frames with blades, installation of window blinds.
Estimated Cost: US$8,000.00.
St. Thomas Circuit
Barking Lodge - Renovation of Barking Lodge Chapel: This elderly wooden building
needs repairs, and the addition of a new door and wheel chair access. Stones
from the pre-1907 building foundation also need to be removed to enlarge
car-parking facility.
Skills required- mostly carpentry and painting; Costing- J$500,000 = US $8,333.
Accommodation- in members homes in the community
Old Pera Chapel - Completion of Old Pera Chapel: This building replaces one
which was destroyed by hurricane in 1988. Skill required storm-proof doors,
water tank installation, plumbing completion, tiling of floor, rendering and
painting of vestry, completion of electrical work.
Skills required- painting, plumbing electrical, etc.
Cost J $500,000 = US $8,333.
Accommodation- in members homes in Port Morant (3 miles) or Barking Lodge
( 4 miles), or in beach hotel at Lyssons (8 miles), or in self-catering cottage at Prospect (6 miles).
Morant Bay - Renovation of Baker Hall: This elderly hall is currently housing a
school, and also functions as meeting room, band room, Sunday School, Feeding
Programme centre, but its condition is poor. The toilets facilities need to be
enlarged and replaced, a cracked wall repaired, windows replaced and grilled,
kitchen refurbished, staged moved, and structure generally strengthened for
future upstairs extension.
Skills required: various.
Cost: J$750,000 = US$12,500.
Accommodation- in members homes in community or in beach hotel at Lyssons or
in self-catering cottage at Prospect (5 miles).
Johns Town - Johns Town Primary School Multi-purpose & special needs facility:
This building still needs flooring, doors & windows, plumbing, rendering,
painting and equipping. Skills required: various.
Cost remaining J$1,000,000 = US $16,667.
Accommodation: in members homes in the community or at beach hotel at Lyssons
(1mile)
or at self-catering Cottage in Prospect (3 miles)
Pear Tree River: This building replaces a defective 1917 building which was
demolished in early 2003. The roof, flooring, windows, doors, plumbing etc still
need to be completed. Skills required: various.
Remaining: J$1,500,000 = US$25,000.
Accommodation: in members homes in Port Morant (2 miles) and retreat (5 miles)
or in self-catering Cottage at Prospect (4 miles) or in beach hotel at Lyssons
(6 miles)
Bethesda - Fellowship Hall: Provision of kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Skills required: various.
Cost Remaining: J$400,000= US$6,667.
Accommodation: In members homes in Yallahs (6 miles).
Medical
Methodist clinics: Doctors, nurses & dentists to work in Methodist clinics.
Certification takes approximately 6 months.
Kingston - Renal Foundation: Requires doctors and nurses to run dialysis units,
which are currently under-used due to limited staffing, despite a great need for
them.
MONTSERRAT
Cavalla Hill - Tile, paint, and install cabinets & plumbing fixtures in a three
apartment project at Cavalla Hill, for housing relocated persons.
Bethany Methodist Church - Tile a Vestry at the Bethany Church.
Housing, northern part of the island - Assist in housing construction on the
northern part of the island.
PUERTO RICO
Camps
Guardarraya Patillas - Centro Conferencial Mujeres Metodistas: Repair to kitchen
and other facilities. Housing on Campus.
Arecibo - Cumbres del Calvario: Build additional camp facilities. Housing
available on site.
Region ABC
Priority 1 Albonito Pasto Albonito Pasto: Repair roof, paitn sanctuary and
parsonage, electrical repair, fence repair
Priority 1 Comerνo Primera Iglesia Metodista: Build a chapel for worship
Aguas Buenas: Build Sunday Bible school facilities, and a fellowship hall. Build
a security fence
Coamo: Finish roof for the educational building. Finish parking area for church.
Region Metro 1
Priority 1 Levitown: Two bathrooms; dividers between classrooms; install
moving walls for communtiy activities; replace windows; install floor tiles.
Country Club El Buen Pastor church: Building and roof repair; build gazebo;
complete fence; repairs to parsonage
Vieques, Pueblo: Repair church facilities and painting; repairs for parsonage -
roof, windows, doors, painting
Region Metro II
Priority 1 Los Angeles: Repair bathrooms, install tiles, construct handicapped
bathroom, interior stairs
Priority 1 Culebra - Jerusalem: Tile annex; fix doors; repair bathrooms in
both church and annex
Vistamar - Juan Orlandi Balrαn: construct facilities in daycare building
(bathrooms, kitchen)
Region Montaρa
Priority 2 Dos Bocas (Arecibo): New church building, worship and educational
facilities.
Sabana Grande (Utuado): Roof repair and painting
Region Norte I
Priority 1 Rincσn (New Mission): New worship facilities.
Region Sur
Priority 1 Aguνrre - Elizabeth Burnham Memorial - Priority 1: Complete work in
parsonage; minor repairs in church building
Priority 1 Jobos - Mesσn de Amor: Concrete floor 40x40; shelter for Sunday
School
Maunabo - El Aposento Alto: Urgent need to build 4 classrooms for Sunday School
Priority 1 Juana Diaz (New Mission): Build new facilities for worship
Maunabo - Palo Seco Peρa de Horeb: Fence; painting of church and fence;
parsonage arrangements
Salinas: Parking area
Jacaboa: Build new facilities for worship - steel/concrete
Mayagόez Methodist Church: Painitng, doors, facilities for disabled persons.
Continue and finish work on a new sanctuary and educational facilities initiated
by UMVIM teams.
Schools, Colleges and Daycare
Vieques - Esperanza Methodist Kinder: Construct roof.
Villa Palmeras Santurce - Centro Met: Interior and exterior painting, tile
floors
ST. VINCENT
Chateaubelair - Installing a new galvanized roof and tile floor on the Methodist
Church. Roofers needed.
Hospital at Chateaubelair - Medical team and construction teams needed: 1-2
physicians incl. family practitioner, pediatrician or internist; optometrist and
dentist.
BELIZE
More info available at http://www.belizemissions.org.
Dangriga pastor's house. This is a CRITICAL project. Teams are desperately
needed in fall 2005.
Corozal team quarters. This church is growing and team accommodations are needed
for future area projects. This is almost don, 3-5 teams are needed for February
2006.
Trinity Church fence, Belize City. This easy-logistics team for college age and
mature high school youth is the perfect entry-level mission trip. Easy project.
Cheap too.
Pastor's house, Burrell Boom. Two or three experienced Churches should take this
on for Summer 2006. Extensive budget info coming.
New Church, Altun Ha area. Two or three experienced Churches should take this on
for Summer 2006. Extensive budget info coming.
Corozal Chapel. Some teams worked on this in 2004 and 2005. This is a priority
for summer and fall 2006.
COSTA RICA
Mission Costa Rica -
http://hometown.aol.com/cwheat3216/mission.htm
El Peje - We've achieved the primary and immediate objectives at El Peje; the
new cocina/aula (kitchen and Sunday School building) on the site of the old
templo, the new bodega, and fresh paint on the main cocina. We have not started
the work on additional bunk-beds or the two or three additional gazebos we would
like to build, and have not had the people or time to manufacture any more
furniture for the District Sunday Schools--we'll schedule those as soon as we
have the necessary team resources. Can use at least 2, and maybe 3 or 4, teams.
Here we can accommodate teams up to 50 persons.
Cocori: A contract has been executed for a beautiful flat lot for this new
congregation., with a closing scheduled for December. Hopefully, we'll be able
to build this new templo (and hopefully, an aula) in the first half of 2005.
Will need 4 teams to do the templo to "polished state." NOTE: In view of the
lack of teams so far for next year, have raised the possibility of doing an aula
first at Cocori (similar in size to the two we've done this year at Peje and Rio
Claro, which could be used for general church services pending the resources to
to a proper templo.
Zent - A "multi-use" building, a meeting hall with a back section suitable for
short-term residency by a visiting pastor and later useful as a Sunday school
space. This will require 4 or 5 teams, which will base in Matina and commute to
the site.
Costa Rica Mission Projects -
http://www.costaricamissionprojects.com/pages/1/index.htm
Camp K-37/Villa BriceZo - We are
completely renovating the Methodist Camp at K37. It has suffered years of
neglect and at this point is unusable. We will have all groups who come after
March 2006 working on this major project. We will be rebuilding the dining hall
and kitchen area first. Then we will begin building cabins. It will provide
space for youth events, district rallies, spiritual life retreats, and will also
serve as a satellite campus for the Methodist Seminary in San Jose. This camp
will be the center of Methodist life for the southernmost district of Costa
Rica.
Santa Lucia De Changuena - We will return to Santa Lucia in January and February to build a Sunday School complex, with classrooms and bathrooms and possibly a kitchen. Last year's teams successfully completed the parsonage for Pastor Umberto and his wife Lily and we look forward to working with them again.
• Nueva Canaan Methodist Church - Puntarenas
A new church sanctuary is being built and teams are needed now. Bishop Palomo of the Iglesia Evangelica Metodista de Costa Rica affirms this as a priority need and teams are needed now.
The needs as listed by the Bishop:
"The projects that we are considering needs our particular attention in this moment are the following:
1. Remodeling of the Church.
2. Construction of the Sunday Classrooms.
3. Reinforcement of the walls.
4. Construction of a multi service building.
5. Remodeling of the parsonage.
6. Aid to buy a vehicle."
Strong Missions ,
http://www.strongmissions.infrahomepage.com/index.html,
San Jose - Guanacaste - Turrialba - Vista del Mar:
Construction of churches, homes, farms and schools; work with special needs
children (orphans, visual impaired, hearing impaired, motor impaired, Down's
syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc.)
Women's Study Housing San Jose:
The Latin American Biblical University in Costa Rica needs some work teams to
complete small apartments for the Women's Study program. This is a beautiful
place to work and team members can stay on campus. This would be a great project
for teams that would like to work outside of the USA but want an easy cultural
learning experience.
EL SALVADOR
More info at http://gbgm-umc.org/vim/elsalvador.htm
Church Construction and repair:
Zacamil - Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Bethel: A parsonage is needed. The pastor
has to travel a great distance by bus to serve his congregation and funds are
being spent unnecessarily on transport and lodging.
El Chilamate, Olocuilta - Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Bethel: A parsonage is
needed. The pastor is currently living in the mission church, where a bedroom
apartment is to be built. Local living conditions are primitive and those of the
pastor are of no exception. Medical teams are also needed, since medical
services are only available once every two months.
Las Delicias, San Martin, San Salvador - Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Bethel:
This is a house church where the home is divided between living space and space
for the church. Earthquake damage in this area has severly limied infrastructure
to the people. Bathrooms, water lines and potable water are primary needs to
improve the sanitation and health of the community.
Ahuachapαn - Iglesia Evangelica Metodista un Rancho y un Lucero: In a poor
community with more than 50% children, the local mission church needs help in
constructing and finishing the temple.
HABITAT and the Methodist Church in El Salvador - Build a Habitat house in a week. Team up with other U.S. Methodist groups and local Methodist churches to blitz build Habitat houses during Building On Faith Week (July 31st to August 6th) in Santa Ana and Ahuachapan (the region of the country where the local Methodist churches is stronger). Construction opportunities are also available year round. Volunteers can dig holes, lay and cut concrete blocks, put on roofs, level floors, shovel and mix mortar, transport sand and dirt, carry materials, and do anything they can to help with the building of houses. No experience needed. For more information contact jvillasenor@habitat.org.
GUATEMALA
More info at www.guatemalavim.org
Build a new sanctuary for the Methodist Church Patulup
Kitchen/Dining Room for the Methodist Camp / Retreat Center Lemoa - Building a
Kitchen/Dining Room for the Methodist Camp / Retreat Center. The Methodist
churches of Guatemala as well as other churches use this facility. Skills
Needed: Masonry Construction. Distance to Hotels 20 Minutes
Build a new sanctuary for the Methodist Church in Lemoa; foundation already in
place. Skills Needed: Masonry Construction. Distance to Hotels 1 Hour
New Sanctuary Salinas Magdalena - The current building is very damaged. The
foundations of the new church are being built up around the existing one. One
team has started the construction. Skills Needed: Masonry Construction. Distance
to Hotels 5 Minutes from Village
New Sanctuary Palacal - Build a new sanctuary for the Methodist church there.
They do not have an existing sanctuary at this time. Skills Needed: Masonry
Construction. Distance to Hotels 1 Hour
Multipurpose Building La Esperanza - Build a multipurpose room for the
Methodist church. They will use it in many different ways. Skills Needed:
Masonry Construction. Distance to Hotels 20 Minutes
Security Wall Xela - Security Wall. Build a block wall to surround the
property of the National Methodist Church / VIM Office / Methodist Medical
Clinic to prevent vandalism. Teams Needed: 5. Cost 7,500.00 $. Team Cost:
1,500.00 $. Skills Needed: Masonry Construction. Distance to Hotels 10-15
Minutes
Caretaker's Home Xela - Caretaker's Home. Skills Needed: Masonry Construction. Distance to Hotels 10-15 Minutes
Dormitory Building Xela - Skills Needed: Masonry Construction. Distance to Hotels 10-15 Minutes
Enlarge sanctuary Paquila - Skills Needed: Masonry Construction.
Sunday School Building Saquiya II - Skills Needed: Masonry Construction.
Renovate Clinic Chuisamayac - Skills Needed: Electrical, Plumbing, Concrete.
Church Kitchen and Classroom Patzibal - Skills Needed: Masonry, Construction.
New Sanctuary Paxocol - Skills Needed: Masonry, Construction.
Clinic Renovations Paquila - Skills Needed: Painting, Electrical.
Finish Sanctuary San Jose Sinache - Skills Needed: Roofing, Flooring, Windows.
Finish Sanctuary Potrero Viejo - Skills Needed: Ceiling, Flooring.
Finish Sanctuary Boqueron - Skills Needed: Roofing, Flooring, Windows.
Salud y Paz clinics Camanchaj / Urbina - Clinics in Camanchaj and Urbina.
60-70 patients seen daily for medical and dental. Once a month, eyeglass
component is added. Medical laboratory is being added; help required for
laboratory. Please go to
http://www.saludypaz.org for more information.
New Sanctuary Chogerja - Build a new sanctuary for the Methodist church there.
Skills Needed : Masonry Construction. Distance to Hotels 1.5 Hours
Spanish Language Immersion training specifcally designed for mission teams is
available in Xela, Guatemala with MesoAmericas Spanish School.
Curamericas more info at http://www.curamericas.org. Curamericas works to provide primary health care to 26,000 women and children
in Guatemala. Needs: mission trip volunteers to construct a maternal birthing
center and health centers.
Boca Costa Medical Mission - Medical teams are needed in The Boca Costa de Solola area of Southwestern
Guatemala. A group of medical clinics, both regularly scheduled and team based,
maintained and staffed by Christian missionaries, Jim and Dianne Thompson, serve
the Indigenous people of this area. The base clinic, in the village of Paquila,
is about 1 ½ hours south of Quezaltenango and about 2 ½ hours west of Guatemala
City.
HONDURAS
United Methodist Mission Church of Honduras (Interior of Honduras) - a collection of 11 new, growing
congregations in 5 areas throughout the interior of the country of Honduras.
UMVIM teams of all kinds are invited and needed to work alongside the Methodists
in Honduras at the following sites. All sites welcome prepared educational
programs and activities for children. The current three priority sites are in Escuapa, La Cofradμa (both in the Danlμ area), and in Subirana. (All are marked
with **).
More information on all sites (with photos) and on how to organize a team to
Honduras can be found at http://www.gbgm-umc.org/hondurasini.
Escuapa United Methodist Church Danlμ Area - Build a modest 2-room Sunday
School cinderblock building. Put finishing touches on the sanctuary building,
and construct a fence to keep out roaming cattle. Medical teams are invited to
run basic clinics in this high-need area; to offer workshops on preventing
illness; and to help establish a sustainable medical service in the community.
Fuerzas Unidas United Methodist Church Tegucigalpa Area - Complete
construction of 2-story, brick ministry building adjacent to sanctuary (which
includes classrooms, small medical clinic, pastors apartment, and garage);
complete block and iron-work security wall; complete drainage ditch; build
basketball/mini soccer court; build bathrooms. dical teams needed to help
organize and stock new medical clinic in the new building adjacent to the
sanctuary, run medical clinics, and to establish a sustainable medical service.
San Jose de La Vega United Methodist Church Tegucigalpa Area - In Jan 2004,
pending the purchase of a large piece of property, construction will begin on a
multi-phase project that will include a sanctuary, Sunday school rooms,
community education workshop/classrooms, and the main offices for the United
Methodist Church of Honduras.
La Jagua United Methodist Church Danlμ Area - Finish construction of Sunday
School building, which needs a cement floor, roof, doors and windows. Sanctuary
building needs finishing touches also.
El Paraμso United Methodist Church Danlμ Area - Soon, construction on a
sanctuary and classrooms will begin on newly-purchased property.
Talanga Central United Methodist Church Talanga Area - In the future, pending
purchase of property, a sanctuary building will be constructed next to the
present mission house. Medical teams are invited to run clinics in this
high-need area; to offer workshops on preventing illness; and to help establish
a sustainable medical clinic in the community. Clinics can be run with the
cooperation and help of a local doctor who is connected with the congregations.
Resurrecciςn United Methodist Church (in the neighborhood of 10 de Septiembre)
Talanga Area - Replace present roof and frame. Put finishing touches on the
Sunday School building, construct cement water tank. Medical teams are invited
to run clinics in this high-need area; to offer workshops on preventing illness;
and to help establish a sustainable medical clinic in the community. Clinics can
be run with the cooperation and help of a local doctor who is connected with the
congregations.
Subirana United Methodist Church Subirana (in the Deptarment of Yoro) -
Construction is underway on two cinderblock buildings: a 2-story building which
includes Sunday school rooms and an apartment for the pastor; and a sanctuary
building.
La Ceibita United Methodist Church La Ceibita (in the Tocoa Area) - Remodeling
of a duplex to be a mission house, including: complete the ceiling, join the
duplexes by taking out part of the joining wall and creating an arch, build 18
x 18 cinder block addition onto the back, add a front porch, complete windows.
Also, complete church building, including: install tile floor, seal the roof,
lay wide sidewalk around perimeter under roof overhang, complete windows. Also,
improve another building which houses a free meal program for children,
including: seal the roof, complete the windows, complete the bathrooms (install
toilets and sinks), and put in a playground. Medical teams are invited to run
basic clinics in this high-need area; to offer workshops on preventing illness;
and to help establish a sustainable medical service in the community. Clinics
can be run at the public clinic in the community, with the cooperation and help
of the local public health nurse.
Send Hope Puerta Limpira - http://www.send-hope.org.
Send Hope is a 501(c) 3 organization focusing on ministry among the people of
the La Mosquitia coastal region of eastern Honduras. This is an extremely poor
and marginalized area, with many profound needs.
In particular:
- short term medical, dental and construction trips
- providing food, clothing and school supplies to the people
- bringing children to the USA for urgent medical care
- providing training for local pastors
- helping students with their education
Christian Commission for Development (CCD)
www.ccdhonduras.org: Teams are needed through 2003 to help finish building houses for families left
homeless by Hurricane Mitch. This work takes place in several locations,
including the northern province of Santa Barbara and rural areas near
Tegucigalpa.
The Honduran Theological Community, located on the western edge of
Tegucigalpa, s building a new campus beginning in late 2002 and needs help from
VIM teams interested in working in the city, helping the Community build a new
campus, and learn more about the realities of urban ministries in the Third
World. For United Methodist VIM groups, we'll also help you learn about the
Methodist Church in Honduras. Information about the Community is available on
the web at www.ccdhonduras.org/cteh.htm.
The MAMA Project (Mujeres Amigas Miles Apart)
http://www.fmc-online.org/MAMA/honduras.html
-
This Mennonite project requests help from United Methodists & others for
de-worming & vitamin A distribution teams.
Carolina Honduras Health Foundation Limon -
Limon Clinic receives medical teams, health care workers, support/construction
teams and individuals year-round.
NICARAGUA
El Ayudante Ecumenical Orphanage in Leon - Construction teams are needed to help
with the construction of a building to hold 64 children. There are opportunities
for evangelism and vacation church school in the community. Materials costs
$3,000 per team. On the web at www.nicamissions.com
The Methodist Church of Nicaragua & El Porvenir -
http://www.elporvenir.org.
El Porvenir Watershed Protection. Team members will work
alongside Nicaraguan villagers on a sustainable watershed protection and
reforestation project. Team members will work alongside beneficiary families to
protect their micro-watershed. Trees will be planted to protect the local water
supply. Also teams will build ecofogones - enclosed fireboxes with chimneys that
reduce the amount of wood needed for cooking, thereby reducing future
deforestation.
El Porvenir Water and Sanitation Project. Teams will help improve the health
of an entire village by working alongside local villagers on a basic water and
sanitation project, including, rehabilitating a well or building a latrine or a
lavandero (village washing facility). Clean water and sanitation facilities will
reduce disease, resulting in healthier families and children.
The Rainbow Network www.rainbownetwork.org - Ciudad Sandino Managua.
The Rainbow Network provides medical services (needs especially dentists and
ophthalmologists), public health support, housing, education and economic
development assistance to their community. Teams may participate in these areas
as well.
The Rainbow Network has 5 interconnected offices serving 64 different
communities and about 40,000 people in rural Nicaragua. This community
development project welcomes teams to construct new homes in Christian
partnership with the poor (team members do not need Spanish). The Rainbow
Network also welcomes medical specialty teams, especially pediatrics and public
health professionals (Spanish is not required but is very desirable for medical
teams). The Rainbow Network also operates education and economic development
programs and teams may participate in these areas as well.
PANAMA
Medical teams are needed for indigenous areas, including: Potrero Palma/Cieneguita
Health Clinic, Bongo Health Clinic, Guaymi Indian Villages, and Punta Mani.
There is also a need for clean water for these communities.
Camp and Retreat Center (Volcαn) Volcαn - Addition to kitchen. Only the
foundations have been built. Veracruz church parsonage needs electrical,
plumbing, painting and furniture.
Bongo (Chiriquν Province) - Additional rooms are needed on the old church to
house the basic education school for adults to be taught here by the Pan
American Institute. Walls up to window level.
Puerto Armuelles, in northwestern Panama - Enclose a large covered area. This
project would probably take 2,000 blocks plus doors and windows.
Chapel at IPA School (the Methodist School for the congregation around the
school).
Inner City Church Panama City - Youth Service-Learning project working with
inner city church with children in daycare.
ARMENIA
Medical Clinic Reconstruction
UMCOR Armenia’s Medical Program requested UMVIM teams to assist in this project. Teams would work with local community volunteers to help rehab deteriorated clinic spaces.
Skills and experience required include, masonry, spackling (plastering), carpentry, painting, electrical, and plumbing for an old building in disrepair.
Time Frame: Spring and summer 2006.
• Alcoholics Anonymous Program Development
Work with UMCOR Armenia staff and local rehabilitation centers using the AA model and resources is needed in Armenia. An individual or small group of UMVIM are sought to work with UMCOR Armenia on this program idea. pre-travel work will be required (through email) to set up the project concept and implementation method including research done with AA in the U.S.
Skills and experience required in organizational development and management in AA programs.
Time Frame: Anytime in 2006.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Community Interaction
Teams of UMVIM are needed to work with the local community in 3 locations by invitation of a local organization in each area. Project work includes cultural exchange activities with children and youth; mini courses in English dialogue, art, drama, music, ecology and volunteerism; community assistance projects to vulnerable families / organizations done in partnership with youth participants of one of the following organizations:
• Gornji Vakuf-Usokplje Youth Center
• Sanski Most Youth House
• Sumejja (a women’s organization in Mostar area)
Skills required – general or professional experience with youth / children / community wide programming. Skills for assistance to vulnerable families or individuals will be determined based on the skill level of team members.
Time Frame – summer and fall 2006 / spring and summer 2007
BULGARIA
• Veliko Turnovo - Rev. Bedros Altunian, Superintendent of the UMC in Bulgaria has requested teams to continue the work started at Veliko Turnovo in 2005 by teams from Wichita, KS. The church needs a roof and other repair. Additional opportunities exist with other local Methodist churches, as well as with the local orphanage.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Praha - Horni Pocernice UMC - This is a large facility, with four buildings on
several acres of land, taken by the Communist government in the 1940's, and only
returned to the UMC in 1999 after a lengthy legal battle. The plan is to
renovate and reconstruct the facility to once again be used as a home for
mothers and children in need and a UMC conference center. Part of it is already
being used for this purpose, plus housing families in need (mainly Gypsy). The
work will be divided into several parts that can be accomplished independently.
The work may be: reconstruction, repair of roof, repair of the wall around the
Center, construction of a storage building for furniture and materials,
reconstruction of the wall and spring in front of the whole Center, gardening,
preparing program for clients - children and families. VIM teams are housed and
fed right on the property for $ 15 per person per day, and the small UMC is
right next door for worship. Any financial contribution by the VIM team is
welcome. Preferred dates - March to October.
Litomerice is a beautiful town full of old houses and quiet places. It is located north of Prague, half an hour of drive. The church has been there since 1921.They are turning the basement of the building into rooms for children, families and outreach activities. Work may include painting, cleaning, construction, gardening. Cost per person per day for room is $5 (guest rooms in the parsonage) and for meals $15. Suitable dates - April to June.
Litomerice UMC is a key organizer of the Litomerice Festival LIFE 2006, a Christian event, which will take place the third week of June. They prepare an entertaining program for school children in the morning, for families in the afternoon and a music program for adults in the evening. Litomerice Festival 2005 was successful. Assistance of a team is welcome.
ESTONIA
Agape Church Parnu - Finish rooms on the lower floor. Plastering, sheetrock,
painting, flooring and tile work needed.
Tallinn Christian Care Center Tallinn - a shelter for men, widows & orphans;
soup kitchen, clothes distribution, ministry with children & youth. Associated
with newly organized Tallinn Koidu Methodist Church.
Kuressaare Methodist Church - Roof needs to be cleaned & rust-proofed; 3
inside rooms need renovation, paint, etc. Additional building nearby needs work.
No VBS children attend Camp Gideon.
Camp Gideon - Located on the Gulf of Finland, this camp serves Methodists from
Estonia, Finland and the Baltics. Renovation is needed for dormitories.
Tallinn Children Center Lighthouse, Tallinn -
Completion of renovations to house, to be used as children's center; needs
include painting, plastering, light construction work, etc. Dentists also
needed.
FINLAND
Jumijarvi campsite - Jamsa: Repair of camp facilities.
This church camp is located in the center of Finland and is used for youth camps
and adult camps. It is situated in a beautiful forest by a small lake. An old
farm, purchased in 1962, it is care for by the UM Youth Organization.
The kitchen/dining hall, dormitory, and bath house/sauna are 30-40 years old all
in various stages of disrepair. Painting, replacement of weatherboard , painting
window trim is needed. Tools are available on site. Materials are provided by
the church in Finland. Teams can be housed on site. Translation is provided and
a local supervisor will guide the work.
FRANCE
The secularization of French society has resulted in a profound need for Christian volunteers. The active Christian community in France is small and the presence of UMVIM volunteers is a powerful affirmation to French Christians that they are not alone.
Entrepierres, http://www.pierresvivantes.org - Entrepierres is a center in southeastern France that provides rest, counseling, debriefing and spiritual retreats for pastors and missionaries. Small, four person skilled teams are sought for the 2006 to assist in increasing the accommodation space for missionary families for rest and counseling. Also needed is creation of space for a small library, a prayer/counseling room and storage space.
Landersen Methodist Vacation/Conference Centre Vosges Mountains -
http://www.landersen.com.
Prepare center for the opening of the summer season - annually in the spring.
Includes removing storm windows, painting, flowers, erect tents, clean
playground.
Helping one of the 13 French UM churches in France - details available from the
Landersen Center.
GEORGIA, REPUBLIC OF
Programs at Youth Houses Tbilisi or Zugdidi Youth Houses - Organize a team to
provide Recreational, Cultural, and Peace Building programs over a 2 week period
at Tbilisi or Zugdidi Youth Houses. Art, Drama, Music, English Dialogue, Story
Telling and Peace Building activities are excellent mission project work with
the children and youth of Georgia at the Tbilisi or Zugdidi Youth Houses. Skills
Required: Youth Workers, Sunday School Teachers, Music and Drama experience
(including puppets), Art and Arts & Crafts experience, People who love youth. A
good opportunity to include UM Youth in a Mission Trip. Time Frame: Summer (June
- August)
LATVIA
Kuldiga - This congregation which was chartered in 2000, has acquired a building
which has been renovated to be used for a worship and meeting space. Additional
work is needed to complete the renovation of the outside of this historic
building.
Virga/Paplaka - The United Methodist Church in Paplaka is located in a building
which has space to develop an outreach program for this rural community. The
work would involve the renovation of 5 rooms, a hall and an anteroom for a
community center. Workers are needed to assist with painting, wallpapering, wall
repairs, rewiring, handicap accessibility work, and replacing and renovating
restrooms. This project would help to provide a place for all community groups
to meet year round.
Liepaja UMC - This is the largest church in the Latvian National District.
Liepaja is located on the Baltic Sea and was a former soviet naval center. The
church needs assistance painting the sanctuary and corridor from the stairwell
to the sanctuary.
Liepa UMC - Liepa is located about 120 kilometers from the capital city, Riga.
It is a former soviet prison city. The economic conditions are very hard. There
are actually two UM church communities in Liepa one Latvian-speaking and one
Russian-speaking congregation. They share the facility. Work is needed in the
anteroom and repair and renovation of the restrooms.
Urgent need: 2004-2006 Cesis UMC - The church in this historic 800-year-old Hanseatic town
recently purchased a building which needs much renovation to become the UM
mission center for eastern Latvia. The building will have space for worship,
classes, fellowship, meeting and housing for future pastors. This will be a
3-year project to completion. Skilled and unskilled workers are needed for every
aspect of building and renovation of the structure.
LITHUANIA
Birzai church - Renovation of an old building, which used to be a recruiting
center for the Soviet Army, into the Birzai (pronounced "Beer-shay") United
Methodist Church in Lithuania. Work has begun and progresses well! Church will
also provide room room for humanitarian ministries, a daycare, Sunday school
classrooms, soup kitchen and ministries related to alcohol and drug addictions.
More teams are needed. See: www.infocentras.lt/UMC/Jeff and click on the Birzai
link.
MACEDONIA
VBS - Teams to lead Vacation Bible Schools assisted by Macedonian UM Youth.
Construction and Repair on local UM Churches in Macedonian villages. Teams
requested.
Peace & Reconcilliaton Summer Camp needs a team of persons to provide VBS
activities, Sports and Games, Arts and Crafts, and peace building activities for
a multi-ethnic and multi-nation summer camp program. UM Teens and College
Students from the US are encouraged to participate and join a team of adults.
POLAND
Ilawa UMC Ilawa - Education and Construction. (Rev. Krzystof Kopacz)
Srednia UMC - Scinawka Srednia. Education, construction and evangelism (Rev.
Pawel Fugaia.)
Tarnow UMC - Bible School, construction, and evangelism. (Rev. Pawel Lewicki.)
Katowice UMC Katowicke/Krakow - English language camps (2 needed.) (Rev.
Andrzej Malicki.)
Kielce UMC - Construction, English language camp and Bible School. (Rev.
Janusz Daszute.)
Elk UMC - Construction, English language camp and Bible School. (Rev. Marion
Sontowski.)
ROMANIA
Global Hope Orphanage - http://www.globalhope.org - The projects work directly
with children in the orphanage system, repair and painting projects, minor or
major construction projects, work at a Christian Youth Camp, or work at the
Recuperation Center for children. Teams have also traveled to Arad to provide
training for Sunday School teachers and to support the work of the Protestant
churches in the area. When pastors travel with a mission team, they will often
preach at area churches, with translation support. A typical team will be made
up of 5-12 workers depending on the project.
Methodist Mission in Romania. Construction of a local church
building in Ploesti. Also opportunities exist for VBS with local street
children. A parallel medical mission could be held for the local poor and the
gypsy population. The local church members will work alongside the teams in the
construction.
RUSSIA
The Russia Initiative
The Russia Initiative began in the winter of 1991-92 under the leadership of the
General Board of Global Ministries. Its primary purpose was to deliver food to
Russias Moscow Region. Following that project the GBGM established a Russia
Initiative that expanded beyond aid programs to include the re-establishment of
Methodism in the former Soviet Union. The Eurasia Annual Conference was
established in 1997, with expansion to four annual conferences in 2003.
Many American United Methodist congregations have participated in Supportive Congregations (Salary and Program Support) and Partner Churches (Development of programs where no Methodist presence exists) programs. UMVIM teams have also been an essential part of the Russia Initiative. Many teams have worked in Russian orphanages, homes for the elderly, hospitals, etc., and successfully realized many other helpful projects.
More than 6000 American Methodists have visited the former Soviet Union since
1991. As a result, participants have seen new visions for mission and found
renewal in their spiritual journeys.
CURRENT PROJECTS FOR 2006
1) UMC IN PSKOV (Northwest Annual Conference, Western district)
The goal: Finishing of the inside rooms in the 2-story church building and
basement floor. The total space is 350 sq.m. (3,766 sq feet) including the
ceiling.
Basement floor: 89 sq.m.(957.64 sq feet) is for cafeteria and sports gym.
1st floor: corridor: 18 sq.m.(193.68 sq feet), two rooms with space of 28 sq.m.
(301.28 sq feet). Replace the temporary staircase to the second floor.
2nd floor: corridor 23.4 sq.m (252 sq feet), three rooms (15.8sq.m +20.2sq.m
+21.7sq.m = 170 sq feet + 217 sq feet + 233 sq feet), restroom- 5.4sq.m (58 sq.
feet).
The walls of all the rooms are done with sheetrock, floor is wooden. Necessary
work: plastering of walls and ceiling, prepare for painting, then painting.
Strong wooden staircase is needed. The cost of needed material is $8,000. All
these rooms are used for Bible study groups, youth meetings, prayer meeting.
Also, there is guest room and one room for the watchman (member of our church).
We need people skilled in work with wood, plastering, and painting. Volunteers
will have rooms to stay and all necessities in the church. The church will take
care of them and provide transportation.
2)
Theological Seminary Of The United Methodist Church( Moscow)
Painting and wallpapering: approx. 500 square meters dormitory corridors and
staircases. Material and supplies cost $ 1,500.
Carpenter work: Adjustment and installation of door. Installation of built-in
closets. Material and supplies cost $ 1,200.
Plumbing: Installation of sanitary pump units in 4 student bathrooms. Material
and supplies cost $ 4,000.
Different outdoor faηade work painting. Material and supplies cost $600.
3) First UMC in Ekaterinburg (Eastern Russia and Central Asia Annual
Conference, Ural district).
The purpose of this project is to create a child care facility in the church for
children from 1 to 5 years old. The church has rooms for that dining room,
sleeping room, play room, restrooms, and others.
There is a need to repair the dining room:
repair of the ceiling (plastering, primer, painting)
repair of walls (tile, plastering, painting)
repair of the floor (leveling, putting on linoleum)
Cleaning and painting of airways.
The cost of materials: $2,000.
4) Revival UMC in Voronezh area (South Russia Annual Conference, Black soil
district).
The goal: Building of the fence along the borders of the churchs land. The
length is 206.5 meters (678 feet). Metal door and metal gates are planned in the
front side. Their length is 6.5 meters (21 feet). For the rest 200 meters (656
feet) metal gates will be installed. The total cost of the project, including
purchase of materials, is $6,800.
5) Camp Voronezh
For 2006 we plan to repair the sleeping building and cafeteria. The amount of
work is very huge.
We need bricklayers, painters, sanitary technicians, and electricians.
Repair of building #1: Organize the place to eat, installation of the fire
alarm system, repair of the fire staircase and installing the windows,
construction of balcony, repair of the well and purchase of the cleaning
equipment, repair of the boiler room, change of the parts, purchase and
installation of generator.
Repair of cafeteria: repair of sewerage of the 1st and 2nd floors,
reconstruction of the restrooms on the first floor.
Sports town for children: repair of the pavilion, roof, sauna, sink, small
homes, walls, windows.
The cost of materials: $ 7,500.
6) Russian Orphanage Projects
Orphanages provide work opportunities in repair and maintenance, as well as
direct interaction with caregivers and children. There are more than 6,000
state-owned orphanages in Russia where children are at risk. The caregivers do a
tremendous job, even with inadequate facilities and limited resources. With a
shattered economy, government assistance is inadequate and help is needed from
abroad. The Russia Initiative has received many requests for UMVIM teams. For
teams already involved, sharing in this ministry is a deeply moving experience.
Many American work groups and UMVIM teams have participated in the Russia Initiative since 1991. Additional teams are needed and projects can be developed for specific teams. Because of the complexities of Russias Ministry of Interior rules, traveling and working in Russia presents many challenges. The Russia Initiative leadership team will identify ministry sites, provide orientation, assist in securing Russian entry visas and travel insurance, provide in-country logistical support, and other necessary documentation and help as deemed necessary. UMVIM teams are needed! Call us!
For information about leading UMVIM teams to Russia, contact:
Dr. W James Athearn
Consultant, The Russia Initiative, GBGM
116 Frasher Drive
Clear Brook, VA 22624
Tel 540-662-2066
E-mail: jathearn@starband.net
SERBIA
• Padina - Rehabilitation and construction needed on the local Methodist church. It is urgent that construction be completed by September 2006 as the pastor and his family will be living in the building and construction must be complete before winter. The work includes:
- Pouring concrete floor in one large room
- Pulling down the old and building a new wall in order to create a corridor to other rooms
- Building and furnishing a new bath-room
- Painting the carpentry and walls
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
For more info: www.peacework.org.
Banska Bystrica UMC - In the midst of renovating an old home for the site of a
new church in the city where the UMC Seminary exists.
Trnava UMC - The church membership is growing so they have expanded the
worship area into the vestibule. Thus, they now need to build a new
entryway/vestibule and bathrooms that would be 3 meters by 7 meters at an
estimated cost of $5850.
Slavkovce UMC - This church has about 35 members and is located in a town of
1,000 people in the eastern region of the Slovak Republic. This is a Gypsy
mission church that the United Methodist Church has had since 1996. It needs
renovations on the inside of the church building, including a back entryway,
kitchen, bathroom, and a room to be made into an office for the pastor. The
central heating system also needs new room radiators. In addition to repairs and
renovations, a team could assist them in their summer Vacation Bible School for
children.
Sered UMC - A church with a membership of about 80 people. They need a
three-floor addition to the back of their building (4 meters by 8 meters) to
create rooms for Sunday School classes for children, offices, and other space.
Jenkovce UMC - Needs a team of volunteers for work on the church building,
painting the roof and concrete repairs to the driveway.
UKRAINE
Chernivtsi UMC - This UMC is in the process of trying to construct a church
building. The process has stalled because they have run out of money. They have
no partner church (Supportive Congregation through Russia Initiativ in America
at this time. Church members have sold apartments, cars and sacrificed other
personal belongings to pay for the land and building materials. Most of the
building they have done themselves. They would welcome a VIM team who could come
over, evaluate what has been done, buy local materials and help with the
construction of the church. There would also, of course, be opportunities to
participate in the ministry of the church as well.
Bila Tserkva UMC - In addition to being Supt., Rev. Bill Lovelace has been
appointed Pastor of a new church in this city. Most of the church members are
connected in some way with handicapped persons, either themselves or a relative.
They meet in the Center for Children with Cerebral Palsy. The center is an old
kindergarten, which was given by the city in April 2002 and is not handicapped
accessible. Needs are: an elevator or ramp to the second floor, handicapped
accessible toilets in the building repair of the heating system, and general
repair work. A VIM team could assist in this work.
Kerch UMC - This church in the Crimea on the Black Sea, is one of the first UMCs
started under the Russia Initiative, and they celebrated their tenth anniversary
in 200 Northern New Jersey helped them buy a building, but it is in need of
repair work both inside and out, and furniture. It would be great if thay had an
autonomous heating system. A VIM team that would come, evaluate and participate
in repair work would be wonderful.
Kiev UMC - This newly formed UMC has a ministry with Kiev street children under
the guidance of Rev. Helen Lovelace. A medical missionary team is needed to help
with these street children, who are in risk of super-resistant tuberculosis,
hepatitis and AIDS. They also have extensive dermatological and dental needs. A
medical VIM team would be greatly appreciated.
US - Mexico Frontier Opportunities
Agua Prieta, Bill Sanford, 1550 E Meadowbrook, Phoenix, AZ 85014, 602/798-8217, bill@desertsw.org. Across border from Douglas, AZ. Assistance with construction of churches, medical clinic, MBS (mission Bible study), sewing classes, computer classes, working with children and youth. Stay in hotel in Douglas (walk across border) or Agua Prieta. Multi-generational families welcome
Health Care Clinic Nuevo Progresso, Mexico, 800-437-0028, 32 Wesley
Boulevard, Worthington, OH 43085. Two-day clinics conducted at the Iglesia La
Buena Fe, Nuevo Progresso.
Juntos Servimos - Contact: Larry Cox, larry@ntcumc.org, in conjunction with the North Texas
Conference, P.O. Box 51069, Dallas, TX. 75251-6069, 956/233-5198, F:
956-233-8802, C: 972-814-8385. Building homes and in colonias on SE edge of
Matamoros. Educational, dental and medical missions. Construction, health care,
Mission Bible School (MBS) teams. F/Y/A/OA/individuals.
Juan Wesley Seminary Monterrey - Contact: Willie Berman, VIM Coordinator, Eastern Annual
Conference, wberman@prodigy.net.mx, C: 011.52.899.936.8462. Construction teams
needed to rebuild historic Methodist Seminary that serves the three northern
Mexican conferences. Stay at Conference Guesthouse. Need electricians, skilled
trades. $15.00 per day room & board. Max: 18-27.
Hand Together Ministry, Rio Bravo - Contact: Tish Malloy, Sponsored by Oklahoma Conference,
for reservations call: 405-525-2252 ext. 123, 800-231-4166,
vimok@okumc.org,
http://okumc.org/vim/ok.htm, Located approximately 20 mi southeast of McAllen,
Texas, Building houses for the poor, providing basic health care (mini-medical
missions) for those without economic resource to receive health care, Mission
Bible Schools and computer literacy. J, Y, F, A, OA, RV, individuals.
Hands And Feet Ministries, Piedras Negras - Contact: Roy Adams, P.O. Box 270, Adairsville,
GA 30103 - 706-625-0314 - contact@handsandfeet.com -
http://www.handsandfeet.com
Orphanage and school and clinic to the poor in Piedras Negras. Teams needed in
all areas of service. J, Y, F, A, OA.
Missions To Mexican Children Homes - Contact: Larry Cotton,
larry_cotten@juno.com, (817)
444-1404, http://www.geocities.com/casahogar2001. Missions to various children's
homes in Mexico. Need skilled trades, counselors, and caring persons. S, F, OA,
individuals.
Methodist Border Ministries - Contact: Kathie Mann, Texas Conference,
texaspim@methodists.net ,
or 713-521-9383. Building churches and homes with the poor and providing health
services in and around Matamoros, Monterrey, and Reynosa, with the Eastern
(Oriental) Methodist Conference. S. A, OA.
Methodist Border Friendship Commission - Contact: Susan Hellums,
shmcfirst@aol.com
956/661-9771. c/o FUMC, PO Box 2558, McAllen, TX 78502. Hosted by Mexican
Methodist Church; Rio Grande and SWTX Conferences. Opportunities for gleaning,
MBS, construction, health care clinics. Both sides of the Texas Mexico border
from Del Rio/Ciudad Acuna to Brownsville/Matamoros. F.Y. OA, NOMADS.
Operacion Hogar, Ciudad Juarez - Contact: Becky Wimsatt, (505) 687-3414, f: (505)
687-4219, Hogar@pvtnetworks.net ; Sacramento Methodist Assembly, P. O. Box 8,
Sacramento, NM 88347. Building cinder block houses with the working poor in
Anapra Colonia, concurrent Bible studies for children, repairing Albergue
refugee shelter, serving Inesita nursing home for elderly poor, completing
addition to the Bethesda Medical-Dental Clinic (community medical and dental
services). Worship with Mexican Methodists. Arrive at El Paso airport. Y. F.
College Teams, Adults, OA, and individuals. Max: 24.
Operacion Hogar, Nuevo Casa Grandes, Chihuahua, North Central Conference
Methodist Church Of Mexico - Contact: Becky Wimsatt, (505) 687-3414, f: (505)
687-4219, Hogar@pvtnetworks.net ; Sacramento Methodist Assembly, P. O. Box 8,
Sacramento, NM 88347. Mission church construction. Located 195 miles SW of
Cuidad Juarez. Home of famous Paquime ruins, museum, and pottery. Concurrent MBS
and educational VIM. Teams stay in local hotel. F, Y, College, OA, Individuals.
Max: 15.
Operacion Hogar, Copperas Canyon Area - Contact: Becky Wimsatt, (505) 687-3414, f: (505)
687-4219, Hogar@pvtnetworks.net ; Sacramento Methodist Assembly, P. O. Box 8,
Sacramento, NM 88347. Work with indigenous peoples to complete medical clinic
and youth camp in Pitorreal. Other projects are available in Chihuahua and
Durango. S/OA/families/ singles/ NOMADS. Max: 20.
Eastern Conference (Conferencia Oriental)
St. Paul District
New Church Nuevo Progresso
Superintendent Parsonage Reynosa
El Buen Pastor Church Matamoros
Emmanuel Church Reynosa
Principe de Paz Church San Fernando
King's District
La Roca Church Monterrey
Hope and Love Home Monterrey
Juan Wesley Seminary Monterrey - Work is needed on the new upstairs bathroom,
remodeling needed in the downstairs bathroom. The classroom adjoining the
library needs a wall removed to enlarge the library. The classroom across the
hall from the library has the false ceiling torn open and one can see drainage
lines from the old upstairs bathroom as well as wood that is weakening due to
water damage. Urgent repair is needed.
Agua de Vida Church SNG
Vida Nueva Church Guadalupe
Borders District
Aposento Alto Church Nuevo Laredo
Mission Aposento Nuevo Laredo
Horeb Church Saltillo
Getsemani Nuevo Laredo
Mexico Conference (Conferencia de Mιxico)
The following is a list of the projects Mexico Conference has for the present
year and some of them will go for some time. These projects are divided by
districts and at the end of each district there is a list indicating priority.
Distrito Centro. D.S.: Pbro. Leonides Aguilar
El Pino - Located to the east of Mexico City (About 30 minutes from the
airport), is a new church in an area where the population is very poor, many
have an average income of $ 5.00 dollars per day. The project is to build a
sanctuary, classrooms, bathrooms and a parsonage in order to have a full time
pastor. There are 60 members including Children. Medical services are needed due
to poverty and a lack of access. Accommodations in hotels or in people houses,
other option - stay in the existing sanctuary with air mattresses and sleeping
bags. There is no shower there but showers are available in homes. 1 toilet for
the team on site. Congregation is working very hard but the poverty is a
limiting factor
San Agustin Atlapulco - The church is very involved in the construction of
classrooms, children area, bathrooms w/showers and at this point they have part
of this done. Additional projects are: a new gate for parking lot; a
multipurpose building (social hall) and the enlargement in the kitchen. Medical
services are needed. Average income - $5.00 USD per day, and this means they
cant afford basic medical service.
Ramos Millan - This church has been on the list of projects for a long time and
has received no teams. The main need is change the roof in the social hall, and
to remodel the classrooms and offices. The church is located in a low income
area and needs medical services. A primary issue is drugs and alcohol rehab.
Priorities
1. El Pino
2. San Agustin Atlapulco
3. Ramos Millan
Valle De Anahuac District D.S.: Pbro. Andres Hernandez
El Oro - Located 3 hours west of Mexico City, it is a church dating from the
18th century. Unfortunately this place had no care for many years, and few years
ago it was in danger of been taken by the government as a national historic
place. The youth fellowship has done a lot for this church and it is ready for
an UMVIM team. The project is redoing the social hall, finishing the kitchen,
repairing sinks, paint and ceilings. The sanctuary needs to be painted; the
floor needs to be sanded and polished. Pews need sanding and painting. The
church and parsonage need electrical work and ceiling repair. Bathrooms are
under construction and need completion of 2 toilets and 2 showers, heaters and
finishing work. Parsonage needs repairs in the attic floors and walls.
Note: the
place is built in an old American style, so, the repair must be done in the same
style. This is a wooden building. Also needed are medical and veterinary
services. In the surrounding area the people are farmers and some Indian tribes
come to this place to sell their crafts. Accommodations in parsonage, houses or
hotels.
Toluca La Trinidad Surrunding Are In Toluca City - Located 1.5 hours from the
airport in Mexico city, surrounded by a low income area, most of the people
works in the industrial area close to the site. The main project there is to
enlarge the chapel; parsonage and the educational building needs repair. Medical
services are needed. Accommodations in church and hotel.
Toluca El Mesias Downtown Toluca City - Very old church badly needing major
repair in sanctuary and all the property including parsonage and bathrooms.
Rewiring needed and painting, etc. Medical services can be done in the
surrounding areas, these areas are poor and very poor. Like some other places
there is a large population of indigenous persons. Accommodations in church or
hotel.
Tlalnepantla - Building for children, parsonage and a social hall are needed,
located in an industrial complex. Medical services are required for a low-income
population with no easy access to doctors. Project is divided in 3 stages: (1)
the children area. Accommodation in houses or hotel.
San Pedro Del Rincon & Casas Coloradas - 2 hours from Mexico City to the north,
100 year old church, unfortunately, located far from all kind of services like
doctors and other professional health care. Population is basically farmers and
they just have 1 harvest a year. This means their income is extremely poor. On
the other hand the church is very involved in Gods Work. Roof repair and
interior work needed. URGENT Medical opportunities are excellent and divided in
2 sites, San Pedro and Casas Coloradas church. This last one also needs repair
inside. In Casas Coloradas the parsonage needs to be done and this will serve
like a circuit rider house. Accommodations in church or houses. This 2 churches
and El Oro are closely conected because the pastors are spouses
El Capulin, Hidalgo - The project is to finish parsonage and in the future the
idea is to build a clinic in the land next to church. Medical services are
needed and dental attention is a big request. Accommodation in houses or camping
in parsonage or social hall. This is an Advance Special project.
Priorities
1. Casas Coloradas / San Pedro Del Rincσn
2. El Mesias, Toluca
3. La Trinidad, Toluca
4. El Oro
5. El Capulin, Hidalgo
Distrito Sudoriental D.S.: Pbro. Edgar Gutierrez
Galeana - Located 2 hours from Mexico city to the south in an area where the
population lives from growing sugar cane and from tourism for water parks, this
church has been working very hard to build this chapel. At this point the main
building is done but needs finishing. Stucco, painting, electrical, plumbing,
bathrooms and paint are needed. Medical services are a big need. To finish this
project - $66,000 pesos ($6,600 USD) Accommodation will be in hotel or houses of
church members, or camp in the building.
Union de Guadalupe - This Project has been receiving groups for some time, and
at this point the main need is to tear down the old rooms for children and build
some others, bathrooms need tiles. The place is located 1 hour from Mexico City
and the closest church to stay is Miraflores, located 30 minutes from Union de
Guadalupe, Miraflores has a kind of retreat center where the teams can stay
(sleeping bag needed) or the other option is a hotel. The need of medical
services is high.
Tepalcingo -2.5 hours from Mexico City to the southeast is a church where the
main need is medical, because even though they have a local public clinic in
town, there is never a doctor there. A large number of men from town are in
America working, and there is not a regular income in the site. The main
construction need is to finish the parsonage - painting, tiling, etc. One of the
projects are in church is having a dispensary for medical services in weekends.
Tlalamac - The main project for this year in Tlalamac is to start in the
construction of the parsonage and educational rooms on top of the actual church
and fellowship room. The project is planed to be done with pre-fab materials. An
architect will be working in this project in the beginning of January 2004 to
have it ready for teams. Medical services are still needed. Veterinary needs
exist.
Cocotitlan - General repairing is needed in different areas from parsonage,
sanctuary and fellowship hall. Medical teams can work in the surrounding areas.
This can be a good project for new teams, accommodations in Miraflores church,
hotel and homes.
Xoxocotla & Higueron - 2 different churches located close to each other,
general repairing and light construction work in parsonage, fellowship hall,
classrooms, bathrooms and sanctuary. Accommodations in hotel and houses. Camping
in church available.
Huitzapula & Zopilotepec - Located 8 hours from Mexico city up in the mountains
in Guerrero State, to the south of Mexico City on the way to Acapulco, teams can
fly to Acapulco or Mexico City.
In Huitzapula roof has to be finished along with other details. The church
considers it a main project to help one of the local schools it has in one of
the mission areas. Medical services are required not only in Huitzapula and
Zopilotepec, but in the surrounding areas too.
Zopilotepec, needs to build a new chapel using the local materials like adobe
and rocks, because all the people in town attend the church. Clothing needed,
medical help needed, shoes needed, and jackets badly needed. Rental of vans
suggested for transport.
North Central Conference (Conferencia Nor-Central)
Filadelfia District
Luz y Esperanza Mission - church has land, needs building, classrooms and
parsonage
Principe de Paz Church - significant growth has led to a need for parsonage
and classrooms
Shalom Church - low income farming community needs a parsonage and classrooms
Ebenezer Church - needs a parsonage and classrooms
La Trinidad Church - farming community needs a parsonage and classrooms
Nuevo Casa Grandes Church Chihuahua - Bishop Lozada has expressed a sense of
urgency to get this project completed. The education wing and restrooms will be
completed first, then the sanctuary. The facility will be used to provide adult
education, health care services, vocational handcraft training, Christian
education, as well as church services.
Monte de los Olivos Camp - roof repair, build restrooms, painting,
recreational facility repair
Vida Nueva Church - finish church buiding and build parsonage
Mision de Zacatecas - church meets in rented building, needs to build church,
classrooms and parsonage
Sion Church - dynamic church in low-income area needs parsonage and classrooms
Principe de Paz Church - finish church, build parsonage and classrooms
Chihuahua District
Creel, Chihuahua Casa Estudiantil Metodista Jehovα Jirhι - To build a secure play area and concrete floor for sports at the Methodist childrens home. Materials can be purchased locally. A translator is available. Estimated cost for materials - $817 US.
Palmore College - teams needed to refurbish facility donated to the school
Housing for retired pastors
Episcopal house - an old home which needs much repair and renovation
Shalom Church - has land, needs building, parsonage and classrooms
Pitorreal Clinic - an established clinic needs ongoing medical teams
Maranatha Church - church building needs completion, will host annual
conference in 2001
Nuevo Pacto Church - interior finishing work on church building, build a
parsonage, classrooms and a multi-purpose building
Roca de la Eternidad Church - repair parsonage and church roof
Northern Conference (Conferencia Septentrional)
Bajio District
Cortazar,Guanajuato: Build a parsonage for the district superintendent.
La Luz, Guanajuato: Construct the fellowship and children's area, classrooms, and parsonage.
Cortazar, Guanajuato: Complete construction of the new mission church.
Cortazar, Guanajuato: Complete construction of classrooms for the pre-school.
Guanajuato, Guanajuato: Restore the historic but deteriorating sanctuary.
San Miguel De Allende, Guanajuato: Assist with evangelism in a bi-cultural community.
Huastecas District
Solo Cristo Salva, La Uniσn, Tlaxcala: Construct a church in a poor, rural
village.
Calpulalpan, Tlaxcala: Finish construction of the church.
El Cinco, Vera Cruz: Finish construction of the church.
Getsemani, Pachuca, Hidalgo: New church construction from the ground up. Land has been donated and they are ready to build.
Northwest Conference (Conferencia Noroeste)
Build Chapel Campamento Nuevo Amanecer - Need to lay foundation and put up
walls and windows. Extension of dining room - Foundation is laid; walls need to
be put up.
Kindergarden classrooms/chapel Mexicali - Kindergarden serving children of
workers in the agricultural areas. Construction of classrooms and chapel.
Casita Project Empalme, Sonora - This project involves building cement blox
duplex family housing for the poorest people within this area. The project
involves the construction of 34 housing units. There are currently 2 units
completed and 6 more in various stages of completion. As well as building homes,
there is an opportunity for outreach within the community and sharing in a
cultural experience.
Southeast Conference (Conferencia del Sureste)
Amaxac, Tlaxcala - 3 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Rebuild roof. Special
need: talk to church members about immigrants in USA. Walk to work site.
San Jose Teacalco, Tlaxcala San Jose Teacalco, Tlaxcala - 3 hrs. from Mexico
City airport. Build multipurpose room. ( 20 Families).
La Magdalena Tlaltelulco, Tlaxcala La Magdalena Tlaltelulco, Tlaxcala - 3 hrs.
from Mexico City airport. Build classrooms. 120 members.
San Cosme Mazatecochco, Tlaxcala - 3 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Finish
multi-purpose building.
Tatoxcac, Puebla, near Zacapoaxtla - 6 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Windows,
doors, benches. Final details to finish church. (25 families).
Tlapacoyan, Veracruz - 4 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Roof & stucco. (60
members).
Tizostoc, Tlaxcala - 2 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Finish sanctuary. (8
families).
Xalapa, Veracruz - 4 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Bathrooms. (20 families).
Cuapiaxtla Puebla - 2 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Finish parsonage. (20
families).
Chetumal, Quintana Roo - 5 hours from Cancϊn airport. Build sanctuary. (30
members). They have already built their offices & parsonage.
San Matνas Atzala, Puebla - 2 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Finish
restrooms.The 15 church families are very hard workers; they built their new
sanctuary in only 16 months & have purchased a parsonage.
Bugambilias, Oaxaca - 3 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Church construction.
(10 families).
Ahuatepec, Puebla - 45 min. from Puebla airport. Finish parsonage. (23
members, 3-4 families).
Izucar, Puebla - 2 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Construction of parsonage.
(50 members). They have never received a team.
Ixtepec, next to Zacapoaxtla - 9 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Parsonage
roof. Church doors, and steps; also furniture needed for church. Room for
children. (40 members).
Mimiahuapan, Puebla - 4 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Stucco, paint, chairs,
etc. (15 families).
Elim, Puebla - 40 min. from Puebla airport. Make stucco benches. (50 members).
San Baltazar, Puebla - 2 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Build roof of
multipurpose room (walls already built). (20 families).
La Familia Orphanage (25-35 children) - 5 hrs. from Mexico City airport.
Several house tasks (cleaning, cutting grass, washing clothes). Needs: Teaching children; shoes & clothing. Stay in the orphanage with sleeping bags or
in a nearby hotel.
Azcαrate, Puebla - 2 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Sanctuary roof, windows,
doors. Special need: visit church families.
Filipinas, Veracruz - 5 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Parsonage construction,
multi-purpose room needs roof. (50 members).
Zoatecpan, Puebla - 4 hrs. from Mexico City aiport. Church construction. (45
members).
Zacaola, Puebla - 3 hrs. from Mexico City airport. Church construction. (30
members). They've asked for teams since 1996.
San Lorenzo La Joya, Tepeaca, Puebla - 4 hrs from Mexico City airport.
Classrooms for bible school. (The church has grown from 20 families to 50
families). The church is outgrowing its space. No teams have been received in
two years.
San Pablo Actipan, Puebla - 3 hrs from Mexico City airport. Need front door of
multipurpose room. (40 Families).
Pueblo Partners Tlancualpican - Pueblo Partners is a program designed to empower
the rural pe