UMVIM, SEJ Announces New Communications/Development Director

Recent University of Mississippi graduate, Billy Rainey, now serves as the Director of Communications and Development for UMVIM, SEJ. In this position, Rainey will develop and coordinate external communications for the office, while also cultivating relationships with local churches throughout the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. A lifelong United Methodist, Rainey brings with him a deep appreciation for what the connection of the UMC can do to help followers of Christ make a profound impact on the world. "The United Methodist Church has a long history of breaking down barriers for the sake of extending the love of Christ to a hurting world," Rainey said. "The connection that the UMC offers, through organizations such as UMVIM, SEJ, continues to enable the body of Christ to serve all around the world with efficiency and love."

Rainey recently moved to Birmingham from Oxford, MS, where he graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications in May of 2017. During his college years, Rainey served as a leader at the Ole Miss Wesley Foundation, an intern at Oxford-University UMC, a delegate on the Mississippi Conference’s Young Adult Delegation to South Korea, and as a Design Team member for SEJ’s Young People in Mission conference at Lake Junaluska, NC. Rainey also has a track record in the field of marketing and communications, having worked as a Marketing Assistant for the Ole Miss Department of Student Housing, a Public Relations Intern for the University of Mississippi Foundation, and having planned and implemented multiple communications campaigns while in college.

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Rainey is excited to do his part to serve UMVIM, SEJ and its vision of transforming the world through "Christian love in action." "I thank God for the opportunity to tell the story of this movement that mobilizes Christians to make much of the name of Christ by serving the needs of this world," Rainey said. "Jesus tells us that we will be known as his disciples by how we love one another. UMVIM is working to help people follow this model, and it's an honor to be a part of that effort."


The UMVIM, SEJ staff and Board of Directors is excited to welcome Billy to the team. United Methodists can expect to see Rainey around the jurisdiction promoting UMVIM, SEJ and partnering with local congregations to strengthen the impact of mission work in the United Methodist Church. If you are interested in speaking with Rainey or having him visit your congregation, he would love to hear from you! He can be reached by emailing billy_rainey@umvim.org by calling 205.453.9480