UMVIM, SEJ Welcomes Rives Worsham as 2016 Summer Intern

Executive Director Paulette West and 2016 Intern Rives Worsham

The staff and board of UMVIM, SEJ are excited to announce Rives Worsham as the 2016 summer intern. Rives comes to us from the Virginia Conference, where he has been a lifelong member Trinity UMC in Richmond, and is currently attending the Virginia Military Institute.

During his time in Trinity’s youth ministry, he grew in his love of God and missions under the influence of his youth pastor Forrest White, who also serves as the Virginia UMVIM Coordinator. Rives was able to learn about the value and importance of short-term missions, and had the opportunity to serve in Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Memphis, Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago, as well as his local community in Richmond.

When asked him why he felt called to apply for our internship, Rives answered, “I am passionate about serving others and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so. I am most excited just about the job variety that comes with this position. I don't think there are many jobs that have you doing so many different things, from working in rural communities in Tennessee to the tropics in Costa Rica.”

Rives is studying Economics and Business at Virginia Military Institute, where he also plays Division I soccer. His ability to work within in a team setting has been sharpened at VMI, both on and off the field, a quality that is essential to engaging in effective mission service. He is also a natural born leader, and we know he will only continue to learn more about what it means to serve God and others through missions.

“One of the things that I love about mission work is that I always learn from the people who I am serving, about God, and about life,” said Rives. “It is something that I have always been passionate about. I am looking forward to the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while they undoubtedly make a difference in mine.”

Rives will begin his summer in the UMVIM, SEJ office in Birmingham, Alabama. His domestic placement will be with the Reelfoot Rural Ministries, and his international placement will have him traveling to San Isidro, Costa Rica to serve with Costa Rica Mission Projects. Each year, our interns also work with our Design Team at Young People in Mission, UMVIM’s hallmark event that is held at Lake Junaluska.

The UMVIM, SEJ Summer Internship Program was established in 2013 as way to further equip a member of the Next Generation of the UMC to grow in their missional capabilities. Our former interns have gone on to serve as UMC clergy and other roles within the denomination. To learn more about this program, please visit our website.

3 Job Opportunities in Mission Service

Now Hiring: Global Ministries Senior Program Associate

Global Ministries is currently seeking a Sr. Program Associate to be based at their new HQ in Atlanta, GA. Reporting directly into the Head of Mission Volunteers, this position is essential to the network and connection with United Methodist Volunteers.  Please click here to download a .pdf with the full job description.  If interested, please click here to fill out the application online.

Now Hiring: UMVIM North Central Jurisdiction Coordinator

The North Central Jurisdiction is seeking a new UMVIM Coordinator. Please click here to download a .pdf with the full job description.  If interested, please submit the following to Rev. Melisa Bracht-Wagner by June 15, 2016: 1. A letter of intent 2. Your resume 3. Letters of recommendation from: a person who knows your UMVIM experience, a church leader, and a personal reference.

Now Hiring: UMVIM South Carolina Construction Supervisor

The South Carolina United Methodist Church Disaster Recovery is seeking two new Construction Supervisors to assist in the Northeast SC area and Central SC area. The supervisors will work directly with UMVIM teams and report directly to the Director of Recovery Ministries.   If interested, please submit the following to Ward Smith, Director of Recovery Ministries, by June 15, 2016 at wsmith@umcsc.org: 1. A letter of intent 2. Resume 3. Three References

Why Should You Invest in UMVIM Leader Training?

What is your first reaction when you see TV news footage of communities in need in the US or around the world? Unfortunately, you see this quite often. You want to help. Before you gather your clothing donations, rush to someone's aid, or try to engage others in responding, the first step is to learn how to help. That starts with training, and training is a major part of what UMVIM, SEJ offers to you. Whether you are leading a team on a short-term mission journey, or are part of a long-term recovery team after a disaster, UMVIM, SEJ offers training that ensures you--and your faith community--are prepared to help intentionally and effectively. Why support UMVIM training? Training helps disaster survivors and vulnerable communities. Ignoring training doesn't just leave the volunteer ill-equipped; even the most well-meaning people can cause harm if they don't know how to respond in the proper way. UMVIM, SEJ training is a national model of excellence. We have trained thousands of short-term mission team leaders on how to effectively lead their teams in the field. We developed our UMVIM Team Leader training classesand wrote the UMVIM Team Leader Handbook based on our 40+ years of experience in the short-term mission field. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the countless tornadoes and many hurricanes that our region is vulnerable to, we have been able to sharpen our best practices in the aftermath of disaster. We may have more disasters, but we have more knowledge as well.

The best ideas are exchanged. UMVIM training allows a free exchange of ideas from one conference to another. Our workshops provide fellowship and a rich learning experience. The results are clear: better coordination and enhanced skills for responders. If you can't attend training at this time in your life, won't you help someone who can? UMVIM needs your presence, your prayers, and your funding support to help sustain and update its vibrant training programs. Your contribution to UMVIM training will ultimately have a ripple effect that allow thousands of people in need get the best kind of help from our volunteers. Please help ensure our training goes on for years to come. Please give generously to Advance number 901875 at www.umcmission.org/give or mail your check to: UMVIM, SEJ, 100 Centerview Drive, Suite 210, Birmingham, AL 35216. Thank you for your continued prayers and generosity!  Grace and peace, Paulette West UMVIM, SEJ Executive Director

{Mission Highlight} Training

In 2016, Our Mission Highlights will focus internally, on what UMVIM, SEJ does to serve the short-term mission community within the United Methodist Church. Join us this year as we focus on the ways we equip teams and their leaders through Resources, Trainings, Mission Opportunities, Healthy & Safety education, and Relationship-building.  In our last Mission Highlight, we told you how we serve short-term mission volunteers through the Resources we provide. The next step is for each team leader to be trained on what it means to truly engage in Christian missions. It's easy to hop on a plane, unload at a project and work passionately for a few days, then go back home. But that's not what we're about at UMVIM.  UMVIM, SEJ believes in effective Christian service, which we feel is first achieved through training team leaders on how to equip themselves and their team to make the most of their mission journey. UMVIM, SEJ has written a handbook based on our 40+ years of experience in the short-term mission field, so that you, as the team leader, can lead a mission journey that benefits both your team and those whom you are serving. We hope this handbook will be an integral part of your pre-trip team training, a go-to resource while you are in the field, and an asset as you return home. We have structured this handbook around the process of forming, training, and sending a team, though it still does not replace the in-person training coordinated through your annual conference or the UMVIM, SEJ office. A few travel essentials: your passport, the Bible, a camera...and the UMVIM Team Leader Handbook! Every conference in the SEJ has UMVIM-certified trainers who lead training courses throughout the year to educate volunteer leaders, using our handbook as their guide. These trainings also allow new and seasoned leaders to learn from one another; sharing experiences and best practices with our fellow volunteers is an important part of growing and learning.  Through our Team Leader Handbook and the structured Team Leader Training course we developed, we exist to guide you through the practical, relational, and spiritual aspects of leading your team into the short-term mission field.  Disaster Response Training UMVIM, SEJ works in partnership with UMCOR to plan and facilitate the annual SEJ Disaster Academy. These academies are designed to train those who are interested in serving in the wake of a disaster. Our academies are held in late February/early March every year. As information comes out each fall, we will keep you posted on social media and our Weekly Updates. Additionally, UMVIM, SEJ staff member Gray Miller serves as our Disaster Response Liaison, and you will soon be finding her across the Jurisdiction as she trains Early Response Teams.  We're just getting started in 2016! Stay in touch with us this year to learn how UMVIM, SEJ is here to be your best resource in the short-term mission field. Click here if you are not already receiving our Weekly Updates, Mission Highlights, and more.

{Mission Highlight} Resources

Mission Highlight: Resources In 2016, Our Mission Highlights will focus internally, on what UMVIM, SEJ does to serve the short-term mission community within the United Methodist Church. Join us this year as we focus on the ways we equip teams and their leaders through Resources, Trainings, Mission Opportunities, Healthy & Safety education, and Relationship-building.   So You Want to Serve? We've all been there. If you're reading this, then you have found yourself on our website, blog, or email list because God has stirred that missional part of your heart. You want to be giving of your time and abilities to serve your God and His people. You know you want to serve, but maybe you don't know whereto start? We're the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission of the Southeastern Jurisdiction, and we're here to help you through every part of what it means to be a short-term missionary. Our Staff Every member of the UMVIM, SEJ staff is in place because we share a passion for Christian service. Each of us has served domestically and abroad in many capacities, and our personal expertise is the first thing we offer to short-term mission teams and their leaders. No question or concern in too small, and our favorite part of our jobs is to take the time to walk you through whatever you need to know. Our names are Paulette, Landon, Gray, Leslie, and Malinda, and you can read more about each of us by clicking here. Don't hesitate to reach out!  Our Website Two years ago, we completely overhauled our website with the goal of being a better resource to the UMC short-term mission community. There you will find a general Safe Sanctuary Policy, travel advice, and pretty much everything in between. We are always adding new resources that we feel could be valuable to you as you embark on your mission journey. Click over to our website, and specifically the Resources & Publications tab, to get an idea of everything we have to offer.  Social Media Our social media strategy is simple: to keep you in the loop on all things UMVIM. We update Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, You Tube, and our blog with any bits of information we hope can be useful to you. Interacting with the UMVIM community on social media is a lot of fun for us and a great way to help us spread the word, so please comment, like, double tap, retweet, and share away! Don't forget to use the hashtag #UMVIM to share your short-term volunteer experience with us all, because sometimes, the best resource for others is YOU. We're just getting started in 2016! Stay in touch with us this year to learn how UMVIM, SEJ is here to be your best resource in the short-term mission field. Click here if you are not already receiving our Weekly Updates, Mission Highlights, and more.

Register Today for Young People in Mission!

YOUNG PEOPLE IN MISSION A HANDS-ON CAMP EXPERIENCE FOR YOUTH &  YOUNG ADULTS

Young People in Mission, a camp experience with hands-on mission opportunities for youth and young adults, will be held June 26-30, 2016 at beautiful Lake Junaluska. Our hope is that this event serves as a launch to empower young people to serve with new eyes and a heart for Christ. Participants serve with local mission projects, worship together, fellowship and grow with family groups, dive into Bible studies, and learn from featured speakers and the City of Opportunity.

2016's theme of The Living Word: Living the Word is based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and daily studies and workshops will focus on being grounded in Scripture as we embark on both mission service, as well as our daily lives. Acclaimed United Methodist pastor Rev. Telley Lynette Gadson will be leading our daily Bible studies. Other speakers include Miss Georgie Wood, who served with Africa University at just 15 years of age, author Rev. Eddie Spencer, and Rev. Lorenza Andrade-Smith, who spent a 3 year appointment living among the homeless across the United States.

Rev. Telley Lynette Gadson, Georgie Wood, Rev. Eddie Spencer, Rev. Lorenza Andrade-Smith

YPIM is an incredibly connectional event; our workshops and the City of Opportunity bring together representatives from UMC General Boards and Agencies, as well as leaders from a variety of mission projects, and allows participants to connect with the numerous ways they can engage in missions.

This of course wouldn't be a mission event if participants were not given the chance to engage in a service opportunity. A full day is set aside in our schedulefor groups to serve with projects in the area, with the option of a second day.

Peer-to-peer fellowship, mentoring, and encouragment is a big part of YPIM. Our Design Team, made up 6 students from across the Jurisdiction, have been meeting and working together since last summer to ensure that this event is as amazing as ever. Registration is now open on the UMVIM, SEJ website! All costs except transportation are covered in the $326 registration fee (if registered by May 15, with 3 persons to a room; other pricing packages are available). Please contact UMVIM, SEJ or visit the YPIM page on our website for more information. Hope to see you there!

{Guest Blogger} Ken & Christy Lowe, Grace UMC

On July 14, 2015, the mission team from Grace UMC landed on the island of Eleuthera, Bahamas. First stop was the Mission House in the small, quaint town of Tarpum Bay. After dropping off our over-stuffed bags we drove 30 miles south to the isolated settlement of Deep Creek.

We couldn’t wait to meet with John Pinder, who oversees the church building project, and to see the progress they have made during the year since we were last here. This is the third year we have helped with the construction of the Deep Creek Methodist Church. Our first year here we helped fill in the foundation and pour the concrete floor. Last year we worked on the roof and this year our goal was to purchase and install 21 windows and lay about 400 block on the gable ends of the church.

We consider our mission 50% construction and 50% bonding with and drawing the community to the church. Two other ministries we have, besides construction, are the tennis shoe ministry and the church carnival, held on Saturday.

We distributed the 100 pairs of tennis shoes that Grace Church members graciously donated. Driving through the community with our guide, Rema, it was fun to see some of the same children and adults we met last year. Twin boys who received their first pair of shoes last year, got a new pair this year. They are now active toddlers, full of smiles and laughter. Many people were still wearing the shoes they received last year and were so happy to replace their worn ones for a fresh, new pair. It is hard to describe the appreciation expressed by moms and children for the gift of new shoes.

This was the second year we held a church carnival. Word spread quickly that fun, games, prizes, food, and music were part of the event at the church site. Our games were simple: pin the steeple on the church, fishing, bean bag toss, face painting, and the most challenging – drum stick toss. The most popular activity was the cross painting. Team member Jerry Hancock made at least 100 hand held wooden crosses to be painted and decorated. About 150 people of all ages attended and all had a great time.

We invited the Island School to join us. They offer a high school program for students from around the world to study marine ecology for a semester along with research scientists. The school is self-sufficient and also offers summer camps for local kids. They also provide jobs for many in the nearby settlements. One of their goals is to encourage harvesting of lion fish, which are an invasive species in the Bahamas and US waters, so the students and their instructors provided delicious lion fish fritters for everyone at the carnival! Everyone who came was invited to church the next day.

On Monday we were back to work, shoveling, and sifting sand to make mortar, and carrying block to lay them. By the end of the day, everyone was exhausted and ready for a swim.

After two days of peanut butter and honey sandwiches (our lunch staple for the past sixteen years on mission trips), our Bahamian friends asked the local women to provide lunch and what a treat for all of us! They are all great cooks and each meal was delicious!

Over the last three years of Americans and Bahamians working together in the community, the trust, respect and love of Christ has become so strong. As Scripture says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name I will be there also (Matthew 18:20). Truly, the great love of Christ is the motivational force that keeps us coming back in mission.

Wednesday morning came too quickly. Walking to our thirteen passenger plane brought tears to everyone’s eyes. It was hard to believe that we were going home so soon. But we all hope to return next year and continue the work we had begun. With the grace of God and through the generosity of our church family, Grace United Methodist Church, we will see the Deep Creek Methodist Church open its doors to that community in praise of God.

We love to hear your UMVIM stories! If you are interested in writing a Guest Blog for UMVIM, SEJ, please contact Malinda (malinda_nichols@umvim.org).