In January of this year, UMVIM SEJ Executive Director, Paulette West, traveled with a group to Cambodia to explore UMC Projects, develop relationships with project leaders, and gain a greater sense as to how the Church is moving and growing in Southeast Asia.

Paulette’s trip was preceded by a group from the Virginia Conference led by Rev. Glenn Rowley, Virginia Conference Director of Justice and Missional Excellence. In 2012, the Virginia Conference added Cambodia to their Initiatives of Hope Mission Ministry, and as listed on their website, they are “charged with equipping pastors and laity in their work of sharing the gospel and building community as they preach, teach and work in partnership to meet social and spiritual needs in their villages and cities.”

To read more about their trip, Neill Caldwell, Editor of the Advocate, has shared the March 2013 issue which can be viewed by downloading the pdf by clicking here.

While in Cambodia, Paulette had the opportunity to interview several UMC Missionaries who are serving in different capacities. We have all of their interviews on our YouTube Channel for you.

The first interview is from Ester Karimi Gitobu, UMC Missionary from Kenya and VIM Coordinator. In this video she discusses opportunities for VIM Teams and Volunteers. You can view her interview by clicking here.

The second interview is from Romeo del Rosario, UMC Missionary in Cambodia, and in this video he talks about the population in Cambodia and opportunities for the church to grow through children and young people. You can view his video by clicking here. “We have to think of ways by which the church can be in ministry with the children and the youth.”-Romeo.

The final interview is with Clara Mridula Biswas, UMC Missionary in Cambodia from Bangladesh. She serves with education and children’s ministries. Her interview can be viewed by clicking here.

Also, as a special treat for our hearts, there are several videos of worship, preschool kids laughing, and three videos of children singing.

Check out our YouTube channel for all of these videos and more!

For more information about Cambodia, or if you would like to chat a little about it, please call (205.453.9480) or email(sejinfo@umvim.org) our office! 

To view more about the UMC Missionaries serving in Cambodia and pray for or support their work, click their names below to see their Missionary Profiles:

Ester Karimi Gitobu

Romeo del Rosario

Clara Mridula Biswas

John Elmore is a UMC Missionary serving and he has provided insight into what happened that day, the days which followed, and the years of rebuilding efforts that continue.

Several UMVIM teams are needed to continue the rebuilding efforts. Please read more, in his words:

“April 2010. First Glance.

After the Earthquake on the 27th of February, everyone was in sort of a whirlwind of confusion. Yes we have had earthquakes in the past, so that part was not new. No, we had not had an Earthquake of this Magnitude ever. I was in Angol, with my wife where I work as a missionary with General Board of Global Ministries. My first concern was for the well-being of my immediate family. Safety, water, food, ect; . Then, I was concerned with the well-being of a VIM team group that I had left the night before to tour towns to the South of Angol. We had no phone communication; I did not know the extent of the damage. The only thing I knew for the first half of the day was that my wife and I were alright, my neighbors were okay as well.

The dust had settled, and the first day communication was starting to leak in. Although we had no electricity and water for a week, people started to try and survive the best that they could. Living in the country, a lot of people have water wells that are not dependent on electricity. People had some food resources.

We in Angol learned of the extent of the major damage to the west of us on the coast; the town of Concepcion, second largest city in Chile. We heard of the terrible destruction, and then the aftermath of a tsunami…

‘Lord hear our Prayers’

At First Glance, or passing glance the destruction did not appear to be so bad. There were noticeable cracks in walls and roofs that were made of clay tiles had tiles slide off. Buildings that were made of Adobe fell down. This kind of damage is expected of an earthquake of this size. Buildings that were seemingly structurally sound did not crumble. I expected to see a lot more visible damage at First Glance.

It is when you look closer; it is when you take the time to see the more penetrating damage that has occurred.

‘Lord hear our Prayers’

Buildings have been condemned, in Angol they are tearing down whole city blocks. This is the same in all the earthquake affected areas, from Santiago to Chillan, to Linares, Parral,  Concepcion, In Dichato and Penco  where the sea rose and took away not only houses and backyards, streets and businesses, but memories of  family times, of church outings, of  a life that at one time was a peaceful existence in a small fishing  coastal town. Now the Pastor and his Family from the Methodist Church in Penco live in the church, because they were washed out of their home by a tsunami…

‘Lord hear our Prayers’

After a First Glance,  you see  Methodist Church communities  in Los Angeles Chile, a membership of 140, the largest church  membership of the  whole Region gathered in a small classroom numbering maybe twenty, needing the comfort of their Church community family but still scared to come out  of their houses because of the daily aftershocks.

‘Lord hear our Prayers’

The Methodist Church of Angol, their long-lasting presence over 80 years sitting on one of the tree-lined four corners of the downtown Plaza in Angol.

The building has been condemned. What an awful sounding word: condemned. Well, it does describe the feelings of the membership of this church community, seeking, hoping for a light in the night. As the days pass, they have come to accept the fate of their beloved church building. The building has to come down. They have no money to do this, it is a big building, the estimate for this destruction is about twenty thousand dollars. The members have done everything they can do themselves, now they wait for the funds to come in.

‘Lord hear our Prayers’

The Methodist Church community, when they saw what was going on, they responded immediately. All Methodist Churches through out Chile had special collections to help their brothers in the South Central part of Chile,  Clothing , Blankets, food, water were sent to those areas.

‘Lord hear our Prayers’

On May 8^th, a group of Methodist Men from the North, Iquique will be traveling to  Linares to help build a  house for the Pastor, so that he will have a shelter before the winter rains come.  The Bishop has asked me to go and help this group. I will travel there with my wife and stay for the duration.

‘Lord hear our Prayers’

Lives have changed, the physical effect is more obvious and somewhat expected after an Earthquake of this magnitude. The physiological effect goes a little deeper.  This condition needs to be looked at and handled more delicately. We as a Christian community here in Chile intend on taking this very seriously.

This condition, if not treated by care of the Church and people just like you and me, Can and will have a more lasting effect than the damage structurally of a building. It is for this reason.  We need your help.. Please talk to your Churches, and pray about ways that you can join us here in Chile to rebuild.

‘Lord hear our Prayers’

Mission teams are needed, not just to rebuild the damages that were left by the earthquake, but to come together as a Christian community extending your hand and saying, “Here I am, your neighbor, your sister, your brother, asking what I can do to help you.” Your mere presence will build a stronger, more lasting foundation for recovery that is much needed.

Febuary 20, 2013

 ’Lord has heard our Prayers’

 It has almost been three years to the date, since a devastating Earthquake ripped it’s way through the Center of Chile, leaving in it’s wake destruction and fear.

Gods people have both near and far have responded in kind with hope prayers of rehabilitation. Today we have seen the destruction but most important we have felt Gods undying presence and love for his Children.

The needs of his people have been and still are being met by those from abroad but also from the Government of Chile and different humanitarian organizations within Chile..

 ’Lord has heard our Prayers’

 The Methodist Church of Parral was condemned.  VIM groups from Alabama came and helped them to build a new Church. The building of the new Church  for the community is great, but even greater is the building of relationships in the process.

 ’Lord has heard our Prayers’

The Methodist Church of Linares. The parsonage was destroyed..  With Help from Methodist Men in the  Northern part of Chile and other groups in Chile, two weeks ago The Methodist Church of Linares opened It’s new Church Doors to the Community. They also have a new Pastor that is living at the Church.

‘Lord has heard our prayers’

 The 2^nd Methodist Church Of Temuco suffered structural damage. Three VIM Groups from Wisconsin have been here to rebuild their Church.

The Methodist Church of Chile consists of eighty Churches stretched over thirty- eight hundred miles. One Bishop, and twelve superintendents.

We are eight thousand Methodists, this includes, High Schools, and Elementary schools.  The Methodist Church of Chile is poor. Most Churches don’t have the means to even do more that just pay the utility bills.

VIM WORK TEAMS are very much needed in all of Chile. If you come and join in communion with the Church members, there is always something to do. Most people say, “Well I don’t have any skills to help with construction.” Well that’s not the point. The point of going on a work team is showing Gods love in Action, You are God’s feet and hands, and ears in the world. Come to Chile help us build a Church community of Faith.

If you are interested in Bringing a VIM team to Chile, Contact me. elmor59@gmail.com

I work at EL Vergel Agricultural School for Mapuche Indian Students. It is a boarding school for boys and girls of High School age. I accept VIM teams year round. The School is very old, and is in constant need of repair.

This year we will be building a new Dinning hall and two classrooms..

Needs:

• Santiago – There is a need for  four Groups, Three Churches are in need of Repair
• Methodsit Church of Parral-This church will need  3  work teams.  A group of Methodsit Men from the Southern District of Chile will go work in October for three days.
• The Methodist Church of Linares- Many teams are needed to rebuild the parsonage and the Temple
• Methodist Church of Penco-This church needs to rebuild a wall around the Parsonage that was washed away by the tsunami,  Four Groups to this area.
• 2^ND  Methodist Church of Temuco-Three teams will be able to do the repair work on this church

‘Lord hear our Prayers’”

Reprinted from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002
Consultation on Common Texts
 
 

First Sunday of Advent: “When did I see you?”
 
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you….?’” -Matthew 25:37
 
The Advent and Christmas season are always tough times for me. So many unpleasant and challenging events have taken place for me personally during this season of the year. I know that I am not alone in having this special time of the Christian year being overshadowed by life’s events that challenge the hope, joy and peace that the season proclaims.
 
Several years ago I was especially in one of those challenging times, remembering the tragic loss of my younger brother and the events surrounding it, that I had once again chosen to seclude myself and not let the season or family or anything else break into my time of struggle. It was Christmas Eve and after leading worship and communion, I found myself at home not looking forward to the day ahead when someone knocked on my door. Standing at the door was a man that I had never met before who spoke very little English who simply asked for a place to stay for the night for his family. I took Manuel and his family to a nearby hotel to stay the night! (What else could I do on this night of all nights?) Isn’t it amazing how God comes to us at the time we need him most!
 
On the way home with tears in my eyes, I gave thanks to God for once again coming in the moment of my greatest need; for giving me the ability to speak enough Spanish (a result of UMVIM trips to remote areas of Mexico) to communicate; and for being able to experience anew Emmanuel, God with us!
 
Mission experiences and opportunities to live in the midst of need have offered me incredible opportunities to see the very presence of God. Have you offered yourself to be in the places where God is at work lately? I encourage you during this season to be present in the places where the hungry, the thirsty and those in need show us the face of God.
 
O God, give us eyes to see when we are in Your presence! Help us to look for You in the presence of strangers, and help us to be Your hands and feet in this world of need. AMEN
 
-Rev. Chris Cumbest, Senior Pastor
St Paul UMC, Ocean Springs, MS
 

God of justice and peace,
from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness,
that all on earth may stand in awe and wonder
before your marvelous deeds.
Raise our heads in expectation,
that we may yearn for the coming day of the Lord
and stand without blame before your Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
 
 
Reprinted from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002
Consultation on Common Texts
 
 
Wishing you and your family a joyous Advent Season!
UMVIM, SEJ
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission
 

 
Listed below are breakdowns of what your gift could benefit:
 
$25 Training Individual Volunteers to live in service to a community building trusting and mutual relationships either domestically or internationally.
 

$50 Training Team Leaders to provide guidance to team members as they serve with the hope of providing a mutually transformative experience for both the team and the community they serve.

$100 Providing Volunteer Management to disaster-affected areas, bringing hope and healing to the community.

$250 Providing opportunities to equip young adults and Wesley Foundations to serve globally.

$500 Creating and sustaining relationships internationally for the promotion and development of projects for which to receive volunteers

$1000 Creating and sustaining a dynamic internship program to provide a holistic service approach to mission to raise up passionate, young leaders.

*Note: the preceding examples are representative of the costs related to executing programs of UMVIM. UMVIM reserves the right to allocate gifts to programs in the greatest need.

To Donate online to UMVIM, SEJ, please click here.
 
If you would like to mail a check, please send to 100 Centerview Dr. Suite 210, Birmingham, AL 35216
 
For more information about #GivingTuesday, please click here.
 
 

Tuesday: We are thankful for our Emergency Response Teams and Long-term Recovery Teams. ERTs quickly and compassionately respond to disasters; exhibiting Christian Love in Action to the people affected. They attend special trainings to remain up-to-date on protocol and are self-sufficient once in the area. Long-term Recovery Teams assist in the rebuilding process after a disaster has hit and ERTs have transitioned out of the area. We are grateful that these groups remain alert and are prompt in volunteering to serve. They truly are the ‘hands and feet’ as they listen, assist, and work with those who have been affected. If you are interested in more information as to how to serve in the areas affected by Superstorm Sandy, please click here.

Wednesday: We are thankful for our Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference Coordinators, Board Members, and local churches who provide guidance, support, friendship, service and leadership. The Conference Coordinators work within their local conference to support the mission of UMVIM and frequently lead trainings to encourage others to lead trips. Our Board Members meet regularly to guide the vision and mission of UMVIM. They are men and women, clergy and laity, who are excellent advocates for short-term mission! UMVIM sends a huge “Thank-You!” to local churches. Their partnership with UMVIM and projects around the world is truly bringing heaven to earth.

Thursday: We are thankful for all UMVIM Individual Volunteers and Team Leaders. Individual Volunteers serve for at least three months (and up to several years) in a setting different from their home. Through living in these settings, they build relationships with people, disciple with people, grow with people. Their service is invaluable to the church. We are thankful that so many Team Leaders do not simply lead one trip and call it quits. Many, many UMVIM Team Leaders lead their first trip and are hooked; traveling back to the same country and visiting others as well. They also have a renewed, refreshed, revitalized hearts for service and encourage others to join them.

UMVIM was awarded a Certificate of Merit in Video Production-less than $500-for the UMVIM 2012 Jurisdictional Conference Video Report. UMVIM was also awarded a Certificate of Merit in E-Newsletters. Farrington submitted several UMVIM Updates as examples.
 
Later in the evening an award was given for Website Content. Farrington noted that the website has been a “major project for the office” and the staff as a whole was “excited to be recognized for hard work.”
 
An Award of Excellence in Publicity and Advertising was given for the VIM Awareness Sunday packet that was distributed at the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.
 
Paulette West, Executive Director of UMVIM, SEJ, stated the following: “I am extremely proud of Cristin Farrington and UMVIM, SEJ for receiving this recognition. It is affirmation of the creative efforts that Cristin has put into the development of the website and other communication pieces. With limited resources, she is always innovative in maximizing information and ideas to focus in specific ways. These awards acknowledge the superior quality that Cristin has created with the UMVIM, SEJ communication, but it is also, indicative of the excellence that the staff strives to provide in all areas.”
 
During the Awards Ceremony, which took place in Arlington, Virginia October 19, 2012, the UMVIM Development Director, Jenn Bryant tweeted, “Big shout out to @ccfarrington for winning 3 awards so far at #UMAC12 ! @UMVIMSEJ is blessed to have you!”
 
While briefing with West, Farrington reflected how thankful she is to serve in Communication Ministry, serving as a “megaphone for all of the wonderful UMC and UMVIM volunteers serving throughout the world.” She continued, “It is beautiful to have the opportunity of sharing the stories of local congregations, UMVIM teams, and UMVIM projects around the world who serve as the hands and feet of Christ.”

To read a detailed history of the Methodist Church in Cuba written by Aldo Gonzalez, please click here. It is an excellent article and we are thankful for his love for the growth of the church in Cuba.
 

We have two video interviews on YouTube that are specific stories of Cuba:
Click here to watch Aldo’s story.
Click here to watch Carl Presley’s story.
 
If you are interested in leading a team to Cuba, financially supporting the work that is currently going on, or would like to pray for specific requests pertaining to Cuba, please email our office at sejinfo@umvim.org and we will connect you.