Latest UMVIM News
Alabama Rural Ministries [ARM] Celebrates Another Summer of Service
Alabama Rural Ministries, or ARM as it is sometimes known, celebrates another fruitful summer of making an impact in the lives of Alabamians. From ARM’s latest newsletter:
Summer is not winding down but it is transitioning with students starting back to school. Summer creates so many opportunities to share God’s goodness and Good News! Mission teams from seven churches joined us this summer in Tuskegee. They provided critical home repairs to three families diligently working to make homes warm, safe, and dry all the while extending Christ’s love. Youth teams also provided meaningful and engaging activities with elementary age children through an all-summer long children’s camp, SonShine Kids Day Camp. With the theme of Body Body, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians formed the backdrop to our devotions and conversations each day.
The mission teams provided extensive repairs for four families this summer. Groups rebuilt a roof and began the reshingling process. They tore out water damaged drywall in two rooms and removed water damaged carpet. At another home, eight windows were removed and new windows installed providing better insulation to the neighbor undergoing cancer treatments. Some teams rebuilt two new floors from structural framing to finish planks for one of our neighbors. At the end of the summer, our neighbors celebrated the ministry of the church body coming together to serve.
Meanwhile at SonShine Kids Day Camp, thirty-seven children attended camp for six weeks. The mission teams provided Bible stories, high-energy worship and music, arts &crafts, games, and just loads of summer fun. Each week, a visit to the pool refreshed us and capped off an amazing week. We loved seeing our children fall in love with the Bible, volunteer to pray, and get into fights trying to help each other (still some things to work on!).
We hope Jesus smiled as he saw his servants at work fulfilling his command to love God and love neighbor. We hope Paul gave a nod of approval as the body of Christ came together with many members doing their part. What an awesome summer of love!
Thanks to these mission teams who joined us this summer:
Trinity UMC Fort Walton Beach, FL
Dauphin Way UMC, Mobile AL
Madisonville UMC, Madisonville KY
Dothan FUMC, AL
Pensacola F UMC, FL
Centerpointe Community Church-Prattville, AL
Auburn UMC, AL
As we transition into the fall season, we look forward to serving with college students from Auburn and Tuskegee, local churches and businesses, and visiting churches from around the southeast spending a weekend with us. We invite you to pray with us as we love and serve our neighbor through home repairs and extend an arm of Christ’s love!
Updated Team Leader Handbook Now Available For Download
The 2026 edition of the UMVIM Team Leader Handbook is now available for download. 2 new resources have been added to the book: the team leader checkist and the team leader planning timeline. Other updates consisted of correcting errors, clarification, and use of inclusive language.
The hard copy of the 2026 edition will be available next month to purchase, but the electronic version can be purchased at the UMVIM.org shop by clicking here.
INDIANA TEAM SERVES WITH MISSION GUATEMALA
Our team spent an incredible week serving with Mission Guatemala, working alongside local staff and a youth group from Texas on a school kitchen construction project. Throughout the week, we helped with a variety of tasks that moved the project forward, from preparing materials and assisting with construction to supporting the ongoing efforts to create a safe and functional space where students can receive nutritious meals. Beyond the physical work, it was a meaningful opportunity to build relationships, learn from the community, and see firsthand the impact this kitchen will have on the lives of local children and families.
As we reflect on the week, we are grateful for all that was accomplished and for the many ways we saw God at work through the project and the people we met. We are especially thankful for the prayers, encouragement, and support from friends, family, and our church community back home. Your partnership made this trip possible and sustained us throughout the week. Thank you for walking alongside us and helping make a lasting difference in the lives of those served through Mission Guatemala.
A MISSION JOURNEY TO ALASKA
Our team was composed of members from Chapel Hill UMC, Christ UMC, Convis UMC, Marshall UMC, and Second Missionary Baptist Church – all Battle Creek, area churches. This was the first mission trip for about half of the team. On the first evening that all members were in attendance, the Community UMC church community welcomed our team and provided a pot-luck dinner with traditional foods from the area. Salmon spreads, King crab legs, and local berries (blueberries and salmon berries) were enjoyed. Some members of the team even tried the whale (muktuk) that was shared!
Our team was housed at Community UMC in Nome. Imagine, one bathroom with 14 people! Fortunately, the senior center run by the Nome Community Center (a National Mission Institution of United Women in Faith) offered the use of their shower for the team. While there, we performed a great deal of construction and plumbing work at the church and connected spaces, held Vacation Bible School for the community for three nights, cleaned the church playground to make it safer for those that spent time there (at any moment during 24 hours of daylight!), and assisted in organizing items at Community UMC building and at its resale shop. The resale shop supports the community and is run through the Community UMC.
Prior to our arrival in Nome, the mission member churches pulled together to provide items for layettes. These items were knitted, crocheted, sewn or purchased by members of the church community in Battle Creek and delivered to Community UMC and the Norton Sound Regional Hospital in Nome, Alaska. These items will be distributed throughout the year to provide for the newborns in Nome and neighboring villages.
Our large construction project was not completed as much as we would have hoped. The Community UMC is very grateful for what we were able to accomplish and allows opportunities for other mission teams or another team in the future from the Battle Creek area to complete. Some of the things we accomplished were building two new full bathrooms, moving a vanity into an existing shower room, making a true utility room with a utility sink and washer/dryer combination unit. This included all the electrical and plumbing needed for these spaces to support the items installed. Our team learned of the challenges in doing such large projects in remote areas. There were no stores such as Lowes, Home Depot, Menard’s, or big box stores to go to for supplies. There were two local suppliers that we made many trips to for items that were needed. Our team adapted as needed based on the availability or unavailability of items. Completing these projects was a tremendous and much needed change to an existing apartment and the church community space.
Our team held Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the community – opened to all that desired to attend. We provided a meal at the beginning of each evening for ALL in attendance – parents, family members, supporters, and children. During VBS, many of the family members stayed and participated or talked with members of the team and shared their journey to Nome or their lives as a generational Nome community member. These interactions provided for the community to share what they were proud of and, in some cases, share their concerns and needs of the people of Nome, individually and as a group.
Mornings were a time of reflection and space for some of the team members. There were early risers that walked around Nome – probably every street and area that was in town, and those that chose to go to the edge of the Bering Sea and enjoy the peace while searching for sea glass and listening to the waves at high tide. Being together, with God as our guide, allowed us to feel His presence and prepared us for the day ahead. These moments were impactful and will be deeply missed.
Our team worked well together in preparing our breakfast and dinner. The location, stores, availability of perishable items, and space to store those items required planning. Grocery shopping for the next day was required each evening, setting up for breakfast was required, dinner was cooked each night, and the dishwasher was run at least once per day - usually twice! There were those that planned and prepared most of the evening meals and cleaned up from those meals. Their work allowed our team to enjoy wonderful meals and great fellowship after long hours of mission work. Each evening, after VBS, clean-up from the meal, and construction work, devotions were held along with a team member that would journal the daily happenings. This allowed our team to reflect on all that was happening and how this journey was impacting us individually.
The team interacted each weekday with the Elders and members of the Nome community by sharing prayers and lunch at the XYZ Senior Center. This was a source of great spiritual connection for our team members. Immersing the team with members of the indigenous community, being present, and listening to their stories and history. The team was able to witness hymns being played on instruments and sung in Iñupiaq, an official Alaskan Native language. The language is beautiful and this sharing allowed our team to be immersed in culture and language in ways that had not been experienced by most. This experience brought many of our members to tears. This was a true Alaskan cultural experience that the members of the Nome community shared while welcoming us to their metaphorical “living rooms.”
A moment that changed perspective for many of the team members occurred midweek. As our lead pastor for the journey, Rev. Julie Elmore, had previously served in Nome. Rev. Julie has a relationship with the current pastor at Community UMC, and she was asked to perform a funeral service for two members of the pastor’s family while in town. Our entire team attended the funeral service as a show of support and respect. The service was very different from what is witnessed in Battle Creek, or even the lower 48. During the service, Iñupiaq and English was spoken. The funeral service was very moving and felt by all team members who witnessed the grief of the family. Before burial, as one of the deceased was a military veteran, one of our team members offered to perform Military Honors for the family. Our team member and our local liaison, also a veteran, performed Military Honors for the decedent. This act of kindness brought a connection to the family and community that was unexpected and well received.
A word that was brought up often during the journey was “awe.” I believe that all members were awed by the beauty, kindness, way of life, and all-around experiences while in Nome. We witnessed the way of life in a small village that has no road to access the entire state, requiring barges and airplanes to bring their supplies for food, building supplies, medical supplies, vehicles, and any other needs for the community. Prices were much higher, time was much slower, and the sun never set…not really.
A MICHIGAN TEAM SERVED IN PUERTO RICO
The Ann Arbor First UMC Youth Group sent 11 youth and 5 adults to Camp Corson, Jayuya, Puerto Rico from June 20-27, 2026. We went to Puerto Rico with the goal of being good neighbors. In our evening devotions we studied Bible passages about loving God, our selves, our friends, and our neighbors. We practiced this daily with the people we met, whether at camp, in Jayuya, or at the COSSAO clinic. Rosangelica Acevedo was our gracious host and friend.
To symbolize how we were “spreading the neighborhood of God” we each wore bracelets with a 3D printed representation of the rose window in our sanctuary and beads representing each day of our devotions. When we met someone who became a neighbor, we gave them a bracelet like ours. Everyone at camp, most of the folks at COSSAO, and a few random folks now have lasting symbols of our friendship.
Our task at Camp Corson was to plant up to 400 coffee trees. The previous trees had been damaged in Hurricane Maria, and the beans can be a great source of income for the camp. Our team and the camp staff planted and watered 360 trees in 3 days and were only kept from the final 40 because their locations had not yet been marked. We also did some landscaping, gardening, painting, and maintenance at the camp. At COSSAO we reorganized their food pantry and storage area and distributed food to clients who came for medical assistance.
When not working we explored Jayuya and a nearby waterfall, played games, and spent the last few hours enjoying Old San Juan before returning home.
UMVIM, SEJ News for June 2026
June’s UMVIM, SEJ Newsletter features a personal note from Matt, anniversary t-shirts for sale, and a program for young adult mission team leaders!
Wisconsin team served with Reelfoot Rural Ministry
Here’s a story from a Wisconsin team that served with Reelfoot Rural Ministry on October 2025.
Illinois Great Rivers partners with Mary Johnston Hospital
Mary Johnson Hospital - Healing Together
"Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord." — James 5:14 (NRSVUE)
Ministry Engagement at Mary Johnston Hospital
In December 2024, we visited Mary Johnston Hospital in Tondo, Manila, at the invitation of the hospital leadership to support its healing ministry. During the visit, we delivered a lecture to Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) students, participated in a feeding program for underprivileged children, and helped support the renovation of a hospital room for children with cancer. These activities contributed to the hospital’s mission of holistic care by addressing the community's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Partnership and the Wesley Room Renovation
A highlight of the visit was the launch of the “Wesley Room” project, which involved renovating a patient room dedicated to caring for children with cancer. The renovation was supported by generous donations from Bradley Wesley United Methodist Church and Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Kankakee, to the Philippines Partnership Advance Specials of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference (IGRC). Both churches made monthly financial contributions to the Philippines Partnership Advance Specials until the renovation is complete, demonstrating the United Methodist Church’s connectional mission and commitment to spreading Christ’s healing ministry across communities and nations.
Fundraising Support for the Renovation
In addition to monthly support, Bradley Wesley United Methodist Church held a fundraising event on April 27, 2025, to advance the renovation project at Mary Johnston Hospital. This effort demonstrated the congregation’s commitment to global mission and partnership, helping ensure that the hospital can continue its ministry of healing for patients in need.
Continuing the Ministry of Healing
Founded in 1906 through the missionary efforts of Dr. Rebecca Parrish, Mary Johnston Hospital remains the only United Methodist Church hospital in the Philippines. Located in the densely populated community of Tondo, the hospital continues to serve individuals and families facing both medical and financial hardships. Through the dedication of healthcare workers, chaplains, and mission partners, the hospital embodies the biblical call in James 5 to pray for the sick and care for those in need. The Wesley Room now stands as a symbol of the shared commitment of the churches of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference to bring healing, hope, and compassion to vulnerable communities.
UMVIM, SEJ News for May 2026: Remembering Dr. Hal Crosswell, Project Openings, and more!
UMVIM, SEJ Remembers Dr. Hal Crosswell and his ministry in Haiti, projects requesting Summer mission teams, and more!
UMVIM Offers Perks for Young Mission Team Leaders in 2026
UMVIM is announcing the Train 100 program which will offer incentives for new mission team leaders under 35. Our goal is to train 100 young team leaders to help create a new generation of volunteers by the end of 2026. Those interested can see the graphic for more information, and contact their UMVIM Jurisdictional Coordinator which can be found at umvim.org/contact
Service in Guatemala with ODIM
It was a joy and a privilege to serve this past week with a mission team supporting the Organization for the Development of Indigenous Maya (ODIM) in San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna, Guatemala.
Returning home, it is hard to find the words to convey the powerful impact made on us by working in these communities where poverty affects 97% of the population in San Pablo and 76% In San Juan.
We installed 16 ONIL stoves which provide clean air in a home by venting smoke outside of the dwelling. These stoves reduce the chronic upper respiratory issues experienced by the family, reduce the time and money needed to obtain scarce firewood and offer the safety of an enclosed fire in contrast to open flames on the dirt floor. We also provided Ecofilters to ensure clean drinking water and reduce gastrointestinal illness. We were able to personally get to know the family and share their pride as they lit the first fire in the stove and watched the smoke vent through the new chimney. In appreciation, we savored the sweet tasting watermelon and papaya they offered us.
We also sponsored a Zumba class as part of the “Let’s Walk Together” education program that promotes exercise and healthful living with diabetes. The fun we shared with the staff and participants as we Zumba-ed together was immeasurable. ODIM provides education, health consultations, house visits, and low-cost monthly medicines, serving over 300 diabetic patients.
Through Tz’utujil interpreters, we learned first-hand from participants how additional ODIM programs were lifechanging for their families – including Medical and Dental Clinics, Healthy Mommy and Me, Adolescent Health Education, and Children’s Scholarships. These heartfelt conversations endeared the Maya community to us.
Our ten members came home exhausted but with full hearts and gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of ODIM’s incredible work in empowering the Maya people and communities of San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna.
We thank Wesley UMC (Bloomington IL), Mahomet First UMC (Illinois) and Discovery UMC (Chaska MN) for their caring and support for this mission. And we are grateful for the bond we shared as a team, growing closer in friendship and stronger in our faith.
“Our Journey Together” Episode 2: GCSRW Gen. Secretary Rev. Stephanie York Arnold
UMVIM is asking church leaders 4 questions: -What was your first mission experience and why did you want to serve? -Describe your most formative mission experience, and the lessons you learned. -What are the strengths and weaknesses of the church's mission efforts? -Why is United Methodist Volunteers in Mission important?
Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, General Secretary of General Commission on the Status and Role of Women [GCSRW] of the UMC, join us to talk mission!
