TEAM OPENINGS & MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

Below is the most up-to-date information our office has regarding current team openings and various mission opportunities, however we cannot guarantee that all opportunities are still available. Please contact the team leader for the latest information. 

These opportunities are listed in alphabetical order by country.

To list your own team for a mission opportunity, send an email with details to gray_miller@umvim.org.

Be sure to visit Discover…Mission to learn more about mission journeys for young adults!

arizona

Late June 2026 

Join the Highland Support Project (HSP) and embark on an unforgettable journey of transformation, connection, and care for creation as we explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Arizona. This unique opportunity invites you to serve, learn, and grow in fellowship with others while engaging in meaningful work with First Nation communities.

This engagement is part of an Earth Keeper grant, designed to foster shalom and reconciliation. Through our partnership with VCU Campus Ministry and the Pace Center, you'll join hands in projects that promote food and water sovereignty. Together, we’ll address some of the most pressing environmental challenges while learning about the profound history of boarding schools and their impact on First Nation communities.

Amidst this deeper purpose, you'll also encounter Arizona’s incredible natural beauty. Crossing through breathtaking deserts, volcanic formations, highland forests, and wildlife-rich landscapes. These iconic settings will provide moments of spiritual awakening and connection with creation unlike any other.

Beyond the scenery, you’ll meet and work alongside inspiring people who are leading the way in ecological and socially sustainable solutions. These collaborations will foster meaningful relationships, a shared sense of purpose, and new perspectives that will stay with you for life.

This experience isn’t just about service—in equal measure, it’s about fellowship, learning, and spiritual growth. We’ll listen, learn, and build relationships while enjoying the richness of the culture and the land. Together, we create hope-filled and empowered communities for a brighter future.

All meals, on-ground transportation, and accommodations are included.

Cost: $1350 + flight 

Leader: Brian Ramirez

Contact: hello@highlandpartners.org

Be part of this incredible opportunity to make a positive impact while connecting deeply with both people and the earth. Sign up today and join us in Arizona!

democratic republic of the congo, NOrth Katanga

July 1-10, 2026

Are you a medical professional with a heart to serve? The West Ohio Conference is assembling a medical mission team to bring hope and healing to the North Katanga District of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

We’re looking for passionate and skilled individuals to join us — including a General Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, Pharmacist, Optometrist, Nurses, OBGYN, and Cardiologist.

Our team will work alongside Dr. Patrick, the lead physician at the United Methodist clinic in Kamina, providing essential care, sharing expertise, and strengthening the clinic’s capacity to serve its community.

This is more than a mission—it’s a chance to make a tangible impact, build lasting relationships, and be part of God’s healing work in the world.

To learn more, contact Rev. Karen Cook, Ex Director of Connectional Ministries for the West Ohio Conference.
Together, we can make a world of difference!

guatemala

January 31-February 7, 2026

Serve with the Organization for the Development of Indigenous Mayan (ODIM) in Juan and San Pablo.

The Organization for the Development of the Indigenous Maya (ODIM) serves the Tz’utujil Maya towns of San Pablo La Laguna and San Juan Laguna. Our mission team will be installing safe stoves that remove smoke in up to 16 families’ dwellings.

No construction experience? - no problem. The ODIM staff will guide us through the process.

In addition to stove installation, those participating will learn more about the Indigenous Mayan culture as well as have time for cultural/adventure activities in the beautiful area with mountains, volcanoes, blue lakes - possibilities such as hiking, a coffee tour, a weaving demonstration, kayaking, visiting the Atitlan Natural Reserve.

We will stay in modest hotels in single or double rooms; most meals will be arranged by the ODIM staff.

Cost: approximately $2000 per person

Team leader: Susan Deason.

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June 10 - June 17, 2026

Join the Highland Support Project (HSP) for a transformative Creation Care experience, designed to foster collaboration between youth across borders and develop Creation Care ministries with Guatemalan youth. This initiative is realized in partnership with the Guatemalan National Primitive Methodist Church and guided by Ben Blevins, a United Methodist Earth Keeper, and Guadalupe Ramirez, Women and Youth Program Coordinator with the Guatemalan National Primitive Methodist Church.

This unique experience is offered in conjunction with Christ the Servant Evangelical Lutheran Church from Colorado, promoting interdenominational and interfaith collaboration to foster human and ecological flourishing and restore Shalom in our relationships with creation.

Over the course of this week-long journey in Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan, participants will engage in hands-on projects such as reforestation, community gardening, and environmental education workshops, working alongside local families and Guatemalan youth. Together, you’ll explore how to build sustainable practices and ministries that honor God’s creation.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Guatemala through interactive presentations, cultural exchanges, and activities that celebrate the beauty of creation. Highlights include visits to a thriving coffee cooperative, a serene lagoon atop an inactive volcano, and the historic streets of a colonial city. This is a powerful blend of collaboration, cultural exploration, and spiritual growth. All meals, on-ground transportation, and accommodations are included.

Cost: $1400 + flight (approx. $750)
Contact: hello@highlandpartners.org
Leaders: Ben Blevins & Guadalupe Ramirez

This is an opportunity to connect, learn, and make a lasting impact on Creation Care while building relationships across borders and faith traditions. Don’t miss it!

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Honduras

February 21-28, 2026
Medical Mission Team has opening for one medical person (an MD, NP, or RN).  The team will be providing medical/dental/eye care in villages in the mountains of central Honduras.  The cost is $2,250 per person which includes, lodging, meals, and insurance. 

We will stay in a mission house and leave from there to a different village every day of the week.  God may be calling you to this very mission.  The experience is both rewarding and life changing.  To learn more about this ministry visit https://www.fobf.org/.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact co-leader Dr. Carlos Liceaga, P.E. at 757-768-2223 or

Carlos.Liceaga@gmail.com.

Kenya

July 15-30, 2026

What type of work is planned in this mission journey? Training Pastor and lay preachers, VBS Mission with schoolchildren, repairs and painting the school, learning cultural exchange with the school parents and teachers, enjoying the Kenyan culture, the safari and Indian Ocean Beaches.

What are the plans for overnight accommodations and meals? Nairobi (shared private apartments), Maasai Mara (shared lodge), Kisii (private rooms hotel), Mombasa (Private rooms resort)

Who is handling travel arrangements? Host uses a local travel agent who handles all travelling arrangements inclusive of insurance plans

Who is the local (Kenyan) host organization? We work with an agent and the Greenhill Amani School Director and Board.

What size of group you are planning or hoping for? We host between 15 and 20 people for two weeks (every year the last two weeks of July)

What other United Methodist Churches from the U.S. are participating? None, but we are open to travel with anyone called to go to mission to make disciples and transform lives in Kenya

Are team members bringing their own tools and supplies? We normally locally buy any needed supplies as a mission team.

Are there specific skills that are requested? Teachers, social workers, engineers, doctors, pastors, nurses, chaplains and all called to mission work. 

What else should we know about? Starting November 2025, we virtually meet the last Friday of every month until the last week of June 2026 for an hour of preparation and orientation.

Cost: $5,500 covering 90% all inclusive (accommodations, international flights, ground transportation, two day safari in Maasai Mara, local flight from Nairobi to and from Mombasa/Indian Ocean.

Deadline: By November of the year before the year of travelling. By December 2025, we will buy air tickets. Before February 1st, 2026, we will pay 65% of the total $4000. Before June 30, 2026, we will pay 35% (the remaining final balance). 

Contact: Rev. Dr. Saneta Maiko

Mozambique

MEDICAL VIM TRIP TO MOZAMBIQUE PLANNED FOR MAY 2026

The Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church is planning a medical VIM trip to Chicuque Rural Hospital in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique May 1- May 17, 2026. The ideal 10-12 member team will include several medical professionals prepared to present current evidence-based practice on any (but not limited to) of the following topics:

1. Approach to diabetes mellitus;
2. High blood pressure, pre- and post eclampsia;
3. Pre- and postpartum hemorrhage;
4. Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke;
5. Liver diseases;
6. Renal failure.
7. Resuscitation of newborns and adults;

The envisioned team’s itinerary includes sponsorship of a 2-day regional medical symposium followed by several days of ‘hands-on’ inpatient instruction at Chicuque Rural Hospital. Non-medical volunteers are also sought to handle symposium logistics as well as involvement in local church ongoing ministries. 

Cost for the trip: $4000 per person and is all-inclusive (roundtrip airfare from Washington DC, lodging, meals, medical supplies, symposium costs, transportation in country, and 2 day/2 night stop at Kruger National Park in South Africa). 

Interested persons should contact Nancy Forrest, BSN, MPH, IBCLC , team leader, for more information: Nancy Forrest

mrpk15@aol.com