Now is the time to begin planning your next Volunteer In Mission trip. Hopefully, things will begin to open up some this spring. Consider Sager Brown in Baldwin, LA. How about Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Chatham, IL? What about working on the upcoming disaster response project in the Cedar Rapids area? All of these and more can use the assistance of your church group of volunteers.
Hi, I’m Linda Rowe, the new Iowa United Methodist Volunteer In Mission (UMVIM) Coordinator. I live in Bloomfield, IA, and am a retired Physical Education teacher. Not completely retired though, I still am an assistant cross country and track and field coach, substitute bus driver, and whatever else might keep me in touch with the kids. I attend the Bloomfield UMC. I have been on many VIM trips over the past 15 years or so. For several years now the UMVIM program has not functioned really well, at least as far as letting others know what is going on. I hope we can change that. We do have district (soon maybe regions) representatives in place and I’m excited to help you find a place to do hands-on-missions in or outside of your community.
Two things would be helpful to know:
1) What did your church or mission group do in 2020?
2) What are your plans for a mission team(s) in 2021?
I would like to see many postings of write-ups and photos on our Conference website of things happening. Use this avenue for stories. Go on there and the North Central Jurisdiction site for information about all things mission. Look at iaumc.org, then ministries, then VIM for my information, and that of the district representatives, and more. I have set up an email for VIM information. It is simply: [email protected] or you may use my personal email: [email protected] or contact me by phone at 641-664-1828. Please—pastors, mission chairs, and team leaders—let me or your area representative know about your plans for any trips.
If you need trip insurance we can help you. If you want a list of US and/or overseas projects we have that. Need team leader training, there are virtual sessions coming up. If you want to talk to an experienced volunteer for advice or tips, that’s available.
Even with the Covid virus still affecting us, I know there will be projects in Iowa in the area hit by the derecho this spring.
I’m excited to work with you as you offer an opportunity for Christian service!
Let’s put our Love Into Action!!