The Disaster Recovery Ministry of the Louisiana Annual Conference

The Disaster Recovery Ministry of the Louisiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church needs your help as we serve those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Volunteers have been the key element in creating this vital ministry which is helping to restore homes, churches and lives in South Louisiana. In many ways, this recovery effort is like a pot of “gumbo” . . . made with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Our “gumbo” of volunteers includes folks of all ages from different ethnic groups, denominations, colleges, and civic and non-profit organizations—all of them selflessly committed to serving the people of Louisiana.

When you volunteer, you are helping to restore mental health and giving hope to the hopeless. As you rebuild lives and churches, the joy from giving selflessly to others is the gift you receive.

Some of you have served on a work team before. Others are considering helping for the first time. As you contemplate your visit to Louisiana, please review and download our Volunteer Brochure and our list of Frequently Asked Questions which will help you plan your mission trip.

In certain parts of the state, storm survivors are actively rebuilding their damaged or destroyed homes. Although much has been done, there are still thousands of homeowners who must have their homes gutted and cleared of damaged furniture and household items. Without you, their ability to recover is bleak. There are now 6 stations in Louisiana that can house and host UMVIM teams.

We invite you to jump into our “volunteer gumbo.” Lend a hand by visiting our website: www.laumcstormrelief.com and clicking on I Want To Help to register an UMVIM team.

If you would like to have a speaker for a meeting of your group, church or organization, please contact me at (225) 346-5193 through Rev. Yvonne Dayries, or e-mail me at revcthomas@bellsouth.net. We can’t wait to welcome you to Louisiana!

Building Bridges for Recovery, I remain
Rev. Connie M. Thomas
Disaster Relief Manager of Volunteers

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God
gave the increase……So then neither is he
that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth;
but God that giveth the increase.”

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Barbara Stone
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission
South Central Jurisdiction
PO Box 331
Mexico, MO 65265
573-253-1374
Email: umvimscj@ktis.net
Web: www.gbgm-umc.org/scjumc/VIM.htm and www.umvim.info

TEAM LEADER TRAINING DATES

With each team going to a disaster or mission site, it is important that the team leader be trained through the PIM Team Leader Training program. This training will prepare each leader to organize the structure of the team, make assignments before departure and create a fully functional team upon arrival at the work site.
Beginning in October 2006 and continuing through February of 2007, PIM is offering identical trainings. Trainings are scheduled in each district with multiple dates for the Greater Houston area. Using the PIM training manual and the approved Safe Sanctuary training for the Texas Annual Conference, participants will have all forms and handouts necessary for their team.

Team leaders are required to attend one training every two years. Beginning in the fall of 2005, all adults, 18 years and older, on a mission team organized at the church, district or conference level must have Safe Sanctuary certification and background checks before departure.

PIM has included Safe Sanctuary training at all the Team Leader Trainings to accommodate all attendees. The team leader then contacts certified trainers in their District to train the team.
[ registration ]

"Educate and Activate"

"Educate and Activate"
Partners In Mission's work in the Texas Annual Conference is to "Educate and Activate" individuals and churches for involvement in hands-on mission projects. Though this information card shares statistically what has been done, there isn't a way, however, to measure the love for others that our volunteers and local churches have shown through their dedication and commitment to this ministry. [ View Statistical Report ]

The 2006 Cooperative School of Christian

The 2006 Cooperative School of Christian Mission came to a close Sunday, July 16, with the nearly 300 participants leaving inspired, informed, and ready to share their knowledge in their local churches. In addition to the adult participants, there were 25 children and 8 youth who learned about Peace, India and Pakistan, and how globalization has changed our lives.

Rev. Marvin Hood led the camp in the Spiritual Growth Study on Peace in the Bible in Our Time. Vivian Oliver (Texas Conference), Monina Fowler, and Sarla Chand taught the second year course on India and Pakistan. Globalization classes were taught by Texas Conference experts: Dr. Danny Wayman, Dr. J.D. Phillips, and Dr. Francis Guidry. Rev. Amy Hodge and Carolyn Brantley worked with the children while Mattie Ordaz and Theresa Graham led the youth in the many activities. Thebe Worden served as dean of the school, and Rev. Donna Brown was assistant dean.

Boards and agencies of the Conference shared in enrichment groups. A Trip to Zimbabwe was shared by Dr. Carolyn McCall; Dancing With a Brave Spirit was led by Dr. Glenna Brayton; Angela Baker reported on the Hurricane Rita Disaster Response. Building Peace One Piece at a Time was led by Elaine Kimsey, while Rev. Richard Laster helped participants to Organize for Mission. Rev. Clint Rabb, General Board of Global Ministries representative, assisted him. Understanding the Texas Political Maze was Judy McFarland’s topic while Rev. Ruby Nelson shared What the Laity Needs to Know about Clergy Sexual Ethics.

Those who attended enjoyed a visit to the Conference Mission Store, an ice cream social, walks around the lake and on the prayer path, time to visit the displays of programs and events in the Texas Conference, the opportunity to purchase study books, and meals with old and new friends. Picture from this year’s school are available on the school’s website: www.cooperativeschool.org.

The Texas Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission is an event planned by the Conference Board of Managers and United Methodist Women. Questions can be directed to Dr. Danny Wayman, Chair of the Board of Mangers or Rev. Donna Brown, Dean of the 2007 school. Email can be sent to cooperativeschool@hotmail.com.