Fall 2013 News Letter - United Methodist Volunteers in Mission

Download additional copies at UMVIM-SC.org
VIM
VIGOR AND VITALITY
NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA UNITED METHODIST
VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION
VOLUME XXVII, NUMBER 1
Fall 2013
Table of Contents
IN MEMORIAM
Disaster Planning
Mission Reports:
ERT Tornado Response
Tocache, Guatemala
Eleuthera, Bahamas
Dominica School in La Ureana, Dominican Republic
Rice and Beans Ministries in Alajuela, Costa Rica
Santiago, Veraguas, Panama
Colqueamaya and Eucalyptus, Bolivia
Boca de Camarioca, Cuba
Jeremie, Haiti
World Methodist Peace Prize
Bulletins
Dr. Jimmy Mitchell, beloved charter member
and longtime friend of South Carolina United Methodist
Volunteers in Mission, died on Saturday, October 19,
2013.
Dr. James “Jimmy” Rheney Mitchell, Sr., 92,
passed away surrounded by his family. He is survived
by his children; Jim (Nadine) Mitchell, Tom (Carol)
Mitchell, Julia (Brent) Shealy, Ruth (Larry) Brigham,
and Kathy (Craig) Boykin; 14 grandchildren, and 11
great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his
devoted wife of 63 years, Eileen H. Mitchell, and his
brother and sisters.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As a teenager, Jimmy worked behind the soda
fountain at Henry's Pharmacy in Leesville. After WWII
service, in 1950, he earned his Doctorate in Pharmacy
from the University of South Carolina, and eventually
owned Henry's Pharmacy. Dr. Mitchell, a life-long
resident of Batesburg-Leesville, actively served his
church, Leesville United Methodist, and his community.
TRIP REPORTS!!
Your mission is not complete ‘til you share the story!
Please send trip reports to Arlene Andrews at
[email protected]
Jimmy was a charter member of United
Methodist Volunteers in Mission, making a number of
trips to Haiti and Cuba. His many community activities
included Mayor of Leesville, 15 years on the Leesville
Town Council, and board service with the Ridge Arts
Council and SC Poultry Festival. A member of the SC
Pharmaceutical Association, he received their A.H.
Robbins "SC Bowl of Hygeia" for outstanding
community service. He also received the SC "Order of
the Palmetto."
In your report, please include the following:
 Destination and host organization, dates, names
of team members, and a narrative witness
account of your experience.
 If you send photos, please limit to two photos
and include captions for the photos. Send digital
pictures, please.
 Please type the report in a standard font and send
it by email so that it can be uploaded into the
newsletter.
Memorials may be made to Leesville United
Methodist Church or United Methodist Volunteers in
Mission, 510 E. Church Street, Batesburg-Leesville, SC
29070.
We look forward to reading your story!!!
You may post more pictures and tell more stories at the
UMVIM-SC website!
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SC-ERT-UMVIM Response to Bowman EF-1
Tornado – June 5, 2013
Billy Robinson
Lee and Don McMillan, District Superintendent Joe Long, and Jim
Smith helped teach youth at Revolution how to pack flood buckets
On June 4, 2013, an EF-1 Tornado struck the
Ebenezer Road area of Orangeburg County (close to
Bowman, SC near the Dorchester County line). The
next day (Wednesday, June 5) a SC United Methodist
Volunteers In Mission Early Response Team (UMVIM –
ERT) responded with three disaster response trailers and
thirteen volunteers.
DISASTER PLANNING
The key to effective disaster response is
PREPARATION. For guidance from the United
Methodist Conference in SC, go to:
http://www.umcsc.org/home/ministries/disasterresponse/
ERT Volunteers worked side by side with home
owners and community volunteers in a wonderful caring
effort to help clear debris from homes and establish
access plus place tarps on damaged roofs. They freed a
vehicle that was completely covered with a tree and
debris. And the team rescued a rabbit whose cage was
crushed under debris; it emerged ok and was handed to a
thankful family.
FOR COMMUNITIES…
You can prepare to help communities affected
by disaster by putting together Cleaning Buckets, Health
Kits, and other kits. Bring them to the UMC-SC
Conference Center. Instructions are at the website above
Five homes had roof tarps placed just before
heavy rain began. Four homes had chainsaw work (3
major, one moderate) that re-established access to the
homes.
FOR YOUR CHURCH…
Oh, no! A tornado strikes your sanctuary. Or a
fire breaks out in your educational building. What will
your congregation do? Does your church have its
disaster response plan ready for action? The website
above offers guidance for how to plan.
We worked hard and dedicated as always but the
community did also! They came together with
chainsaws, heavy equipment, and helping hands to
accomplish a great amount of good in a short period of
time. County Emergency Services personnel including
fire departments and SC DOT did an excellent job of
cutting out the roadways and performing assessments to
guide our work. We had frequent interactions with
power company workers. Orangeburg County
Emergency Services Director Billy Staley continuously
provided up-dated information and even took us out to
help do our assessments. He made provisions for us to
work out of one of Bowman’s Fire Departments located
at 1813 Ebenezer Road.
It was very uplifting and encouraging to see
people of all walks of life come together to help a
community in need. As always, it truly was an honor and
privilege to be used as God’s hands and feet and oh how
beautiful is the feeling of fulfillment that comes through
loving your neighbors as yourself!
Troy Thomas & Kent Blocksome nailing down a tarp on the damaged
roof of a home at 501 Easterlin Road
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Team members were: Mendel Infinger, Betty
Wilson, Kent & Bettie Blocksome, Darrel Briggs,
Frankie Whetstone, Bruce McIntire, Billy Robinson,
Rev. Ken Phelps, Rev. Melvin Bell, Jerry Harris, Troy &
Renee Thomas.
Our group worked with the UMVIM site called
Mission Guatemala. Founded in the spring of 2009 by
Rev. Tom Heaton, Mission Guatemala exists to help the
poor people of Guatemala. The Mission facility houses
a medical clinic with doctor, a dental office, and a
preschool. It provides a nutritional feeding program in a
few schools and is working to provide clean, constant
water sources for schools. In addition, Mission
Guatemala has a healthy homes project to help provide
safe stoves and a clean water supply.
All interested in ERT training need to contact
Billy Robinson at [email protected] or 803-5398429.
Our team worked in the village of Tocache to
help complete a tower water tank, filtration system, and
hand washing station with eight faucets. We also
provided an afternoon Bible school for children. We
acted out stories from the Bible, made crafts together,
played soccer and other games, and also worshiped
together. The children loved the song Cristo Me Ama
(Jesus Loves Me). The sound of their voices blended
with the voices of our team and the accompaniment of a
guitar could be heard throughout Tocache.
Team working (ERT Trailer in foreground) at a damaged home on
Ebenezer Road
MISSION REPORT: Guatemala
Leigh Randall, Director of Student Ministries
Advent UMC, Simpsonville
Advent UMC embarked on its first-ever
international mission opportunity for high school seniors
in the summer of 2013. Guatemala was the place we felt
God’s call to serve. The Advent UMC Mission
Guatemala Team of 14 began the journey by flying from
Atlanta to Guatemala City. We then boarded vans to
travel three hours to Panajachel, a quaint city with
cobblestone streets, Tuk-Tuk taxis, and shops that open
onto the street.
Sisters and brothers in Christ, Simpsonville-Tocache
In the words of some of the students who served
on this mission trip, “Mission Guatemala is new found
hope. It’s God on earth today. It’s a place you can come
to show God’s tangible love to others. Mission
Guatemala is the Lord’s love in action.”
The city of Panajachel is located on the banks of
Lake Atitlan. Surrounding the lake are three non-active
volcanoes. The beauty of God’s creation is evident!
The lake is over 1100 feet deep and many Mayan
villages and towns rest nearby. The Mayan people are
known for their incredible craftsmanship including
creative tortillas and weaving brightly colored scarves,
skirts, shirts, dresses, tapestries, headbands and
bracelets. Corn, beans and avocado are some of the
many crops that grow well in this region. Agriculture
and textiles are the main sources of income for the
Mayan people, who live on about one dollar per day.
Our team of missionaries went to share the love
of Christ with the people of Guatemala but the people of
Guatemala shared the radical love of Christ with us! We
felt it many times during the week, especially on our
final workday when we arrived to find that the children
had prepared a special celebration in our honor! Flowers
and decorations were everywhere! It was humbling to
sit as guests of honor as the children shared cultural
dances and songs with us.
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While in Tocache we felt the love of Christ in
ways we never expected. One such way was through the
sound of running water when the hand washing station
was completed. Words cannot describe the way God’s
loved moved through the simple sound of water!
We felt Christ’s love most often from the
children of Tocache. One of the students said “when the
kids come up to you and want to hug you, you can really
see God in their faces. They just want to love you, no
matter what.”
In the summer of 2013 Salkehatchie
had 46 camps and 3, 505 registered
campers!!
The impact of our service in Guatemala will
have a lasting impact on our team. One team member
summed it by saying, “This trip has really given me a
heart for international missions. It showed me that this
life is so much more than going to church in the United
States and so much more than something that you keep
to yourself. This trip has encouraged me to share my
faith and it’s inspired me to help others around the
world.”
MISSION REPORT: Eleuthera, Bahamas
Mary Wolfe
Every year for the past 12 years the Grace
Methodist Church of Pickens Bahamas Mission Team
makes the journey to the island of Eleuthera in the
Bahamas in July. Home construction and repair are
usually on their agenda once they arrive. This year's task
was to participate in an UMVIM project: to start
construction of a Methodist church in Deep Creek. Lead
by Ray Haskett and Ken Lowe, most of this group were
veteran mission members (twelve had been to Eleuthera
before, two were “newbies”). Following are reflections
upon return from the trip.
Our 2013 Mission Guatemala Team Members
included: Chuck Crews, Shawna Darnell, Eleta
Donelan, Rev. Nick Elliott, Julianne Howerton, Emily
Mitchem, Kelly Moore, Tori Pilgrim, Emily Praktish,
Leigh Randall, Will Randall, Christine Sharp, Tom
Sharp, and Abigail Wetzel. Advent’s senior class of
2014 is planning a second Senior Class Trip to
Guatemala to serve with Mission Guatemala in the
summer of 2014.
We’ve only been back from our mission trip to
Eleuthera, Bahamas for 2 weeks and the whole team is
already wanting to go back and finish the job. The sense
of family was so strong among the fourteen of us. Our
commitment to serving God and each other in this
project began before we left. At our preparation
meeting, each team member was given a booklet, with
devotions to be read daily for one week before and each
of the ten days of the trip. Our project was to help the
community of Deep Creek, Eleuthera, Bahamas
construct a 2800 sq ft church.
Once we arrived in Eleuthera, we hit the ground
running. A survey of the work site was daunting when
we saw the huge mound of dirt in the center of the
foundation. In the course of the week, we estimated that
we had moved about 85 tons of materials by hand, with
shovels, buckets and wheelbarrows.
Advent UMC youth building clean water facilities in Tocache,
Guatemala
We spent the first two days filling in, leveling,
and compacting the foundation area for the concrete pad.
We pulled string lines across the foundation, filling dirt
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into all the low spots, then using hand tamps to compact
the fill for a solid base on which to pour the floor.
of which was loaded by hand into the mixer, poured into
wheelbarrows, and then poured out into the prepared
area.
It was extremely hot. At times the work seemed
like a boot camp work out that wouldn’t end. Each day,
by noon a lot of the team members were worn out. We
could see that we had to go into re-coup mode, so we put
up a tarp for a “shade shack” for refuge from the sun
from time to time.
We also had to be keenly aware of the need for
hydration because of the heat and sun. We drank more
than 40 gallons of water, purchased in 5 gallon jugs, in
one day! Another issue was people getting severe sun
burn on the back of necks, ears and legs, so we had to
implement the sun screen patrol.
Filling, leveling and compacting the foundation area for
the concrete pad
The teamwork was complex. Some crews filled
sand buckets, some shoveled gravel into buckets (both of
which had been shoveled into a truck from another
location), others got the water, while others put down
plastic and reinforcing wire and installed the concrete
forms. Some screed and floated the concrete, some
smoothing its surface. To see it all taking place at one
time, one would know that it was wonderfully
orchestrated! It was amazing to see how much work
could be accomplished when people are motivated by a
creative Spirit. God certainly empowers us!
Pastor Remelda Carey & Ken Lowe
Pastor Remelda Carey invited us to help build
the Methodist Church in Deep Creek. John Pender, a
member of the church, organized materials and
community people. It didn’t take long to see that John’s
heart is really in building this church for his community.
After church on Sunday, and dinner prepared by
the Pastor and members of the congregation, we
surveyed the work site once again. How different from
the first day we saw it! As we poured the last
wheelbarrow of concrete Monday afternoon, everyone
present had a feeling of accomplishment. We knew
something significant had taken place—God’s new
church was begun.
Our team always considers it very important to
become personally involved with the people of the
community we serve. So it was: in Deep Creek we
worked, prayed, and ate together. As we spread dirt and
mixed and poured concrete, both Americans and
Bahamians realized that each others’ hearts were in this
project for the purpose of serving and glorifying God.
As our work routine progressed, it became more
intense… up at 5am, dressed, breakfast, devotions, and
on the job at 7am. We were off job site at 6:30pm on
our longest day. Our common goal was to get that
foundation completed before coming home.
The last half of the project was the most rugged
-- the task of mixing 35 cubic yards of concrete in a
cement mixer. By the end of our trip, we had mixed 173
batches of concrete. Each batch took six 5-gallon
buckets of sand, three 5-gallon buckets of gravel, two 5gallon buckets of water, and one 96 lb bag of cement, all
The Shade Shack
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MISSION REPORT: Dominican Republic
couple that boys would like, a couple girls would like,
and then some that both boys and girls would like. We
also painted a chalk board and mural of traditional
dancers in the music room.
Dominica School in La Ureana, Dominican Republic
Brittany Bishop
Our daily devotions really opened my eyes and
helped me see clearer and grow closer to God. My faith
now is at least 10 times stronger now than it was a year
ago! During devotions I felt God tugging on my heart,
attempting to open it up so that my bond with him may
strengthen and grow, which it did. The kids’ lunch
blessing was so amazing. They all sang it and looked
like they meant every single word that came out of their
mouths. They held hands and swayed back and forth. I
could feel God in the room when they sang it.
I absolutely loved being part of the mission trip
to the Dominica School in La Ureana, Dominican
Republic. The first week we stayed at the orphanage, and
the second week at Hostal Zepata but I liked being at the
orphanage better. There we lived in the same conditions
as the kids. I loved being able to do the work all day,
knowing it would benefit the kids, and knowing they
would appreciate and enjoy it. I loved interacting with
the kids during lunch break and after work. I would
attend another mission trip in a heartbeat if there was
nothing to stop me, i.e., school, not enough money.
This trip took my life and turned it around
completely. I am not the same person I was this time last
year. The trip has changed how I look at everything; I
understand so much more than I have ever understood
before. I remember when I came home I barely touched
my phone. It felt so awkward in my hands. I feel
extremely privileged, and I now see how blessed I really
am. I hate to admit it but before I went on this trip I was
very selfish and not very humble, I was basically a
typical American teenager, but when I came back I was
not so typical. I have matured and look at every problem
with a different perspective. The trip and every person I
met will forever be in my heart and my mind.
This trip helped me grow closer to God. It
opened my eyes and allowed me to see how blessed I
am. I felt that I shouldn't have the luxuries I have. When
I got back I felt like I shouldn't use the luxuries I have,
like warm water, electronic devices, AC, safe tap water,
enough pressure in the toilet to put paper in it. Honestly,
there was culture shock and a lot of getting used to
things when I got home, but none when I got to the
Dominican Republic. The hardest thing was saying
goodbye to all the kids, employees, and interpreters,
knowing I will probably never see them again. I felt like
I was home and doing God’s work when I was at the
orphanage.
I know the only reason I went on the trip was
because God wanted me to go. Honestly I was scared
about what might happen, but I still went. I went because
I had been sent by God, my Dad. He sent me to help and
to reposition my heart. And right now He is moving
someone else to take a leap of faith, though they might
be so blinded by today's society that they don't see him.
The first week, I worked with the dental team.
Dr. Rahn had to make adjustments to work efficiently, so
I learned a lot. By the end of the week we had translators
helping ask the kids information for the chart such as
their name, problem, age, and if they had any allergies.
There were always two teens helping at the “office.”
That was either Maddison T., Makenzie or I. One of us
or Mrs. Laura would brush the kids’ teeth before they
went to see Dr. Rahn. We would comfort each child and
hand gauze to Dr. Rahn or get things he might need. If a
child had a tooth removed, I loved their reactions. Most
of them opened their eyes really wide and studied it
almost like they were trying to figure out how that fit
into their mouth. We changed their gauze or, if they
didn't have any teeth extracted, put fluoride on their
teeth.
MISSION REPORT: Costa Rica
The Road to Hallelujah
A Mission Trip with the Rice and Beans Ministries in
Alajuela, Costa Rica
David Essex, Team Leader from Herbert Memorial
UMC in Georgetown, SC
One of the required fields when filling out
customs and immigration forms is the address of
domicile in the country that you are traveling to. I had
instructed our team to list the address for the Iglesia de
Metodista de Mesias in Alajuela, Costa Rica, which is
the base for the Rice and Beans Ministries, our hosts for
the week of June 22nd-29th. We were to be joined later
The second week I helped Maddison paint tables
and the walls of the school. We looked for other work
needed at the orphanage. , Makenzie and Maddison G.
left and were replaced by Josh and Caleb. We would go
to lunch with paint all over us. We had so many different
ideas and designs for the tables. We decided to have a
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by a team from Mississippi who relayed a story about
their experience with Costa Rican customs. None of
their team members knew where they were staying.
When pressed by the customs official, one of the ladies
said, “I think we are going to Hallelujah.” After a long
period, the team was allowed to leave the document
check area. We all got a chuckle from their story.
for a medical team to dispense. And there was candy for
the children!
On Monday through Thursday, our team
performed construction, conducted Bible School at four
locations for over 500 children and many adults. We
delivered over 300 food bags to families in various
neighborhoods, which allowed us to serve and pray with
approximately 1,500 adults and children.
Our team of 30 youth and adults from Herbert
Memorial UMC in Georgetown, South Carolina had
planned this trip for almost nine months. Fred Curry, Jr.,
the Director of the Rice and Beans Ministries, had
visited our church in September, 2012, and explained the
ministries’ goals and objectives. He said that our normal
weekly schedule was construction work in the morning
for those who were inclined. Others would lead Bible
School. In the afternoons, we would all participate in
delivering food bags to families in need.
As we gave the last few food bags on Thursday,
I saw an elderly man passed out on the side of the road.
One of his legs was actually in the road and I was afraid
that he was going to be run over. Passers-by seemed to
be ignoring him. I walked to where the man was lying.
He was semi-conscious and I tried to help him out of the
road. He was covered with the big red ants that I know
have stinging bites. I offered my bottle of water which
he took as well as a pack of crackers. He had thick
mucus in his eyes, nose and mouth and I tried to brush
the ants away. I put my hands together and asked him if
we could pray for him and he shook his head no. Some
in our group gathered on the other side of the road and
we prayed for him anyway.
Construction activities involved work on the
second and third floors of an addition to the church
where we were staying. During the week, our group
extended the tin roof, hung and finished sheetrock,
painted steel beams and gates, chiseled concrete, ran
electrical wiring, and repaired outlets in the church.
Bible School activities in the schools consisted of
singing, playing games and doing crafts. The children
made bookmarks, cross necklaces with beads, salvation
bead bracelets, coloring, fish and flowers from pipe
cleaners, sun catchers, and cards.
Nightly worship varied with devotions and
reflection, intense prayer, and a celebration of
communion on Thursday night. During the week, we all
became accustomed to the Costa Rican style of prayer
which is when one prays, all pray……out loud! It was
disconcerting at first, but by the end of the week, we
were comfortable with the practice and I have to say I
miss that harmony of prayers being lifted together.
The Hebrew meaning of “Hallelujah” is “Praise
(ye) (the) Lord.” After reflecting upon all of our
experiences this past week in Alajuela, I think our friend
from Mississippi had it right when she told the customs
official that they were going to Hallelujah.
Our devotion guide for the week urged each of
us to carry our mission experience forward when we
returned home. Fred reiterated that point many times
during the week. Why is it easier to go somewhere else
to serve people in need than to serve people at home? I
do know that Luke 12:48 applies to many of us in
America (“To whom much has been given, much will be
required.”). God expects us to share our blessings with
our brothers and sisters who are in need. Those that
ignore this biblical model of justice are not good
Christian role models.
The food bags consisted of a four-pound bag of
rice, two bags of dried black beans, a bag of corn flour
and a package of powdered milk. Fred purchased the
food in bulk. The cost was $12 per bag and it will feed a
family of four for one week. We took bags with us that
members of our church had decorated. We also took
money for approximately 180 food bags. We distributed
New Testaments in Spanish and children’s vitamins and
prenatal vitamins. We brought acetaminophen but left it
HALLELUJAH!
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columns were poured. All there was to do was tie rebar
into the floor and pour concrete over to form the runners
and cross bracing. Our primary objective was to build
walls. That week, three loads of blocks were delivered
to the site, which combined with the load that was
already there when we arrived equaled some 1,200
blocks to be placed into walls.
Before we began, there was talk of dividing the
team and rotating everyone through whatever needed to
be done as the week progressed. That changed first
thing on that very first workday. There were no
questions as everyone just went where they needed to be.
A couple of guys from my church were initially mixing
cement. I had experience from last year's pour for
columns so I helped them. I also acted as a rough
translator between the local workers and our cement
mixing crew. As time progressed, I was assigned to the
mango tree area, where the workbench built last year
still stood, and put in charge of the saws, cutting wood
and rebar. In time, two men from my church vacated the
cement mixer and began moving blocks to supply those
laying them.
Bible School in Costa Rica
MISSION REPORT: Panama
The Walls That Love Built
Santiago, Veraguas, Panama
Rock Hill UMVIM, March 2-10, 2013
Jerry Newlon, Jr.
It was an honor and privilege to be a member of
the foundational, pioneering team that ventured to
Santiago, Veraguas, Panama in February of 2012.
Throughout the intervening year, I looked back fondly at
what was accomplished in the space of one week. I also
gained strength for the many trials and tribulations I
would endure throughout the months.
One member made a new friend as he "adopted"
one of the local dogs that reminded him of one that he
recently lost. This animal brought him such great joy
and allowed him to continue with purpose and strength.
During the trip last year, I was called "the pirate who
doesn't do anything" because of the bandana that I wore
on site. The tradition continued again this year, with an
addition. Most of the time, I would wear sunglasses.
Early in the week, the "pirate gang" expanded to include
five of the local children when I gave them sunglasses as
well. To see the pure joy on such small faces over
something so simple was enough of a boost to encourage
and strengthen me throughout the week.
The time came for the district meetings to plan
for the 2013 trip. Immediately, the decision was return
to Panama. We decided on a one-week trip and spread
word spread throughout the churches of the district and
several beyond. Twelve members assembled to return to
Panama and continue construction on the church that
was begun last year.
We had received updates from the missionaries
in Santiago chronicling progress after we left. We knew
going in that we would be laying the blocks for the
walls. We suspected we might be bending and tying
more rebar. That was all we knew prior to our departure.
At the first Sunday morning service, we were
amazed at the progress that had been made by other
teams. A lean-to type shelter had been constructed to be
used as the primary worship location until the actual
building could be finished enough to use. The perimeter
of the building had been expanded to include an open-air
component with several rooms adjoining on one side and
the back. There was a good portion of blocks already
laid to raise the floor to the proper level. All of the
Larry Beamguard. sharing with local congregation
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Sunday School Classroom in back of pickup in Panama
Team members in Panama were Jerry Newlon,
Jr., Roger Hayes, Michael Simmons, Larry Beamguard,
Rick Howell, Bobby Rutland, Laura Clark, Joe Sutton,
Josh Sutton, Harold McDonald and team leaders Jake
Clark and Ken Hudson.
We learned early in the week that David and
Cindy Ceballos, the missionaries, would be leaving us to
attend meetings elsewhere. Before we left for the trip,
we all wrote down scripture verses with special meaning
to us. Before they left, we gathered under the lean-to
and all of the verses were read and prayed over. We
then took a few minutes to go someplace along the walls
and leave our pieces of paper within the walls, thus
consecrating and solidifying the site as holy ground.
That became the team theme from then on. As a matter
of fact, the song by the same name was played and sung
a few times afterward.
MISSION REPORT: Bolivia
Colqueamaya and Eucalyptus, Bolivia
Janis H. Collins
At the end of the week, the outer walls had been
mostly raised. There was still some space left at the top
to cap off the windows and finish the headers. The
interior walls were raised to the same level as the outer
walls. Two new benches were built to add to the ones
made last year. Throughout the week, those benches
were used as scaffolding when we weren't sitting on
them to eat. The carpentry crew made a beautiful table,
which would actually end up going to the Ceballos
home. The funny thing about the carpentry crew is that
we cannot go to Panama without making a table!
On June 8, 2012, twelve mission team members
left the parking lot of Grace United Methodist Church,
North Augusta, for a nine-day medical trip to the Andes
Mountains of Bolivia, S.A. The team travelled to the
villages of Colqueamaya and Eucalyptus where we saw
over 600 patients during the week.
The team administered dental and general
medical aid as well as eye-glasses to those among the
“poorest of the poor” living without running water,
electricity, or basic hygiene essentials. A supply of
UMVIM mid-wifery kits were given for women of
child-bearing years who live without benefit of medical
help during delivery.
At the time of this writing, several great things
have occurred. Team members have remained in contact
with David and Cindy. They report that the first floor of
the church should be finished by the end of the year.
Following our arrival back home, I began the process to
explore candidacy for ministry. I don't know where this
road will lead me, but I eagerly await with child-like
faith and eyes opened wide. I can only imagine what
avenues this new road will take me down and what
further church-planting opportunities will be given to me
as I continue to be HIS hands and feet.
Of greater importance was the spiritual aid that was
shared through a Spanish Bible for each family and
hand-knitted hats to warm their heads. We laughed as
we attempted to engage in a game of soccer and cried as
we shared with family members in the loss of loved ones
we had come to know. As always seems to be the case,
the team came home feeling they were the ones who had
been blessed through the mutual sharing of God’s love.
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MISSION REPORT: Cuba
ERT Follow-Up
by Mission Supply Network
Boca de Camarioca, Cuba
Patsy Whitaker
KC Carter
This project was initiated by the Upstate
UMVIM-SC ERT coordinators, Nathan Welch and
Danny Thompson. An ERT responded in the aftermath
of a home flood. After the home was mucked out,
Mission Supply Network coordinated the cleanup and
rebuild.
On November 11, 2012, our UMVIM team of
eleven left Miami for Havana, Cuba, where we met our
12th team member. After spending the night in the
Methodist Center we motored to Boca de Camarioca
with our interpreter, Orly, and van driver, Manuel.
There we worked with members of Iglesia Metodista
doing painting, electrical work, and stuccoing the walls
of the church – parsonage.
We are pleased to report that 40 days after her
home in Seneca, SC was flooded Amanda Scott and
her five children are back home! Once again, it is truly
amazing how God’s servants came together as the Body
of Christ to restore the home to a condition better than
before the storm. The contributors, too numerous to list
here, included government organizations; corporations;
churches and dozens of individuals who gave time,
money, and prayers.
Rev. Nick Elliott led this mission. Team
members were: Ray and Laura Hathaway, Rev. Grace
Lovell, Dore, Montes, Pamela Buzbee, Richard Detjen,
Jeff Braeunig, Jim Smith, Linda Peterson, Cathryn
Jones, and Patsy Whitaker.
In 2006, Pastors Jose Manual Rignack Pena and
Idalmis Villa were sent to the Methodist church in Boca
de Camarioca. There they found the church building
reduced to rubble and only eight members. Like the
mythical bird, the phoenix that symbolizes eternal life,
the church rose from the rubble. Today, with the help of
UMVIM teams, there is a church building and
parsonage. But the work is not complete. The temple
still needs flooring and pews. We’re sure that with the
now 80 faithful members, their needs will soon be met.
Not only does the inside of the home have new
drywall, paint, cabinets, flooring and trim; but the yard
has been graded to route the flow of water away from the
home in the future. The septic system was repaired with
the rewiring of the control box and replacement of the
waste pump. MSN Board member, Danny Thompson,
did an incredible job of coordinating all these activities.
Thank you, Danny!
Unfortunately, Amanda’s car has a blown
engine! (When it rains …it pours!) Our final request is if
you or anyone you know may be considering donating a
vehicle or selling one cheaply please contact us. Through
all the trials and tribulations of the past 40 days she has
been able to do well with her new job as fifth grade
teacher at Blue Ridge Elementary. Now she needs a way
to get there and back.
One evening we went to Matanzas to celebrate
the 112 year anniversary of their church, La Trinidad
(the Trinity). Hundreds attended from all over the
district. There was joyful singing, graceful liturgical
dance, and a message brought by the Bishop of the
Cuban Church. The Bishop recognized our leader (Nick)
and team.
Aman
The purpose of our mission was not only to help
the congregation improve their church and parsonage
building, but also to witness to a common faith in Jesus
Christ and to participate in the religious services with the
congregation. The church members were very
appreciative of our work and gifts. They were gracious
hosts.
th
After seven days we returned to the Methodist
Center in Havana and spent a day sightseeing. Back
home, we each came away a much richer person for
having spent a week with our Cuban brothers and sisters
in Christ. Each of us on this adventure will welcome the
privilege of accepting another opportunity to witness to
our Christian conviction!
Amanda in her clean home
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MISSION REPORT: Haiti
occasional sweet, traditional, pumpkin soup, a spicy
omelet, or even pancakes.
Jeremie, Haiti
January 8-19, 2013
Hal H. Crosswell, Jr., M.D.
Coordinator/Ophthalmology Services, UMVIM – SC
After we prepared the clinic, we enjoyed a
wonderful evening meal at the Guest House. Early the
next morning we traveled to the Gebeau Clinic, where
the medical and dental clinics had long lines of patients
seeking care. In addition to seeing our clinic patients,
we performed our first surgical case consisting of a
cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation.
During the two weeks we performed many operations
for cataracts and pterygiums. We began treating
glaucoma patients with the SLT laser. We had to be
careful to use the laser in the only air-conditioned area
available so that it would work properly. The initial
response as measured by lowering of intraocular
pressure was very good in over 95% of these patients.
Strict protocol was followed as part of the collaborative
study. We would certainly like to thank the Lumenis
Company for allowing us to use this laser.
The first ophthalmology team for 2013 was
composed of Katherine Crosswell (ophthalmic surgical
nurse), Beth Wilkinson (ophthalmic surgical nurse),
Cheryl Burgess (optician), Tal Morgan (biomedical
engineer), Arlene Andrews (VIM editor), Dr. Edward G.
Crosswell (ophthalmology senior resident at MUSC),
Dr. Charles D. Finley (ophthalmic surgeon), and Dr. Hal
H. Crosswell, Jr. (ophthalmic surgeon).
Our team departed Charlotte on January 8, 2013
and arrived at Miami International Airport, where we
spent one night at the airport hotel. The following
morning we departed at 6:30 a.m. for Port-au-Prince and
arrived about 9:30 a.m. After claiming baggage and
clearing customs, we were joined by Dr. Shadrack
Marcellus, an ophthalmologist from Port-au-Prince. He
spends one week each month seeing patients and
performing surgery at our clinic in Jeremie. We boarded
a charter Missionary Air flight for Jeremie.
Pastor Chrisnell Lelievre greeted us at the
airport in Jeremie. After a brief stop at the Methodist
guest house, we proceeded to the eye clinic at Gebeau
where we spent the afternoon preparing the clinic and
operating room. We set up the SLT laser, a relatively
new instrument used in the treatment of open angle
glaucoma. Our team is part of a collaborative study in
Haiti to assess the effectiveness of this laser. Haitians
have a very high incidence of glaucoma, approaching
20% of the population in some areas. Blindness from
glaucoma is prevalent due to non-compliance with
medication regimens by most patients because they
cannot obtain medications. Patients treated with the
SLT laser have a very good chance of controlling their
disease without medication.
Dr. Hal Crosswell and Dr. Edward Crosswell with a patient in Jeremie.
Patients came from all areas of the Grand Anse
region. Many walked six or more hours to the clinics.
As always, they were patient as they waited and
appreciative. Some patients came from as far as Port-auPrince, over one hundred miles away. We found
glaucoma to be present in all age groups, with many in
the early forties. As was mentioned, it is one of the
major causes of blindness in Haiti, along with cataracts.
Some of our equipment was not working
properly and was repaired by our very capable
biomedical engineer, Mr. Tal Morgan. Dr. Mignard
Marx, director of the clinics at Gebeau, had the medical,
dental, and eye clinics in excellent condition.
The cataracts we saw were, for the most part,
very dense, dark, and hard which dictated a complex
type of surgery. Most cataract surgery in the United
States is performed with small incisions using
phacoemulsification; however, this type of surgery could
not be performed due to the nature of these cataracts.
Our team stayed at the Methodist Guest House
in Jeremie. A typical Haitian meal consists of goat,
chicken, pork, or fish with beans, rice, fried plantains,
breadfruit, tomatoes, carrots, or beets. Breakfast usually
consists of oatmeal or peanut butter and bananas with an
The operating room at the eye clinic is equipped
with modern instruments including a Zeiss operating
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room microscope so the best surgical techniques,
including the use of intraocular lenses, can be offered to
the patients, allowing them to have immediate visual
improvement. All this would be impossible without the
generous contributions of medicines and supplies by
pharmaceutical companies such as Alcon, Allergan,
Bausch and Lomb, Merck, Lumenis, and others.
He lived in a small, dimly lit room in downtown
Jeremie. After removal of the dressing, the patient was
very happy with his improved vision.
Three members of our team departed on
Monday, January 14, to return to the United States. The
remainder of us continued our work at the clinic. We
were to have been joined by an ophthalmologist from
Port-au-Prince, Dr. Brigette Hudicourt. However, she
was unable to come because one of her associates, Dr.
Francois Dennery, was in an auto accident that caused
injury to her lung as well as a fracture of her lumbar
spine. Both Dr. Hudicourt and Dr. Dennery have been
an integral part of our program in Jeremie. In fact, it
was Dr. Dennery’s father, Pastor Allen Rocourt, who
began the rural rehabilitation project at Gebeau for the
Methodist church of Haiti in the early 1960’s.
We crowded into cars each day because few
vehicles are available for the volunteer teams in the
Jeremie area. Our working days were very long,
extending over 12 hours, with lunch consisting of
comparette or peanut butter crackers. Comparette is a
wonderful, delicious coconut bread. Jeremie is the only
place in the world you can get it. The entire team
enjoyed it! In fact, any available space in our suitcases
was filled with this bread to take home.
On Sunday Pastor Chrisnell took us to a small
church in the mountains, approximately one hour
from Jeremie, in the tiny village of Quatre Chemins.
There we encountered rather heavy rain which led to a
muddy, slick road. We saw many typical Haitian houses
with thatch roofs along the way. Pastor Chrisnell
preached a sermon about commitment to God in the
New Year, and we participated in Communion. The
church was simple and open, made of white stucco mud
walls with a tin roof. All age groups were present; all
the children were well behaved. Several choirs sang,
including a young ladies’ choir, an older ladies’ choir,
and a mixed choir. All their voices were wonderful!
Our second week at the clinic was even busier
than the first with many more patients coming from long
distances to seek care. This, coupled with the fact we
were short one physician, made the days busier and
longer. We continued to treat many patients for
glaucoma, performing over ten SLT lasers each day.
Upon completion of our work in Jeremie, we
returned to Port-au-Prince, where we stayed at the
Methodist guest house. We met with Jim Gulley,
UMCOR coordinator for Haiti, and Dr. John Harbottle,
an English physician, who is the coordinator of medical
clinics for the Methodist church in Haiti. All aspects of
the medical, dental and eye programs were discussed and
critiqued in order to help improve our delivery of care to
more patients in Haiti.
We visited Dr. Francois Rocourt Dennery at the
hospital in Port-au-Prince. She required neurosurgical
care for her spinal injury so, given there are no
neurosurgeons in Haiti, a team from Miami flew into
Port-au-Prince and performed successful surgery. While
we were at the hospital, a nurse asked us to see a patient
in the emergency room who had been involved in a
motorcycle accident. He had sustained an injury to the
right eye resulting in damage to the optic nerve and loss
of vision. We also visited the prosthetic lab operated by
the Knights of Columbus for fitting of artificial limbs for
amputees injured in the earth quake two years earlier.
This was a very busy clinic as over 100,000 Haitians
required amputations.
Examining a potential patient on the church pew
While in church we noticed an older Haitian
lady dressed in traditional garb who appeared to be
blind. After the service, using a hand light, we
determined she had dense cataracts in both eyes. She
stated she had been blind for about one year. We invited
her and several others to come to our clinic at Gebeau.
We had a slippery ride back to Jeremie, where we visited
a patient who had cataract surgery the preceding day.
As always the team was most appreciative of the
hospitality afforded us by the Methodist church of Haiti.
We certainly would not have been able to perform our
care of patients without the very capable assistance of
the Haitian staff at the clinics in Gebeau. Our
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accommodations and meals at the guest house were
comfortable and most enjoyable. All team members
report they gain far more than they give during our time
in Jeremie.
the independence of Angola. He was jailed for two
weeks in a special prison for political prisoners, to be
transferred to Portugal. After three months in jail
without formal charges, he was released and expelled
from the country.
In 1962, the Ways were sent by the General
Board of Missions of the Church as missionaries to the
First Methodist Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and
there they served as Deacons of the Church to the
Central People’s Institute (ICP). Marion developed
various programs, including helping the poor of that area
to develop job skills, such as typing, sewing, English
classes and computer skills. Anita was responsible for
Christian education, support services to needy children
and served as a music teacher. She also created several
junior and adult choirs in the community. Throughout
their years of service, the Ways were always attentive to
societal changes and constantly updated the needs that
arose. In 1995, Anita was appointed to the Regional
Team Working with the Children’s Area. Since 1983
Marion participated at the Head Office of Projects of the
1st Methodist Conference.
Ophthalmology team at Gebeau, Jeremie, January 2013
World Methodist Peace Prize Awarded to
Missionaries with Ties to South Carolina
Despite obstacles, challenges and
disappointments the Ways never abandoned their ideals
in service of God. In those 54 years of continuous work
the couple’s work has helped more than 15,000 children
and 45,000 families, and more than 100,000 through the
outreach that their organizations conduct.
United Methodist missionaries Marion and Anita
Way received the 2013 World Methodist Peace Award.
The Ways are known for their work in Angola and
Brazil. UMVIM-SC volunteer Lee McMillan knows
them well through her work in Brazil. Marion Way was
originally from Charleston and Anita was raised in
Brazil as the daughter of missionary parents, the Bettis’s
from upstate South Carolina. The following is from the
World Methodist Council website.
Sadly, Marion Way died in May 2013, but his
work alongside his wife Anita in Angola and Rio de
Janeiro lives on as a testament to the power of mission.
For their half-century of work in mission and bringing
dignity and economic empowerment to the poor
throughout Angola and Brazil, the World Methodist
Council is proud to award the 2013 World Methodist
Peace Award to Marion and Anita Way.
The award was presented on September 12,
2013 at Wesley’s Chapel in London, United Kingdom
during the World Methodist Council’s 2013 meeting.
The head of the United Methodist General Board of
Global Ministries, Thomas Kemper, attended the
ceremony and offered a testimony, lifting up the lifelong
work of the couple. In her comments, Anita Way
thanked Global Ministries for supporting their ministries
over the years.
BAGS TO BEDS
for people who are homeless
In case you missed it, folks of all ages are learning
to crochet plastic grocery bag into bug repellent,
water resistant, and portable sleeping mats. The
crochet is a simple chain stitch and people who
prefer not to crochet can contribute to this project
by gathering plastic bags and cutting them into
workable pieces. Instructions can be found by
watching the YouTube video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiUC0iDQtkA
As missionaries in Angola and Brazil, Marion
and Anita Way used their faith to assist in the fight
against political oppression, racism and other obstacles
throughout their career. In 1958, Marion and Anita
served as missionaries in Angola during a time when
Methodist churches were routinely accused of instigating
the Angolan people to work towards independence from
Portugal. In 1961 Marion was arrested, accused of
conspiring and working openly in favor of the cause of
13
BE SURE TO VISIT OUR UMVIM-SC
WEBSITE!!
UMVIM AWARENESS SUNDAY
Has your church held an UMVIM Awareness
Sunday?
The 2004 General Conference decided that
(1) each annual conference may set aside a
Sunday to be declared Volunteers in Mission Awareness
Day;
(2) each local church provide for UMVIM
displays, information resources, solicit individual or
group testimonies, and/or develop other ways to
celebrate the UMVIM movement in whatever fashion
that best suits the local congregation; and
(3) local churches draw upon the available
resources of the Conference UMVIM Committee to help
make the day memorable, one of “Christian Love in
Action.”
Resources for UMVIM Awareness Sunday are
available at umvim.org , including song, liturgy, and
scripture suggestions, brochures, poster, and a video.
There you’ll find team trips, forms, training
dates, meeting minutes, and other helpful
resources.
http://www.umvim-sc.org/
LETTER FROM THE UMVIM-SC CHAIR
Caroline Dennis
I sat in my yard the other night and watched
leaves falling from the trees and thought how
beautiful they were falling - until I saw how many
were falling into my Koi Pond. This time of year
becomes mixed blessings for most of us. The
holidays bring family and friends together sharing
good food and pleasant times, but it also brings
busyness and frustrations. Even church, UMVIM, and
good deeds can become just one more thing to be
done.
Thinking about giving a
gift to someone?
Consider making a gift in
their honor.
Donations to UMVIM-SC
are always welcome.
We want to be in service to others around us
but who has the time or energy with all the other
things we have going on? The beauty of falling leaves
becomes another chore, the joy of the holidays
becomes shopping and cooking. May each of us this
season take time to enjoy the beauty of the season,
the joy of having friends and family around us, and
the companionship of our church families.
Please make checks payable to UMVIM-SC and send to:
Mrs. Tammy Fulmer
Connectional Ministries Office
4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 108
Columbia, South Carolina 29203
Give to others from your abundance of love
not from your leftovers. Don’t neglect the important
stuff for the less important.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy
and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and
patience. Bear with each other and forgive one
another if any of you has a grievance against
someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And
over all these virtues put on love, which binds
them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3: 12-14
May you be blessed with a season of joy and
fellowship with family and friends and the quiet
calmness that comes when we come fully open to the
miracle that is the Birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Be still. Watch leaves fall. The Koi Pond will
wait. You have been blessed. Be a blessing to others
in Jesus’ name this wonderful time of the year.
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UMC Board of Global Missions:
Primetimers
South Carolina UMVIM TEAMS FOR 2013 – 2014
Ken Hudson
Panama
March 2-10
Hal Crosswell
Dominican Republic March 8-18
Brooks-Kilpatrick Haiti
March
John Goodale
Costa Rica
March 30-April 5
Amy Papp
Ecuador
June 12-18
Kathy Hart
Washington
June 12-19
David Essex
Costa Rica
June 22-29
John McReynolds Panama
June 21-30
Rowana Payne
Dominican Republic June
Eva Marie Reynolds Dominican Republic June
Diane Strickland
Dominican Republic July 6-13
Neil VanderLinden Belize
July 22-28
Kathy Hart
El Salvador
July 26-Aug 3
Nick Elliott
Guatemala
July
Lee McDonald
Dominican Republic July
Bobby Oliver
Bolivia
July 2013
Nick Elliott
Cuba
November 3-13, 2013
Tim Teaster
El Salvador
August 2013
Nick Elliot
Haiti
January 2014
Jim Smith
Haiti
January 2014
Nick Elliot
Cuba
April 2014
Primetimers offers educational and mission
service experience for older adults. Exciting 5-10 day
events offer opportunities for educational forums, crosscultural exposure, faith-filled reflection, and greater
exposure to the work of The United Methodist Church
and the church universal.
Goals of Primetimers
1. Provide new service and learning experiences for
older persons, offering opportunities for intentional
education, faith-filled reflection, and cross-cultural
appreciation in the context of Christian mission.
2. Serve the ministries of the UMC and its faith
partners, creating informed interpreters of the
mission and heritage of the UMC.
3. Strengthen relationships of the local church with
those with whom they are in mission, enabling
interaction with grassroots efforts to address the
needs of "the least of these."
See more and download a booklet for 2014 at:
http://www.umcmission.org/Get-Involved/VolunteerOpportunities/Types-of-Volunteers/Primetimers
UMVIM TEAM LEADER TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A CERTIFIED UMVIM,
SC TEAM LEADER:
1.
Primetimers Contact Information
Primetimers Program
475 Riverside Dr., Suite 320
New York, NY 10115
Toll-free: 1-877-882-4724, or 212-870-3825
Email: [email protected]
BEEN ON A TEAM BEFORE AND RECEIVE
THE RECOMMENDATION OF YOUR TEAM
LEADER.
 IF YOU WERE ON A DOMESTIC TEAM
YOU RECEIVE A DOMESTIC TEAM
RECOMMENDATION.
 IF YOU WERE ON AN INTERNATIONAL
TEAM THEN YOU BECOME AN
INTERNATIONAL LEADER.
2.
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE TEAM LEADER
TRAINING
3.
RECEIVE THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE
UMVIM, SC COMMITTEE
SAVE THE DATE!!!
SOUTH CAROLINA
UNITED METHODIST
VOUNTEERS IN MISSION [UMVIM-SC]
THE COSTS FOR TEAM LEADER TRAINING IS $35.00
WHICH INCLUDES THE LATEST TEAM LEADER
MANUAL.
STATEWIDE RALLY with
Bishop Jonathan Holston
Virginia Wingard UMC, Columbia
April 13, 2014
3:00pm
Check the UMVIM-SC.org
website for upcoming TEAM
LEADER training Sessions.
REMEMBER: Send trip reports to Arlene Andrews at
[email protected]. Guidelines are on the front
page of this newsletter.
15
Chairperson:
Caroline Dennis
3 Green Forest Court
North Augusta, SC 29841
864.980.4678
Email [email protected]
Vice chair:
Derial Ogburn
[email protected]
Secretary:
Lee McMillan
140 Newbound Way
Columbia, SC 29212
803.735.8790 or 803.749.0309
Fx 803.6910700
Email [email protected]
Treasurer:
Maxine Smith
2681 Oakhurst Dr
Rock Hill, SC 29732
Email [email protected]
Team Leader Trainer:
Nick Elliott
10 Montreat Lane
Simpsonville, SC 29681
864-254-9377
Email [email protected]
Coastal Training Leader:
David Essex's
[email protected]
UMVIM-SC
South Carolina Conference of the United
Methodist Church
Connectional Ministries
4908 Colonial Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
VIM newsletter editor
Arlene Bowers Andrews
120 Middlefield Lane
Blythewood, SC 29016
803.238.3140
[email protected]
16