Volunteers in Mission to Mozambique 2009
New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church

July 28th –  Aug. 11th*

Church Building in Beira

Who is a Volunteer in Mission?

A Volunteer In Mission (VIM) is a person who chooses to travel beyond their local church to help others in need as directed by the host UMC conference. The VIM movement is the fastest growing and most exciting mission program offered through the United Methodist Church today. 

Where will we go?

Members of this year's VIM team will travel again to Beira, the capital of Sofala Province, on the Indian Ocean.  This summer's trip will be the 14th from our conference to Mozambique, and will continue the ministry begun when Bishop Forrest Stith led a delegation in 1994. 

We will be living, eating, working and worshiping with the people of Mozambique, as we build a community of faith together. Mozambique was a colony of Portugal for centuries until gaining its independence in 1975. Their struggle for independence was immediately followed by a 16 year civil war over control of the country, which left the nation deeply scarred.  In 1993 the United Nations declared Mozambique "the fourth poorest nation in the world."  Much of the progress that was achieved in recent years has been severely set back due to devastating floods in the spring of 2000.

Still recovering from the war and natural disasters, the people are in desperate need of schools, hospitals, churches and basic human needs.

What have we done in the past?

We do what the people of Mozambique feel they need most.  Each year our teams have included some trained carpenters and other trades people who help teach their trades and skills to the people of Mozambique. Past projects include rebuilding a warehouse roof that was destroyed during the civil war; rebuilding educational, medical, and church facilities; repairing new and old roofs on orphanage dorms; and replacing screens on doors and windows, just to name a few. 

Some people help with the construction, although those with computer, medical or technical skills are in great demand also.  Library skills, teachers of computer skills, singers, musicians, craftsmen, nurses, housewives, students, pastors – all have had successful VIM experiences.   In fact, whatever your walk in life, you will find countless ways to share your time, talent and Christian love with our brothers and sisters in Mozambique. VIM teams have traveled to Niassa province Mozambique, where we helped with a new church building in Lichinga, as well as a new parsonage in Cuamba. 

In 2005, we helped to start construction of an Episcopal residence and conference center, needed because of the rapid growth of Methodism in Mozambique.  Most important is the sharing of ourselves with the Mozambicans.  Our presence is more highly valued than our presents!

Why are we going?

Because they need us, and we need them. The United Methodist Church of Mozambique has many needs, and we can help them. The United Methodist Church of the United States has many needs as well, and we can learn from this experience.  All who have participated in this mission program have been changed by their experiences - there is so much to learn as we gather around a common table, to worship and work together.  The New York Annual Conference – Mozambique/New York  Sister Conferences Connection has made the evangelization efforts in the Mozambique – North Conference area our VIM focus for the next several years.

For 2009, the Mozambique – North Conference has asked us to continue to work with them on the new Conference Office and Parsonage in Beira.

 * dates depend on final flight schedules

 Who Should Go?

Members, lay and clergy, of the New York Annual Conference, as well as anyone else who feels led to go.

·         Anyone interested in mission work.
·         Persons looking for personal growth in a unique Christian community.
·         College age students seeking career decisions.
·         Persons of African - American ancestry who would like to learn more about the continent of their ancestors.
·         Pastors wanting to ignite their congregations by learning how the Mozambique conferences have grown six-fold in 15 years. 

Applicants must be willing to travel, live and work together side by side for two weeks, including an 18-hour flight from New York to Johannesburg, South Africa. Team members will be asked to share their experiences with others and to promote the Sister - Conference relationship when they return.

People of all walks of life, all ages, and all backgrounds will be needed to make this year's VIM mission a success. While our mission project is of a construction nature, applicants need not be skilled trades people. Everyone lends a hand, but also finds other avenues for their own God given talents.  The physical project is a communication vehicle to show the depth of our commitment to our brothers and sisters in Christ, while our physical presence is a testament to God's love in the world.

All applications must include a $200 non-refundable deposit, with a check made out to "United Methodist Frontier Foundation.”

Team members must attend team building sessions scheduled by the Mozambique/New York Sister Conferences Connection to be held at the White Plains NYAC Center regardless of prior VIM experience. 

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009        Cultural Awareness Session 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM   Please bring a bag lunch.

Saturday, March 14, 2009   Team Building 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Saturday, April 18, 2009      Team Building 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Saturday, May 16, 2009      Celebration Luncheon and Team building 10:00 – 3:00 PM

Saturday, June 6, 2009       Team Building 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Saturday, July TBA, 2009    Packing meeting 10:00 – 12:00 at the White Plains Memorial UMC

It is our hope that this year's team will reflect the racial, social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds of our conference.

You are welcome to attend Mozambique Connection meetings to learn more about projects with our sister conference.

When Will We Go?

The 2009 VIM Team is tentatively scheduled to depart from JFK airport on Tuesday, July 28 and return Tuesday, August 11th. This is "winter" in Mozambique, with daily highs of 75° - 80° and nighttime lows of 60°.

How much will this cost?

The cost will be about $3,500 depending on fluctuation in airfare. This includes your deposit, airfare, housing, most meals, travel and other expenses. It does not include personal expenses. Participants can expect to spend $400 more by the time you add the cost of immunizations, tips, and meals not covered.  Pre and post trip options are available for an additional fee.  $2,800 is due on February 15, 2009 and the balance of $700 is due on March 15, 2009.

Application Due Date:  Jan. 5, 2009 

First payment of $2,800 is due 2-15-09 with final payment of $700 due on 3-15-09.