Our Purpose

The purpose of every UMVIM team is to build relationships with all God’s children. Whether we serve in our own backyard or in another country , our purpose is to share the love of Christ in multiple ways. God has given us all unique skills and gifts as a means to embody Christian love in action. The task is what we are to do with our abilities such as construct a building, pull teeth, provide glasses, or bring to life a Vacation Bible School. Our task is a way to achieve our overall purpose.

Methods of Service

There are several ways to participate in team mission, either as a team member or team leader. The types of teams are:

WORK TEAMS - A group of persons from a local church, district, conference, or surrounding community works on a building project in a mission setting (usually a church, school, clinic, or home).

EARLY RESPONSE TEAMS - Volunteer teams respond after a major disaster, such as a flood, hurricane, tornado or earthquake, to help with clean-up and assessment, and over the long term to assist in reconstruction of damaged areas.

MEDICAL TEAMS - Teams of physicians, dentists, ophthalmologists, nurses and non-medical support personnel serve one to three weeks in places where ongoing medical attention is needed. Medical personnel may also accompany a work team.

TEACHING TEAMS - Groups of dedicated individuals prepare and teach the love of Jesus Christ through a variety of academic settings. These teams share their faith and expertise by teaching English Second Language (ESL), Cottage Industries, Vacation Bible School and other children’s ministries.

Places to Serve

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission serve Christ in many countries around the world. In cooperation with local UMVIM Coordinators, UMVIM reaches out and matches the particular need with the gifts and talents of the many volunteers that are called to serve.