BUSY SUMMER for UMVIM

DSW Youth "It's Their Mission" in SW Colorado

Many people believe that summer is a time for rest, relaxation and fun.  But this Post-Covid season has turned summer into a time to make up for the past 2 years. Summer seems to be busier than ever as we work toward the new normal with Covid.  This is especially true for Volunteers in Mission.  Teams are starting to go out and serve both domestically and globally.  Currently, there is a team returning from Kenya (OR-ID) and teams are serving in various Long Term Recovery within the Western Jurisdiction.

As more teams are going out, I hope the teams will remember two things for a successful mission team: 
 

# 1 Use the Best Practices of Short Term Missions 

Have a trained team leader.  Team Leader Training (TLT) is available during the Summer Mission Academy (July 25-30, 2022) with TLT Refresher on July 30th.  (See below).  If you need team leader training contact your Annual Conference Coordinator or Ronda Cordill WJ UMVIM Coordinator for dates and locations this fall.  

Serve with an UMVIM site or project.  Contact Ronda for the updated list for the Western Jurisdiction.  If you are interested in serving outside the US or Internationally click here.

Have team insurance.  Both the domestic and international policies are available from the WJ and they have Covid coverage.  Go to the UMVIM WJ Website at https://umvimwj.squarespace.com/insurance  If you have questions contact Ronda

Comply with the Safe Sanctuary/Gatherings policy of your annual conference.  Contact your Conference UMVIM Coordinator for specifics. See their email address below.

Register your team.  Let us know where and when you are serving.  If you need any assistance we are here to help.  To register go to:  https://umvimwj.squarespace.com

Remember that this is God's Mission and your mission is a spiritual journey that requires prayer and devotions before, during and after you travel.

#2 Follow COVID Guidelines of the UMVIM Site or Project

Covid is not over and actually the numbers are rising.  Here are some ways to keep your teams safe:

Work with your site host.  Find out what the requirements are to serve.  For example do the members of the team need to be vaccinated or have a negative Covid test before serving?  What happens if some one comes ill with Covid during the mission, is there a place for them to be tested, quarantined, or get treatment.  What are the rules for masking and social distancing for the site.  How is food prepared and served?  What are the sleeping arrangements?  

Also, check with their local health department to see what the Covid rates are doing and if other requirements such as masking have been implemented.  

It is important for us to handle Covid like other infectious diseases and take the appropriate precautions to protect both the team and your clients during the mission.   If you have questions go the the https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

For more information or assistance, contact Ronda Cordill, WJ UMVIM Coordinator at umvimwj@gmail.com

Opportunities to Serve and Support Immigration Efforts

AIDNW:  Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest  

Large numbers of asylum seekers are being brought from the southern border to Tacoma and released from the detention center—15 – 25 people each day. ICE has told AIDNW that this is expected to continue through the Summer. This is double the average number of guests normally served at the AIDNW Welcome Center.

Our volunteers are working in shifts at the AIDNW Welcome Center from 2:30 to 7 PM Monday through Friday and sometimes later, helping guests plan travel all over the country to reach their family members.
This uptick in guests is straining our resources, and ICE has told us that this level of releases is expected to continue indefinitely.  We need:  Volunteer drivers,  Welcome Center volunteers, Backpacks.

To volunteer please fill out a volunteer application here LINK .  To donate backpacks or other needed supplies, or funds to assist our operations, please see our Amazon wish list  and donation link details:  aidnw.org/how-to-donate.

Checks can be sent to our office at 1915 Sheridan Ave Tacoma, WA 98405.

 

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What a Difference a Day Makes…
What a Difference Teamwork Makes In Cal/Pacific

The Inn of Arizona

    The Inn of Arizona is experiencing larger numbers of guests on a daily basis. If you can help please volunteer at the link below.  Your work is invaluable and is what keeps the Inn’s doors open to welcoming our guests.  The work needed is providing hospitality, help with meal prep and delivery, fundraising, or to drive guests to the (Inn) hotel, bus station or the airport, we need and would greatly appreciate your assistance! Providing hospitality, with guidance from the Inn staff, is rewarding and satisfying, whether delivering support onsite or helping with transportation. Guests have been screened and are Covid-19 negative before proceeding to our hotel site. In addition, we follow all Covid protocol while transporting and on premises. To Volunteer:  go to the The Inn of Southern Arizona website (www.theinnofsa.org) and you will learn more about the program.  There is a great video on the home page as well.  

To Donate:  click on this link. The Inn - Online Donation Form - Desert Southwest Conference (dscumc.org).

· A donation of $50 provides an entire family a clean, comfortable room and meals for a night. Most families only stay one or two nights before moving on to their destinations.

·The Inn’s costs are at least $600 a day for shelter alone.     

      We are especially grateful for those who sustain giving every month; this helps greatly in planning for the future.

Mission Volunteers

 

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