United Methodist Volunteers In Mission – South Central Jurisdiction

UMVIM / Disaster mission education, leadership development, and more throughout the SCJ.

The eight states that comprise the South Central Jurisdiction include a significant number of communities with individuals who need physical and spiritual help. Additionally, neighboring communities along our Jurisdiction’s (over 1,000-mile) border with Mexico include many others in need. The SCJ is also one of the most active areas of natural disaster experiencing tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, widespread flooding and even earthquakes. To offer hope and alleviate human suffering in these communities, and to respond to needs across the world, the South Central Jurisdiction UMVIM & Disaster programs annually field hundreds of mission teams. The SCJ’s UMVIM & Disaster Response agencies and local Conference Coordinators provide resources, training and logistical support to individuals and teams, so that they are prepared to go forth on their missions to serve and to learn.

Since 2002, Advance #901455 has been a vehicle to provide support for mission education, and leadership development in the SCJ. Past donations have been used to promote UMVIM & Disaster within the jurisdiction, and for training. For the period 2017-2020, these funds will continue to do this important work. Emphasis will be placed on providing scholarships for hands-on leadership development missions, and other key educational experiences to strengthen the work of UMVIM & Disaster Response throughout the SCJ.

The goals of this project are to provide opportunities to educate on healthy, sustainable, and highly relational missional responses that adhere to the “best practices” of United Methodist missions. The focus of our educational opportunities will be: 1) To alleviate human suffering and to afford witnessing opportunities while interacting with local, national, and global communities annually. 2.) Provide disaster relief in a timely fashion, ensuring that UMC maintains an early and sustained leadership role.