Greetings all,
We are changing the focus of the GO Team to encompass the needs of people and the availability of those
willing to help. One of the ways we do this tis to match opportunities with volunteer's abilities and availability to
meet those needs.
One way to do this is to look at local community, US and global opportunities. I have met with the liaison from
Caring Carroll, Grace United Methodist Church and Pastor Melissa looking for resources and opportunities. To
start this new chapter of the GO Team, I have come up with some possibilities. These are not all inclusive and I
will be constantly looking for opportunities. My first order of business will be to meet with Caring Carroll and set
up a date to train our team so that if a time sensitive need arises, we can be ready to assist. There will be an
application process during the training.
Secondly, I will be setting up a database with skill sets to better match volunteers with opportunities. I have
information from most of you from other recent mission trips so I will use that as a base. I will also be looking
into any requirements needed by organizations so we may create partnerships (i.e., A Future With Hope).
Below are examples of mission opportunities that I have looked at that reach from our community to the rest of
the world: (I added recommended skillset)
Carroll County:
- Electrician to repair ceiling fan for elderly woman. (Electrician)
- Provide a used microwave to a client (Anyone)
- Assist disabled client with some housekeeping, laundry and grocery shopping for two months. (Caregiver)
- Help an elderly woman with her yard work & cleaning out gutter. (Good opportunity for Venture Crew)
US
-Sandy Relief New Jersey (construction, administrative)
- Various needs in all 50 states.
- Red Bird in Kentucky, Community home repair and campus building repair/maintenance
- Walton/Washington FL, Interior work in 12 homes (construction)
- Reynoldswood Christian Camp, Dixon, IL, Clear ground for Prayer Labrinth, build privacy wall, cut materials,
assemble bunk beds and install fence line.
- Northeast US including PA, Mission programs for youth and young adults who have completed the 7th
grade. Work includes building and repair of homes.
International
- DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Position: Teacher
Work description: Full-time teaching responsibilities, including preparing lessons plans, correcting papers,
meeting with parents, attending staff meetings, and helping with special programs or extra-curricular activities.
The Community will see the volunteer as a missionary of the United Methodist Church. The volunteer is
expected to participate in church life. Excellent English skills are required; and some knowledge of French or
Swahili is desirable in order to communicate with some parents and school personnel.
Duration: Entire school year (late August to early July). Three to six months terms will be considered.
Estimated monthly living expenses: $700 which includes meal preparation costs (volunteer prepares for self),
ground transportation, and expenses such as medical insurance, printer cartridges, cell phone calls, and
toiletries.
- Dominican Republic, mission trip June 13-21, 2015 to hold a Bible school, repair houses, deliver food and
have lots of fun.
- Bahamas, Construction of Houses, After-school facilities and garden; mission bible school and computer
training education; agricultural opportunity
- Priority projects - Repairing roof damage from hurricanes, installing electricity and indoor plumbing.
- Help teach phonics and life skills to primary school aged children
- Guatemala - build classrooms - NO SKILLS NEEDED - PROJECT IS DESIGNED, MANAGED AND
OVERSEEN BY LOCAL MASONS
- replicate greenhouse - NO SKILLS NEEDED - PROJECT IS DESIGNED BY A PARTNER
AGRONOMIST, MANAGED AND OVERSEEN BY LOCAL MASONS AND BUILDERS.
So you see there are plenty of opportunities for all skill sets. Please pass the word throughout the Parish so we
can grow in our mission ministry. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
Let's Get Started!
Jim