Photo: Primetimers enjoying a lunch. Join Primetimers to serve in Southeast Asia. Read below for more information. Courtesy www.westburyumc.org.
* MISSION FOR SENIORS: CAMBODIA & PRIMETIMERS
The final Primetimer event this year has a SE Asia flare as Jeanie Blankenbaker leads the group of older adults to Cambodia from Nov 4-14, 2009. One of the original Mission Initiatives of the GBGM, Cambodia is proud of its growing, young and energetic Methodist Church! In 2003, the UMC in Cambodia joined with three other Methodist agencies for a “one Methodist” agreement, working towards the formation of an autonomous Methodist Church in Cambodia.
For more information on this opportunity to explore the culture of Cambodia and spirit of Christ in its midst, visit http://www.primetimers.info/ and check it out. Deadline is soon approaching!
“A Journey in Mission: Following Christ in Cambodia”Cambodia Methodist MissionPhnom Penh, CambodiaNovember 4 - 14, 2009Event Cost: $1,975.00
* UMVIM IN LAOS MAKES DISCIPLES
In early February former Missionary and former WI Missions Coordinator, Billie LaBumbard took a risk and brought a Volunteer in Mission (VIM) team to Laos. The team included two NP nurses, a Pharmacist, and an English as a Second Language expert. 2009 has been a blessed year for Lao Samphang MC and the more than 2,000 non Christians in a number of districts in Northern Laos that received medical care.
This visit marked the first time a VIM team has come to volunteer, work side by side with Lao authority and the needy in the field. At first, the unknown caused great fear. Most of the work was done in the rural areas. The group was divided into three smaller groups: Group 1 – The ESL team locate in the capital city of Laos was tasked with teaching English to children, women, and men in the church, Group 2 – A Medical team stationed in rural villages that set up clinics to service the community and Group 3 – A medical team that traveled deep into the country side and traveled from village to Village. It was a tough and challenging project but believed or not it has been one of the most effective projects. It was so successful that the Lao authority has requested Lao Samphang MC to continue and expend such program to cover more villages and to be made available to poor villages on an annual basis if possible.
VIM workers are called by God to serve and spread the good news to everyone. The Lord used this team to show love and care to not just those who were Christians but also to the non Christians who were in need of help. As stated by a policeman who traveled with the VIM team, “The Methodist people really care for the sick and poor. Their love shines through in their work. They help everyone who comes to them and do not treat one better than other.” A chief in the village of Bangalo (located in Phoukhoun District) said, “The Methodist people are different from other Christians. We welcome them any time”
There were other words of appreciation. The students at the Phoungsoumboom church expressed great thanks to Yvone who they considered the best English teacher ever. They will miss her greatly and wish that she will come again. The church of Nonphoub village and the Lao authority sends a big thank you to Julie. Just her smile and kindness made many of the sick people well. As for Billie and Mary, your presence with the medical team was a welcoming bright light. The entire Christ community is looking forward seeing you again. A big “THANK YOU” from all of us!
* CHURCH IN SOUTHEAST ASIA IN NEED FOR INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS AND UMVIM TEAMS
As Lao Samphang Methodist Church (LSMC) Council chair, we invite you to be a part of the SOLUTION. We are looking for VIM individual or teams to teach English to our pastors and future church youth leaders. Commitments can be from 3 months to 1 or 2 years. For more information please contact Lao Samphang Methodist Church, P. O. Box 225 Nongkhai 43000, Thailand Lsmethodist@gmail.com or jouayv@hotmail.com
