The purpose of the Oregon-Idaho United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) program is to facilitate the sharing of the love of Jesus Christ with integrity and faithfulness.

An UMVIM team will offer a learning/serving experience in which the volunteers practice the UMVIM theme of "Christian Love in Action", while respecting the culture, beliefs and traditions of the people hosting the mission team.  A commitment to learn and to celebrate cultural difference and to build community and relationships of inclusiveness are crucial to a positive experience for both the UMVIM team members and those at the host site. 

Looking for a great place for a mission trip?  Alton L. Collins Retreat Center is the place.  Rev. Todd Bartlett, Director, has set the dates for June 27-July 3, 2010.  The cost is $30.00 per person per day (that includes meals and lodging) plus $100.00 per person for project supplies. What an opportunity for youth and adults.  For more information or to sign up, contact Rev. Todd Bartlett at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

A Mixture of team members from Oregon, Pennsylvania, and New York combined in Uruguay to work at two UMVIM projects with great success.

The 26 team members broke into two teams to work at the Mercedes Methodist church helping build a new kitchen, and built cabins at a Methodist Retreat Center near Paysandu.The bus carrying the Oregon team was met by a lightning storm that dumped 8 inches of water on city streets making it difficult to take suitcases to the hotel. However, it wasn't rain, but cold weather that made work harder: but the brick walls were constructed and a new roof installed during the work time. Some worked on the all-purpose building putting in plumbing, installing cabinets, and working on the new kitchen.

As an encore, our team traveled on the overnight bus to Buenos Aires to visit two Methodist schools in extremely poor neighborhoods. Situated near a polluted river that floods each year into the school buildings, the school helps bring education to children who would not otherwise have much. We discovered a dedicated Methodist church at work in this large city serving meals to homeless, educating all grades in Methodist Schools, and bringing hope to the poor. Our team ranged from age 22 to 76 and all served with great love for a church that thrives on serving the poor.

Glenn Waltman

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Western Jurisdiction now has a blogspot with up-to-date news, events, website links, contact information, articles, and future team listings. The link is http://umvimwj.blogspot.com/