THE UMVIM STORY
The missionary movement of which UMVIM is only a recent development is as old as the Christian Church. Indeed, we can even think of Saint Paul not only as the first missionary but also as the first volunteer in mission. In the Acts of the Apostles, he speaks of himself as earning enough for himself end his-companions. He was not sent by a mission board with full support, but went in response to God’s call and provided for his on needs as do today's volunteers in mission.
In a previous generation, the caravan movement, work camps, and other "person to person" programs which caught the imagination of youth were similar in approach and had wide influence for many in our church. UMVIM is a continuation of that tradition. It has reaffirmed the conviction that all of the people of God ought to be involved in mission, a conviction that has been dormant in recent decades.
I In the late 1960's and. early 1970's, a handful of determined lay people and clergy in the Southeastern kept faithful to their desire for this personal experience in mission despite the lack of an official channel open to them. An ad hoc committee was formed which petitioned the General Board of Global Ministries to make available to them a missionary couple on furlough to serve as coordinators of the movement. This was first attempted in 1975 but was short lived. Another effort was made in 1976 when a missionary couple began the office which was still limited to a part-time arrangement. By 1979, the Southeastern Jurisdiction UMVIM leaders took full responsibility for the ministry and operation of the office with full time personnel.
The continued growth of the movement led the Southeastern Jurisdiction UMVIM committees to petition the General conference for action to affirm- this movement as a valid form of mission of and this was done. The General Board of Global Ministries was instructed to become involved and help with the development. As this was being done, other jurisdictions began to open their offices as well.
Not only has this, movement spread across the United States, but other countries also have adapted this concept to their own mission program. In the Philippines, the United Methodist Church uses basically the same approach and logo, and the Methodist Church in South Africa has recently organized SAMVIM. Elsewhere the practice is essentially the same as neighbor helps neighbor. Thus, we have seen that this basic form of Christian missionary service knows no barriers nor boundaries, as it remains faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The purpose of this movement is to provide a readily available and official channel in the United Methodist Church to which our members, both lay and clergy, can quickly turn for help in offering their time and talents here at home, and around the world. Potential volunteers, whether mission teams or individuals, need prompt help in identifying suitable places of service. UMVIM leaders seek to be informed as to where, how, and when volunteers may be placed in mission locations. It is clear that international church leaders and national mission agencies in this country are eager to learn of and use many potential volunteers.
UMVIM is in a position to give careful counsel to the hundreds of groups and thousands of individuals as to the proper use of their commitment to volunteer service. On-going contacts are maintained with mission leaders around the world through frequent consultations. This information can be shared with aspiring volunteers without their having to search out where and how they might serve.