VIM Galveston 2010

Our VIM (Volunteers In Mission) team are going to Galveston, TX, from October 23 through November 6.

Contents: 

THE HURRICANE AND ITS IMPACT

JOINING THE WORK CREW

     FORMS

FUNDRAISERS TO HELP US PAY FOR OUR EFFORT

DONATIONS

Prayers, payers and players can help by:

• praying for a safe and successful effort,
• help paying for team expenses, building materials and supplies, and/or
• joining the work crew.

THE HURRICANE AND ITS IMPACT

Hurricane Ike devastated Galveston and the Texas coast on September 13, 2008.  Hurricane Ike was the third costliest storm to ever make landfall in the United States.  Ike unleashed its fury on people’s businesses, homes and lives, but the storm’s biggest impact came afterward in an assault on the human spirit. The lack of media coverage and support that followed the storm left people feeling lost, forgotten and ignored. Two years later the people continue their struggle to recover.
 

See a slide show about the impact of the hurricane here.

A disaster response reconstruction team is being formed to help restore private homes in the Galveston area. Your efforts can help rebuild family lives by putting them back in their homes where they belong.
 

A Long-term Effort
The Texas Annual Conference leadership was already involved in long-term recovery efforts for Hurricane Rita. Immediately after Ike hit, they organized another response with UMCOR for the Galveston area. Now in their fifth year of disaster recovery efforts, the Texas Annual Conference still needs help in restoring homes. The Galveston area has endured being hit directly by Hurricanes Rita, Humberto and Ike, and having close calls from others. As of the end of last December, 127 homes have been completely restored, and volunteer teams continue to repair damaged homes and celebrate each completion.

Even though our trip will be two years after Ike hit, Galveston still need us! There are still many families who cannot live in their houses and we can be part of an effort that places more folks back in their homes where they belong. Join us in an effort to bring hope, spiritual and emotional strength, and physical help to the people of the Galveston area.
 

FUNDRAISERS

Volunteers pay for their expenses for the trip, but some need help, and we want to provide some funds for building supplies while we are there.  Your support of our trip through the fundraisers really help!

Our current schedule of fundraisers are:

• June 14 - Old Mexico restaurant
• July 12 - Mary's Pizza restaurant
• August 14 - Family Barbeque
• At the Barbeque, we will have an opportunity drawing for two opportunities:
  • Quilt
  • Hawaii condominium

DONATIONS

If you would like to make an online donation to support our VIM trips, please click here.  You can make an in-person donation at church.

JOINING THE WORK CREW

Our planned meetings are: 

When: There are two teams, one from Saturday, October 23 to Saturday, October 30 and another from Saturday, October 30 to Saturday, November 6. People can be on both teams and stay two weeks.

Who: Anyone over 18 years of age! If you know the difference between a hammer and a potato peeler, we can find work for you. You do not need to be a skilled tradesman – we will teach you what you need to know. Although there are some tasks in any reconstruction project that may be strenuous or require a specialized skill, the majority of the tasks can be accomplished by anyone. Our goal is to work as a team, utilizing all the various skills and gifts we bring. We hope you will join us for this exciting “hands-on” ministry!

Do I need to be a Methodist?
No, but you should be a person of faith, willing to work for the glory of God and able to subscribe to the slogan-”It’s not about me!”

What will it cost?
Airlines round-trip is from $298 up depending on with whom and when you book. Team expenses are estimated at $250 a week. Lodging: $10 a day in a church, or $200 a week (for 2) and up in a motel. That adds up to $618 and up per person for 1 week or at least $940 for 2 weeks. (Team expenses include 2 T-shirts, and a share of the costs for food, rental cars, gasoline and other group expenses. A deposit of $100 per person is due by the June 29th meeting.)

How do we get there?
Getting there is up to each individual. Most will fly, but some will drive. MapQuest says it takes about 30 hours driving time from Santa Rosa.

Where will we stay?
In a church using our own sleeping bags and pads for $10 a night, or
In a motel in the area for $40 a night and up, or
In an RV park for $20 to $40 a night.

Where will we eat?
We will do our own cooking in the church that we operate out of. We will have cooks as part of the teams, but all will share in chores.

What kind of work will we do?
Our specific tasks will not be assigned until we arrive, as we will continue whatever the preceding team was doing. We are willing to perform a variety of tasks, including roofing repair, hanging sheetrock, installing flooring, painting, carpentry, and some minor plumbing and electrical work.

What tools do I need to bring?
Major tools are already on-site, but you are encouraged to bring personal hand tools.

What if I am not skilled in this work?
The work is broken down into manageable tasks, and you will find something that you can do. Don’t underestimate your abilities when we work as a team and help each other out.

Is it all work and no play?
A lot of work, a little play, but the feeling from helping others that you take with you is better than you might believe!
 

You can indicate your interest by completing this form.

For more information, click here.

FORMS

The following forms must be completed by June 29.

• Application
• GBGM Form
• Disaster Volunteer Skill Sheet

Here are other information sheets:

• Welcome letter from the Texas Annual Conference
• Helpful tips
• Safe Sanctuary guidelines (more information and process details will be provided at the June 29 meeting)