First United Methodist Church of Hershey
 Short Term Mission Opportunities

Becoming a Mission Volunteer

Congratulations on considering the life-changing experience of being part of a short-term mission team! We hope the following information will be helpful to you, whether you are about to embark on your first mission trip or are a seasoned veteran.

Step 1: Pray

  • Pray for discernment of God’s plan for you. Invite others to join in prayer with you.

Step 2: Plan

  • Learn all you can about the various mission opportunities.
    General Board of Global Ministries - information on Volunteers in Mission
    http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mv/mission-teams-umvim/

    Northeast Jurisdiction of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission
    http://www.gbgm-umc.org/umvim-nej/

    Central PA Conference UMC Volunteers in Mission
     http://www.cpcumc.org/ministries/bogm/VIMquicklink.pdf

    Hershey FUMC Outreach Opportunities
     http://www.firstumchershey.org/outreach.asp

  • Attend workshops or other events when offered.

  • Examine your reasons for wanting to go on a mission trip.

  • Decide what type of experience you want (construction, evangelism, medical, etc.).

  • Decide what level of cross-cultural experience you want or need.

  • Consider the physical and/or emotional stress of the trip.

  • Consider the financial obligations of the trip.

  • Evaluate the need to take days off from work or school.

  • Contact Work Area on Missions chairperson to help identify mission opportunities, receive support, and to coordinate plans with FUMC program.

Step 3: Pursue

  • Contact the Team Leader for a scheduled trip to which you feel led.

  • Fill out any required applications.

  • If accepted onto the team, make a commitment to that team.

  • Begin fundraising (must be coordinated through Work Area on Missions).

  • Continue to pray and study God’s Word!

Step 4: Prepare

  • Attend all team meetings and be responsive to the requests of the Team Leader.

  • Obtain necessary immunizations.

  • Apply for passport and/or visa as required.

  • Learn as much as possible about the country or region to which you’ll travel.

  • If fundraising attempts and personal funds will not cover cost of trip, apply for FUMC Mission Scholarship (contact Missions Work Area).

  • Be in the Word daily and pray even harder!

Step 5: Participate

  • Go to where the Holy Spirit has led you and serve as Christ’s Hands and Feet.

  • Give yourself completely to those you are serving.

  • Receive unexpected blessings as you serve others.

  • Do all things with prayer and thanksgiving!

Step 6: Perpetuate

  • Share your experiences with FUMC church family and others.

  • Help ignite a passion for missions in others.

  • Become part of an ongoing outreach.

  • Don’t stop praying!

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