Out of sight…
In today’s 24-hour news cycle, some things seem to come and go quickly; others seem to linger forever. Unfortunately, disasters often fall into the first category – except for the survivors. The storms of this past summer and fall resulted in more than 2 million applications to FEMA for disaster assistance; and that number is only those who applied. The volunteer faith-based community is essential to any recovery effort. Please see below the NYAC response effort and the many opportunities to be in mission, domestically and internationally.
Puerto Rico response – Teams forming
In February the NYAC sent its first Early Response Team to Puerto Rico – in fact, it was the first team to be deployed under the collaborative response effort between the MCPR (Methodist Church of Puerto Rico), UMCOR, and UMVIM. Read about a recent trip here.
The April 23 to 30 team is full but there is another team scheduled for June 16 to 23. The cost is $650 per person. Click here for general information and a volunteer application.
Texas Response – A New Normal
The NYAC has sent two teams to Texas. Please read Cassandra Broadus-Garcia’s reflection, “A New Normal,” about her recent ERT trip and experience in Texas.
In January, the NYAC team to Florida was the first to be deployed in the Florida Keys as part of the Irma/Maria response.
Team Leaders Needed – the NYAC Mission Office will support qualified and experienced persons interested in leading teams to Texas, Florida, or Puerto Rico. Contact Tom Vencuss at tvencuss@nyac.com.
Early Response Team Training Events
Global Ministries
Youth Ambassadors – Learning and Working in Haiti
Eighteen youth and chaperones were on the recent Youth Ambassador’s trip to Haiti. Read about their experience.
Nicaragua – VIM Team Seeking Members – August 10 to 20, 20018.
For the fourth year, a Volunteers in Mission team from the NYAC will travel to Nicaragua to support the work of Accion Medica Christiana. AMC is a Christian, ecumenical non-profit health and development organization. For more information, click here.
Hulapalooza – Supporting Abundant Health – April 7
Bishop Bickerton invites all conference churches to “hoop it up” this Saturday, at First UMC, Mount Vernon on behalf of Abundant Health Ministries. Click here for information and registration.
