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Habitat for Humanity

 MISSION TRIPS

Making a Difference in the World

Mission work is one of the most powerful ways to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. There are groups of people who are willing to go beyond their own communities, and in the name of Jesus Christ, they make their hands dirty, their muscles sore, their bodies sweat.  We are all part of the mission team.

Read our mission statement.


Serving the People of Haiti - February 2011

 

Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with John Sheely and Sylvia Hibbard to discuss their upcoming serving trip to Haiti.  No only was I moved by their dedication to helping the less fortunate, but I was also excited to see that Roselle UMC has the opportunity to be part of what the team is doing in Haiti, in both our prayers and our giving.    Val Sutton, Director of Communications, Roselle UMC

Tell me a little about the trip.  When is it?  Who is going? Where exactly are you going

JS:  We are leaving for Haiti on February 9 and returning on February 17.  The trip is a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) trip that is being led by Don Dexheimer, the Outreach Director at Roscoe UMC.  At his time, we have 8 members on the team, half of whom are from Illinois and the rest of whom are spread out across the US.  We will be working in Thor, Haiti, which is southeast of Port-au-Prince. We expect to be working at the Thor Methodist Church and school.

What do you expect to be doing on this trip?

JS:  We are being told that we will be painting and also possibly working on bathrooms, but we've been asked to bring along a bag of tools that includes tools seldom used in either of these activities.  I suspect the key is flexibility.  We do have a doctor on the team who will be addressing medical needs in the community.

SH:  One of the reasons we are taking extra tools is that we are being asked to leave all of our tools, to be used by people of Haiti and by future teams.  We will be collecting additional items to bring down to Haiti as well; be watching for more information coming soon about what we may want to bring down with us.  We'll be sure to say something in the eNews and in the weekly bulletins. 

What made you feel compelled to commit to this trip?

SH:  Ever since I started coming to Roselle UMC, I have been involved in some sort of mission activity.  It started with being on the Mission/Outreach Committee and grew to both local activities (PADS, Night Ministry, etc.) and mission trips with the youth.  Out of that grew my passion for social justice.  I have always been drawn to help where there is a need.  Haiti's situation is one that is beyond comprehension for me and for many people.  I think being there will help be dig a little deeper into the lives and struggles of the Haitian people.

JS:  I really enjoyed the previous mission trips I went on to Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina.  I've had my eye open for a mission trip that would challenge me physically, mentally and spiritually.  I have a feeling Haiti will fulfill all those challenges and more.

What do you hope and expect God will do in your own life on this trip?

JS:  I hope to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as we work each day, and as we get to know the people.

SH:  Every time God puts us into the mission field, it is a transformative experience.  That is why I enjoy working with PADS.  I need those reminders to show me how fortunate I am, and to understand the important things in life.

What skills do you bring with you?

SH:  Every mission trip is a learning experience for me.  While I have never been on an out-of-the-country serving trip, I have traveled to many poorer countries throughout the world and have always made a point of leaning about these countries' political situations and their history, so that I would understand better what it is they face.

JS:  I have no special construction skills, but I'm handy enough.  If someone explains what needs to be done, I can usually accomplish the task.

What fears do you have for this trip?

JS:  The cholera outbreak is certainly a concern, but I believe that's manageable.  The political situation is a big unknown and there is nothing we can do to control it.  But hey, this is Haiti.  There are probably problems we will encounter that no one has thought of yet.

SH:  We are well prepared with both medical supplies and staff.  I think instead about the people in Haiti who have to face these fears every day.  I am able to leave after eight days, but they are not.  If I worry about anything, it would be the emotional impact this can have on me.  How can one see this devastation and then come back to America and come to terms with the extreme differences?


Junior High Mission Trip 2010

Destination:  Niagra Falls, NY   Worked at a YouthWorks site.

Dates: June 26 - July 3, 2010

 

Senior High Mission Trip 2010

 

Dates:  July 10 - 17, 2010

 

 

Junior High Mission Trip 2008

Quad Cities:  

Senior High Mission Trip 2008

Mon Valley, PA

 

Summer 2006:

Last year's mission trips were rewarding opportunities for us to serve.  Thanks to all who participated and supported our missions through their time, donations and prayers.

Junior High Mission Trip - June 19-24, 2006    Destination: Rockford, Illinois

Senior High Mission Trip - June 25 - July 1       Destination: Tutwiler, Mississippi  

 

 

     

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