Volunteers In Mission (VIM) are often thought of as those who are out in the community, traveling from state to state or all over the world DOING, SERVING, WORKING. However, in these unprecedented times we are taken aback and caught off guard. What do we DO?
One of the core values of UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) teams is to adhere to John Wesley’s three simple rules. Wesley summarized what he felt God calls us to do in these three directives: Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in love with God.
For those of us who are non-essential workers, the very best thing we can DO is stay home. It’s very easy to look at this as doing nothing. I challenge you to look closer. Our values state that we are to do no harm. We know that staying at home currently is the best way to care for others, especially the vulnerable. In the Volunteer in Mission Training, we learn that sometimes the practices of mission have the best intentions but can also have the worst impact. We must continually look at how our words and actions through service could be harmful.
Over the past few weeks I’ve witnessed our VIM teams take to heart “Do no harm”. Trips that were saved up for, planned to the very detail and teams built were cancelled. Team leaders are sending out encouraging emails and funny memes to lighten the spirit. Many VIM are gathering on video calls to discuss best practices and new innovative ideas. Many are adding friends and neighbor’s grocery list to theirs as they venture out for their once a week run. They’re donating blood. Mask making is being researched and shared on social media as well as new ways to distribute them in a safe manner. Virtual mission is being planned where you can engage with the site getting the cultural experience as well as donating money to their ministry. VIM teams have donated their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to those on the front lines of the battle with this virus.
Volunteers In Mission: Christian love in action! The action has changed but VIM stay true to their values as they care to love their neighbor in whatever form it may take.
If you had VIM trips cancelled but didn’t send your roster in, please send me an email updating me on the status of your trip. I would like to have a record of how this pandemic has affected our VIM travel. Also, as your teams are working out creative ways to love our neighbor, I’d love to hear your stories.
Peace to you and stay well,
Michelle Schwartzman, Director of Volunteers In Mission
vim@susumc.org ● 717-766-7441 ext. 3105
