Hope·Help·Heal

 Getting Involved with MHH and Volunteers in Mission (VIM)

	What is VIM ?
	The Purpose of VIM
	Getting involved
	Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is VIM ?

MHH works in Haiti under the umbrella of the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church through its United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) program.

A United Methodist Volunteer in Mission (UMVIM) team is one that serves locally, nationally, or internationally where it is invited; works in a ministry endorsed by the host Methodist church, partner church or agency, or nongovernment organization (NGO); and serves in cooperation with the local host group. A Volunteer in Mission (VIM) is an individual volunteering to serve on a UMVIM team.

Within the New York Annual Conference (NYAC) UMVIM teams typically serve in one of two ways: disaster response or non-disaster response.

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The Purpose of VIM

The UMVIM motto, “Christian Love in Action,” is taken from 1 John 3:18, in which Christians are asked to love “not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” Living our faith is at the very heart of our Christian calling and reflects the purpose that has grown out of our understanding of who we are and what we want to be: those who express “Christian Love in Action”.

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Getting involved

Non-Methodist (and even non-Christian) persons are welcome to be part of VIM Teams but all persons must be informed that this is a Christian organization and we travel under the auspices of the United Methodist Church. All team members will be expected to participate in all activities or programs unless particular arrangements or understandings are made with the Team Leader. A parent or guardian must accompany all persons under 18. Youth must have completed ninth grade to be on an UMVIM trip.

To join an upcoming team, please submit the NYAC Volunteer in Mission Haiti Trip Deposit and Interest Info Application with a $150 deposit to Mountains of Hope for Haiti, c/o Pastor Wendy Vencuss, Nichols United Methodist Church, 35 Shelton Road, Trumbull, CT 06611.

See our Home Page for information on upcoming trips.

Click here to download an application form and send by mail or fax

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 FAQ

Why participate on a VIM trip ? 

The most valuable part of participating on a VIM Team is the potential for “relationships” to be formed with our Haitian brothers and sisters and also with one another. Through shared Building and Construction Projects, Clinic Days, School Visits, Community Activities such as Vacation Bible School, Game Days, Women’s Gatherings, Hot Meals, Garden Plantings, and Worship Opportunities, many short term and long lasting friendships are developed. MHH Team members often comment that they “receive” so much more that they “give” when they serve on a MHH/VIM Team! .

How much does it cost to join a team on a VIM trip to Haiti? 

Cost is around $1,500 for a 7-9 day trip which includes almost all the trip expenditures, including airfare, in-country travel, food, lodging, translators, and funds for supplies. 

How do I get on a team? 

Complete a NYAC Volunteer in Mission Haiti Trip Deposit and Interest Info Application and with a $150 deposit (part of the total cost) and e-mail  Mission.Trips@mountainsofhopeforhaiti.org or send to Mountains of Hope for Haiti, c/o Pastor Wendy Vencuss, Nichols United Methodist Church, 35 Shelton Road, Trumbull, CT 06611.  If you are selected, additional forms will be required.

Who can go on a trip?

Participants need to be in good physical condition with NO significant health problems.  Your personal physician must sign off on respective forms to approve your travel to Haiti.