Mission trip to Puerto Rico

Mission trip to Puerto Rico

Invitation

 As United Methodists, we are privileged to become active participants in missions, through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). UMCOR is known for the first to be on site when a disaster hits a region, and the last to leave. It is possible through the connectional ministry we are as a United Methodist Church. Through our partnership, we are able to provide resources and fundings for areas facing crisis toward recovery.

Raleigh Court United Methodist Church strives to ‘Love God and love others for the transformation of the world.’ As we learn how to love God and others, we believe serving is an essential act for us to transform into God’s image. While we are on this journey together, we believe God also uses us as God’s vessel for transforming the world.

In that direction, we were able to be part of the UMCOR hurricane relief bucket drive, where we collected around 10 relief buckets and $2,700 directed to the relief fund. We believe, however, we needed to be more active in our participation in worship. So we applied to become an Early Response Team (ERT) for UMCOR. Our trip will be held from June 23rd (Saturday) to June 30th (Saturday) at a site assigned by UMCOR in Puerto Rico.

Please join us with your prayers, regarding this mission trip.

Also, if you are over 18, we would love to have you join the team.

May God continue to use us and mold us for God’s glory.

In Christ,
Rev. Seungsoo Jun

Information

Date: June 23rd – June 30th, 2018
We are planning to leave from Charlotte, NC to Luis Muñoz Marin Airport, Isla Verde, PR. We might have to leave a day early from Roanoke. (TBD)

Who: Member of RCUMC (UMC) over 18 (10 slots opened)

What: Join our team with a heart of service. We will perform basic cleaning and clearing of the debris and many other relief efforts on site. We also applied for a medical mission. You will be asked to join a mission team training, which will start early April.

Estimated cost: $1,000 
Air Fare – approx. $550
Cost per day – approx. $55/ per day * 8 days= 440
* team will be responsible to raise approx. $2,000 for extra costs.

For more information contact RJ (540-556-1188/ junssoo@gmail.com)

FAQ

What is ERT?

Background-checked, badged, and motivated to be a caring, listening Christian presence, early responders prevent further damage by tarping roofs, stabilizing structures, and clearing and cleaning out debris and water-soaked material. ERTs know how to prepare a structure for recovery teams and to provide hope to desperate survivors that God’s people care about their lives and homes.

Article about the recent call for ERT

ERT common tasks

Install tarps, clean debris, “Shelter in Place” repairs (roof, windows, doors), cleaning, etc

Where will be staying?

  • Depending on the assignment and group size, the group will be staying at a Retreat Camp or a local church
  • There will be bunks at the retreat sites. Please bring appropriate linens.
  • Teams staying at a local church will sleep in the sanctuary either on pews or on the floor. Please bring a small air mattress, crash pad, and sleeping bag – depending on your needs

How are the meals coordinated?

  • The kitchen will prepare 3 meals and a snack for the group.
  • Meals are not made to order, there can be no changes in the menu or special order – except for medical concerns.
  • If a volunteer requires a special diet because of a medical condition, please request it at least 4 weeks prior to your arrival thru your team leader. All team members must eat together.

Travel Documents

  • Puerto Rico is part of the USA; Puerto Ricans are US citizens from birth, no passport required for US citizens
  • Need an official ID – driver’s license or passport.
  • If under age (18-21) need a letter of authorization to travel with an adult other than parents