Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Ubuntu Journey to Hong Kong & China

Calling all United Methodist Women - Ubuntu Journey to Hong Kong & China

Applications are now being accepted for the Ubuntu, Hong Kong & China Journey, led by Jeanie Blankenbaker. The trip is scheduled for September 2-13, 2008 and there are 10 openings for United Methodist Women across the church. Ubuntu eXplorer Journeys

In Hong Kong, team members will meet and share with clients of Bethune House. Supported by the Women's Division, Bethune House provides counseling and legal assistance to female migrants who have been mistreated or harassed at work and a temporary shelter for those awaiting their legal cases to be processed. Following worship on Sunday at the Methodist Church, lunch and fellowship with members of the Methodist Fellowship of Women Migrants will be provided.

On Monday, the group will travel to mainland China by ferry then by domestic flight to Guizhou Province, a scenic mountainous province in southwest China where ethnic groups still keep their old customs and traditions. The group, met by Amity Foundation staff, will learn about development issues and the scope of Amity's work in this remote province. Visits will include the bio-gas, safe drinking water and reforestation projects. Participants will engage in a discussion/learning session with the village women's Development Foundation and beneficiaries of micro-credit projects; learn about the distance education project for village teachers; and visit rebuilt primary schools and "back to school" students. Participants should be prepared to walk since the road does not extend into the village. Before returning to Hong Kong, the group will visit spectacular Huangguoshu Waterfalls, the largest in Asia.
The deadline for applications is December 1, 2007. Cost is $2500, exclusive of USA domestic airfare. For team member application forms and additional information go to www.missionvolunteers.org then to Programs >Ubuntu Explorers Journeys > Forms. Or, you may contact Jeanie Blankenbaker at jbumvimny@aol.com

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Northwest District Fall Meeting --October 13

Come join us in Jacksonville for the Northwest District Fall meeting on Saturday October 13. We begin registration at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10 a.m. The program will be presented by Kathy Kraiza from Sager Brown and the UMCOR Depot. Bring a health kit to share with her.
If you need directions, please call First Methodist in Jacksonville -- 903 586-2494.