HerndonUMC Commissioning of George and Melissa for Israel VIM trip

Thank you HerndonUMC for your support and prayers as we travel to Israel and Palestine to share the love of Christ to those we meet.

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Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Trip to the Holy Land

We are a Volunteer in Mission (VIM) team sponsored by the Board of Church and Society of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. We are traveling to the Israel/Palestine to visit holy sites and participate in service projects. During the trip we will learn about the history, the people, the conflict, and the culture.

Our visit is hosted by the Methodist Liaison Office in Palestine and Israel

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HUMC & Sterling UMC Team On The Way To Costa Rica

The team left the church at about 4:30 AM this morning. They are now on Southwest Flt 4602.

Pictures are here: HUMC-CRMP-DAY ONE

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2016 VIM Team Travels To Sumter SC

This year 17 Volunteers in Mission Ministry persons traveled to Sumter, SC to work on homes selected by UMCOR. The team was hosted by Bethel United Methodist Church where Jeremy Howell is Pastor. The team was assigned two homes to work on. One only needed some cabinetry, shower and flooring. The other home had extensive flood damage and sheet rock to about 24” need to be replaced, plus flooring through out. The team spent a full 5 days at this home getting it restored.  Good Job Team!!

A big thank you to the volunteers and those that support such ministry.

View pictures click here.

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At Home After A Successful Trip

Saturday we left Mourne Rouge Haiti about 10 AM after saying goodbye to our hosts Mme Marie, and Pastor Moise. We were made most welcome and fed like we were at a banquet everyday. It was bittersweet to end our Haiti visit. This is the house we stayed at

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The trip to the Cap Haitian Airport was uneventful but going through security was not. The computer chose me for a random search and boy were they surprised when they started going through my backpack. They took out everything, charging cords for cameras and cell phones, adapters, extension cord, pens and pencils, number 15 puzzle I always carry on my trips, and the list goes on. It almost took a half an hour. It was a good thing we got there two hours early.

The water project ended well and is now supplying water to both the Asebed Hospital and the community.

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The project was a joint effort by Bellaire / Southwest Houston Rotary Club, St. John’s Presbyterian, and Herndon United Methodist Church. The Living Waters Team was made up of Bradford Urquhart (Team Leader), Woody Speers ( Installation ), Leonie Tchoconte ( Education Trainer ), Glen Risley and George Billman ( As Needed ), and Surpris Cherazard ( Translator and Transportation Manager).

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with such dedicated missioners. God’s blessings were abundant and timely this week. I pray that the system will be sustainable by our Haitian friends who have taken responsibility for the system.

Pictures of this weeks trip can be viewed at: https://gbillman.smugmug.com/Missions/April-2016-Haiti-Trip

 

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Friday-Water celebration day at ASEBED Hospital!

One of the final steps is to 'brand' the water system!

One of the final steps is to ‘brand’ the water system!

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Thursday’s accomplishments

Living Waters for the World Water hygiene education class

Living Waters for the World Water hygiene education class

Today, Thursday was a busy day of finishing the water system so that the water could be bacteriologically tested prior to tomorrow’s celebration; final education classes for the community and hospital educators; and of course the logo painting on the outside of the building.  The brown square  in the picture below is a pass through window where water can be served to the community.

It has been a great week so far…now for the finishing touches, and handing over of the system.

One of the final steps is to 'brand' the water system!

One of the final steps is to ‘brand’ the water system!

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Wednesday adventures-a little Haitian history and system completion

Location of the last battle for independence from the French. Cap-Haitian, Haiti

Bataille De Vertieres.  Location of the last battle for independence from the French. Cap-Haitian, Haiti

We were able to see a historical site today while venturing out to find parts.

The water system is complete and will be tested tomorrow.  All is going well.  Once tested…let the water flow!  Celebration is set for Friday!

completed system

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Monday and Tuesday progress report

The team has made lots of progress in getting the water system on the board at ASEBED hospital in Morne-Rouge, Cap-Hatian.  A few trips to local stores to find those little items that are essential to make it work has been interesting to say the least!

My luggage was finally found and arrived yesterday!  Yeah!

Progress made on the LWW system at ASEBED Hospital in Morne-Rouge, CapHatian

Progress made on the LWW water system at ASEBED Hospital in Morne-Rouge, CapHatian

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Made it to our destination in Cap Hatien

The team made it to our destination on Saturday, but unfortunately a bag missing….my bag.  Hopefully it will show up before the week is up.  We have started our preliminary work on the water system already and looking forward to a busy week ahead.  If anyone sees a big black bag like in the picture let me know!IMG_3340

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