Mission Trips
Putting Faith Into Action
Below are the national and international mission trips being facilitated through First United Methodist Church of Winter Park for 2012.
For more information about support raising, visit here.
Payments for all trips may be made online by clicking here and giving under "Mission Trip" or by writing a check to FUMCWP with the trip name in the memo.
If you would like more information, or would like to sign up for one of these mission trips, please contact Jensie Gobel, Missions and Outreach Coordinator.
Missions Blog
Follow the mission teams this summer on our church blog!
Finding the Best Short-Term Mission for You
First United Methodist Church Winter Park is offering a wide variety of short-term mission trips in 2012. In determining the best “fit” for you, it may be helpful to take note of the following seven key decision areas. Everyone works through them in a different order and unique way. (more info)
For example, someone who feels led to go overseas for one week or more in the summer (term) to work with children (talent) in a ministry for orphans and vulnerable children (team) may want to choose between going to Kenya or Latvia (target).
What are your priorities? How flexible are they? As you read through the following seven decision areas, try to identify your priorities.
1. Target
Consider your target. What need will you touch? To which country will you go? What people? Which city?
For some individuals, targeting is the main decision. Perhaps they feel that God has called them to a particular country. Others figure that it is important to go where they are most needed. Still others have learned to put their finger on places and groups of people which are strategic in light of the big picture of world evangelism.
2. Task
Consider your task. What kinds of activities will you be doing from day to day? What goals will you accomplish?
Some people are open to serve in just about any way. But others start out fixed on a particular job description. You may have your heart set on digging wells, or doing literacy work, or helping in construction, or playing with orphans. Get acquainted with the range of fascinating possibilities. Widen your willingness to serve by accepting a challenge.
3. Team
Consider your team. With whom will you go? What size team is right for you?
4. Talents
Step back and take a good look at yourself. Consider your talents, gifts and strengths. What spiritual gifts or natural abilities are called for? What do you like to do most? What weaknesses do you have?
Many people start here on the search. There may be something they’re good at, like playing guitar or doing construction. Some are pleasantly surprised that their special ability can be put to use in missions.
Try to find something that fits you best, but don’t limit yourself. You have much to offer!
5. Training
Consider your training. What are you equipped or prepared to do?
You may begin the short-term selection process by examining your education, experience and qualifications. These are worthy considerations, but don’t let them limit you. Although you might find something which fits you, you might miss several key opportunities if you limit your options to your own current abilities.
Be sure to inventory all your qualifications. You may be more prepared than you think!
6. Term
Consider your term of service. What timeframe works for your work or school schedule? How long of a commitment will you be making? Are you thinking of just spending a few days or a couple of weeks?
7. Travel Costs
How much are you able to budget for a mission trip? Plan ahead for saving and raising support.
Adapted from Stepping Out: A Guide to Short-Term Missions.
Mission Trips 2012
Agua Viva, Costa Rica (Baldocchi)
Departs: April 14, 2012
Returns: April 21, 2012
Leader: Richard Baldocchi, Blake Davidson
Cost: Approx. $1,000
Purpose: To provide clean water to a community with great needs
The Agua Viva ministry began in the small town of Los Chiles, Costa Rica, near the Nicaragua border. In 2010, a team from this church encountered a community called “The Precarios.” A precario is a slum. In English it means “precarious,” which describes the existence of those who live there. The living conditions are very meager and water is hard to find. Some families carry water to their homes from nearly two miles away.
Over the last three years, FUMCWP teams have learned the technical aspects of drilling and have now installed four wells that are functioning and serving the community.
During the next year, the goal is to install 12 water wells. Teams will be traveling throughout the year.
For more information, visit www.aguavivacr.com.
Trenton, GA
Departs: April 19
Returns: April 23
Leader: Richard Cave/Johnny Peng
Cost: Minimal
Purpose: Reaching out to the community
In April 2011, eighty percent of low-income families in Trenton, GA, lost their homes to tornadoes.
Most do not have insurance to repair or rebuild.
Construction teams will be going to Trenton for periods of three to four days to assist.
Haiti (Spring)
Departs: April 21, 2012
Returns: April 28, 2012
Leader: Art Cross
Cost: Approx. $2,500
Purpose: Caring for children and orphans, providing counseling assistance, helping the homeless and reaching out to the community
Strengthening Emotional Health
UMCOR partner Grace Children’s Hospital provides healthcare to tent cities in Port-au-Prince. This mission team will train healthcare workers who will focus on post-traumatic stress and HIV-AIDS education. Team members will be lay people with small group leadership experience, and/or
Stephen Ministry experience; and professionals with care and counseling experience.
Agua Viva, Costa Rica (Vance)
Departs: April 21, 2012
Returns: April 28, 2012
Leader: Randy Vance, Blake Davidson
Cost: Approx. $1,000
Purpose: To provide clean water to a community with great needs
The Agua Viva ministry began in the small town of Los Chiles, Costa Rica, near the Nicaragua border. In 2010, a team from this church encountered a community called “The Precarios.” A precario is a slum. In English it means “precarious,” which describes the existence of those who live there. The living conditions are very meager and water is hard to find. Some families carry water to their homes from nearly two miles away.
Over the last three years, FUMCWP teams have learned the technical aspects of drilling and have now installed four wells that are functioning and serving the community.
During the next year, the goal is to install 12 water wells. Teams will be traveling throughout the year.
For more information, visit www.aguavivacr.com.
Honduras

Departs: July 7, 2012
Returns: July 14, 2012
Leader: Richard Brelsford
Cost: Approx. $1,000
Purpose: Reaching out to the community and caring for children
The United Methodist Mission Church in Honduras is a community of Christ-seeking men, women and children from throughout Honduras who have built 12 growing congregations. Each community of faith is engaged in a variety of ministries, reaching out to neighbors living with the challenges of poverty. These ministries are supported, in part, by North American volunteers and with support from United Methodist Churches in the U.S.
The mission team will assist local Methodist missionaries, Ron and Loretta Davidson, in their work. They will take part in a multi-phase project including constructing offices for the national church headquarters, a chapel, sanctuary, and pastor’s home. Vacation Bible School for the local children will also be an important component of the trip.
Learn more here.
Boston, MA
Departs: June 10, 2012
Returns: June 14, 2012
Leader: Michael Roberts
Cost: Approx. $1,000
Purpose: Reaching out to the community and caring for children
The Youth Choir will travel to Boston, MA. Travel is planned around mission opportunities to serve in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, historical churches and to sing at Harvard Square.
There will also be sightseeing opportunities , including a tour of the USS Constitution and dinner at Faneuil Hall.
The music is Christian-based and ranges from contemporary songs to hymns, and spirituals. The performances, designed to share a message of hope and faith, include dance, choreographed numbers, skits, and monologues.
Kenya
Departs: June 14, 2012
Returns: June 27, 2012
Leader: Merrill Frailey
Cost: Approx. $3,000
Purpose: Reaching out to the community, helping the homeless, caring for children and orphans and feeding the hungry
Our mission team will engage in programs and activities with the Panua children and youth as well as connect with Panua leaders and members of the Naivasha Community.
Panua is a partnership between First United
Methodist Church of Winter Park and Navaisha United Methodist Churches that invests in orphans, vulnerable children and youth in Naivasha, Kenya. Our goal is to provide the resources and training for them to defeat
extreme poverty and move from dependency
to self-sufficiency.
Through the program 400 orphans and vulnerable children will become self-sufficient over three years.
ELEVATE Student Ministries Mission Trips
Dates: Summer 2012
Leader: David Killingsworth
Cost: Priceless
Purpose: Reaching out to the community
Elevate students will be making a difference in our community and in our world in the summer of 2012 by participating in three mission trips:
- June 25-29 - Camp Warren Willis, Leesburg, FL Students will participate in fun and inspirational activities to build a sense of Christian community and deepen their faith.
- June 30-July 7 - Orlando, FL Middle school students will work locally to meet needs in our area.
- July 8-13 - TEAMEFFORT. High school students will help those less fortunate in another community, working with children, feeding the homeless, or repairing homes.
- July 23-27 - Vacation Bible School at South Street
Belize
Departs: June 30, 2012
Returns: July 8, 2012
Leader: Dale Perkins
Cost: Approx. $1,000
Purpose: Reaching out to the community and caring for children
Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. Belize is bordered by Mexico to its north, by Guatemala to its south and west, and by the Caribbean Sea to its east.
Our team will assist in the construction of new classrooms for Corozal Methodist School, a growing school with an enrollment of over 500 students. Vacation Bible School for the children will also be an important component of the trip.
Costa Rica
Departs: July 21, 2012
Returns: July 28, 2012
Leader: Mark & Gina Fromang
Cost: Approx. $1,000
Purpose: Reaching out to the community and caring for children
This will be our church’s fifth year sending teams to support the work of Methodist missionary Wil Bailey. This year’s team will return to the church camp in Zona Sur. The mission team will help with construction of a parsonage and Sunday School rooms and lead a Vacation Bible School for the local children.
Learn more at www.costaricamissionprojects.com.
Sager Brown, Baldwin, LA
Departs: October 27, 2012
Returns: November 3, 2012
Leader: TBD
Cost: Approx. $300
Purpose: Reaching out to the community, helping the homeless, caring for children
The UMCOR* Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, LA., is the headquarters for UMCORs relief supply operations. Approximately $4 million in supplies are shipped each year from the Baldwin, LA campus. More than 2,000 volunteers come through Sager Brown each year to make these shipments happen.
Our mission team will help with organization of the supplies at the depot as well as reach out to the Baldwin community in projects that help children, families and the elderly.
Learn more at the UMCOR website
*United Methodist Committee on Relief
Haiti (Fall)
Departs: Fall 2012
Returns: Fall 2012 (10 Days)
Leader: Keith Mumma of International Child Care
Cost: Approx. $2,700
Purpose: Caring for children and orphans, providing counseling assistance, helping the homeless and reaching out to the community
Mission Exploration in Haiti and the Dominican Republic
UMCOR partner Grace Children’s Hospital and International Child Care provide health services to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. First UMC of Winter Park has a committed mission to the hospital and additional needs of the community. Team members will be immersed in the culture, daily life, and healthcare needs of both countries. Individuals with interest in visioning, organizational leadership, and spiritual discernment of God’s call are needed.
Kenya (Medical)
Departs: October 2012
Returns: October 2012
Leader: Amy McKenna
Cost: Approx. $3,000
Purpose: Providing Medical Assistance
Panua is a partnership between First United Methodist Church of Winter Park and Navaisha United Methodist Churches that invests in orphans, vulnerable children and youth in Naivasha, Kenya. Our goal is to provide the resources and training for them to defeat extreme poverty and move from dependency to self-sufficiency.
This team will provide medical and dental care to the orphans and youth in Panua and the Naivasha community.
Specialties most needed include: general practitioners, nurses, dentists, ENTs, pediatricians, OBGYNs, and optometrists.
Connect With Past Missions
We have been active around the state, the country and even around the world in our attempt to follow God through service. Take a moment to read about some of the places and ways we have been active. (more info)
Mission in 2011
- Agua Viva - Read Blog - rss feed

- Belize - Read Blog - rss feed

- Haiti - Read Blog - rss feed

- Honduras - Read Blog - rss feed

- Larry Brown - Read Blog - rss feed

- Panua - Read Blog - rss feed

Mission in 2010
- Costa Rica - Agua Viva I - Read more
- Costa Rica - Agua Viva II
- Youth Choir Tour - Read more
- Ensenada, Mexico - Website - Blog
- Impact - Orlando - Website - Blog
- Costa Rica - Los Chiles (Perkins)
- Costa Rica - Los Chiles (Brelsford)
- Naivasha, Kenya
- ReCreation - North Carolina - Website - Blog
- Rural Georgia
- Costa Rica - Southern Costa Rica
- SIFAT - Alabama - Website - Blog
- Florida United Methodist Children's Home - Read more
- Sager Brown - Read more
- Port-au-Prince, Haiti
