The international missions outreach at St. James is continually increasing, as we honor the commission that Jesus that gave to His disciples: “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.” (Mark 16:15). Those who go out to bless and encourage other people often return being even more blessed themselves while introducing others to the Lord. This has been a life-changing experience for the many who have been team members. Those who support the mission teams, both financially and through prayer cover, also serve a vitally important role in the work.

St. James UMC's first mission trip was to Panama, followed by many trips to Mexico and Paraguay in 1998 and 1999. In 2000-2008 there have been trips to Mexico, Scotland, Russia, France, and Africa. Teams have built and painted churches, conducted Bible schools, helped with summer camps, worked with disabled orphans, prayed for cities, provided leadership training, preached, taught, worshiped and ministered to the people of the world.

This year we will be sending out 3 teams. Our mission to Russia has been postponed until 2010.

Please support all of our teams with your prayers, contributions, and participation in our fundraisers (“Missions Possible” 5K Run/Walk and our International Missions Yard Sale ). If you would like to make a financial contribution to a specific mission team, or to our International Mission efforts as a whole, you may send a check made out to St. James UMC (and mail to: 111 West Lake Dr., Athens, GA, 30606) with the name of the specific mission trip in the “For” line, or simply designate it for “International Missions”. We appreciate your generosity—your contributions are instrumental in lives being changed around the world. )

Tanzania (May 28 - June 11)

As we head back to Tanzania for our fifth year, we are excited about the doors that the Lord has opened. Opportunities exist for: children’s, orphanage, women’s, music and sewing (Colors of Africa) ministries; teacher training; and work at deaf and girls’ schools. These opportunities exist with Pastor Stanford Mwakipesile at the Golgotha TAG (Assemblies of God) Church, Helen Rusimbi at the Village of Hope Orphanage and with pastor Barnabas Mtokambali at the TAG Bethel Revival Temple, all located in the Morogoro area where St. James mission teams have worked in the past. This team of 5 has formed—LaMurl Morris, Mary Walsh, Alyssa May, Judi Oliver and Vanessa Miller. (Come send the team off at 11:30 AM on May 28th and sign up to pray for them.)

Team leader: LaMurl Morris

Montenegro (July 15 - 28)

This is our newest international mission effort which began last year! Like our Russia teams this effort will be coordinated though the Cantrells and Stoneworks International. It will involve working a longer period of time with the Christian Youth Camp began last year for youth, ages 15-21, helping them to know God and learning how to form Christian based relationships. In addition there will be opportunities for ministries to others in this essentially non-evangelized area of the world. (Team meetings will be announced in FOCUS.)

Team Leader: Mike Sobel

Mexico (July 5 - 11)

Team Mexico, 2009 will depart July 5th for Palenque, in the southern state of Chiapas. Working again with missionary, Mark Dover, we will build a church for a new and growing congregation of believers and spend some time visiting churches that we had worked with in previous years. We will return July 11th after 5 short days in country. Palenque is in the middle of a beautiful but challenging region. However, God has been moving powerfully throughout the country side, producing a growing harvest of fruit. St. James has been blessed to participate in this wonderful work.

If you feel called to be a member of this team or if you would like to support or hear more about this work, please contact Allen Amason

Team Leader : Allen Amason

Russia (May 2010)

Historically, our work in Russia has centered on ministering to disabled orphans working through MIR and Mike and Olga Cantrell. This year a team was planned for the construction of a multi-use facility at a former Soviet-Era Pioneer Youth Camp that the Cantrells and Stoneworks International have been given use of on the Karelian Isthmus. This effort has been postponed until May 2010 to permit more complete planning and a longer opportunity to raise funds. It will require 12-15 participants. We look forward to his future exciting effort.

Team leaders: Dave Himmelsbach and John Morris

For more information about our International Missions, please call the church office at 706-548-1680 or contact Dave Himmelsbach (706-769-7686) or email: info@sjumc.org