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VIM health care team needs help

Posted on by James Deaton
Mission team manages the pharmacy
Michigan volunteer Denise Schuitema (left) from Shelby UMC manages the mission pharmacy with Rudy Doria (right), a member of the Methodist church in Satipo. Rudy is a university student studying environmental law and has worked with the Michigan/Wisconsin VIM team twice. American medical professionals send prescriptions on to Denise to be filled and then Rudy translates them into Spanish. ~ photo courtesy Jody Pratt

A UM Volunteers in Mission team from Michigan and Wisconsin is returning to Satipo, Peru, in 2024 and needs more volunteers. Apply by March 1.

A United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (VIM) team of health-care professionals and support staff is returning to Satipo, Peru, from August 31 to September 10, 2024, and they are seeking two additional members to fill their team of twelve. March 1, 2024, is the deadline to apply, so inquire now if you are interested. Being able to speak Spanish is not required.

Mission work in Peru with children
Earlier this year, Jody Pratt (middle, sitting), VIM Coordinator for the Michigan Conference, served on a VIM team to Satipo, Peru. Annie Solis (front, sitting), the on-site Peruvian coordinator, has a degree in nutrition and partners with U.S. teams coming to Peru. Annie currently works for the Peruvian navy. Here, Jody and Annie play food bingo with the children in the community who wait to be seen by medical professionals. ~ photo courtesy Jody Pratt

Jody Pratt, the Michigan Conference’s VIM Coordinator, is co-leading this journey with Steve Blake from the Wisconsin Conference. The team will partner with The Methodist Church of Peru (Iglesia Metodista del Perú) to provide health care, pharmacy support, reading glasses, and bra distribution. Activities for children have been requested and school supplies will be distributed to families.

Jody and Steve have worked to build a collaborative relationship with the Methodist church and the community, and they look forward to returning. This will be the team’s third visit to the Junín Region of Peru, which is considered an upland jungle.

“We’re excited to return to Satipo, working closely with the host church there. Our Peruvian contact, Annie Solis, is coordinating the Peruvian volunteers, and District Superintendent Rev. Mario Tapia will coordinate the area work with local churches.”

The total cost to participate is $1,500, plus roundtrip airfare to Lima, Peru, but this amount covers everything—food, lodging, internal transportation, additional insurance, one day of sightseeing, and the medical supplies needed for the journey. A $100 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.

Limited scholarships are available. A person from a Michigan United Methodist congregation going on a VIM journey for the first time is eligible for a $150 scholarship from the Michigan Conference. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the trip begins. Click here to download the scholarship criteria.

Jody is also available to assist individuals with brainstorming ideas for raising money and encourages anyone interested in this mission journey to Peru to contact her. It takes planning, so please inquire soon if you want to learn more.

To apply, contact Jody at [email protected] or 616-292-4908, and she will send you the application details.

Churches or individuals wishing to assist the team but cannot go are welcome to donate gently used or new bras (sports bras are preferred as they are expandable), low-strength reading glasses, kids’ sunglasses, and over-the-counter vitamins for all ages. Contact Jody with questions about how your church can support this journey, affirming our United Methodist connections.

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

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The Michigan Conference