Site
Contents
 |
General Information about the Area Office
North Indiana Conference Office
South Indiana Conference Office
Prayer Guides
(Courtesy of the NIC Prayer Team)
Area United Methodist
Foundation
For resources to assist your congregation in welcoming guests,
click here
Seashore District Volunteer Center VIM project -- Completed
Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
September 2005 |
Richmond church travels to Four Corner on 15th mission trip
Now Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
- Hebrews 11:1
By Polly Wilde
While most people think seeing is believing, members of Central United Methodist Church at Richmond, Ind., often believe before they see. That faith recently took members on the church's 15th mission trip to the Navajo nation. In a week's time, a group of 17 volunteers secured trusses on a new fellowship hall and conducted Bible school for the children in Many Farms, Ariz.
These Four-Corners projects are synonymous for United Methodist outreach that has sent teams to support Navajo churches for more than 20 years. Central has made 15 trips, and the congregation has owned this mission.
"This mission is a way that we, as individuals, can connect in a personal way with the mission of our church," says Sue Shafer, one of the mission trip leaders. She has connected in the most personal way. These trips began for Shafer and her late husband, Bob, in 1990. They experienced five trips together before Bob's death in 1995. Despite her loss, Shafer continues to serve.
Her main role is to coordinate meals and food preparation, however, anyone who has been on one of these adventures knows that Shafer is much more than a cook. She has literally been the heart of the operation, or "clan matriarch" during the past 15 trips to the Four-Corners area.
John Ingermann and his son, Jeff, are ten-year veterans of the project. Both men, experienced in construction, are often in charge of the building project and realize the important role Shafer plays in this work.
"She's a very important aspect of this mission. She's always very mindful of the guys working out in the sun," John says. In fact, Jeff developed the motto, "No Sue, no eat." Fortunately, the crew has never had to worry as Shafer often performs culinary miracles, serving 50 people out of a crock pot and improvising recipes that satisfy the crew.
Sharing faith
|
"This mission is a way that we, as individuals, can connect in a personal way with the mission of our church." - Sue Shafer |
Aside from food and building, the groups also get to experience the Navajo culture and share their faith with the area children. Shafer leads in that area, too, as she corresponds with many Navajo friends she has made over the years and shares her love of the Native-American people year-round in various church settings.
"She has a passion, a burning desire for the Navajo people," Jeff says.
This year, Bible school was conducted at night, in conjunction with a tent revival nearby. Veteran teachers Ann Cashner and Judy Redmyer led the teaching effort with as many as 40 children. While Cashner led in music, Redmyer wove each lesson with stories. Both women have participated in this mission for several years.
Cashner says she loves to help people who seem to need help. "I've been attracted to the Native American people, even as a little kid. It has always been a fascination for me to meet and talk with these people." And most years, many of the children who attend the Bible school know little about Christianity. "I realized some of the children didn't know about Jesus, and I think music is one way to teach that," she says.
In addition, Cashner enjoys the camaraderie that develops among the crew. There's nothing like living with someone for a week, and crew members get to know each other in a unique way that can't be duplicated through normal church activities, Cashner added.
Multi-generational experience
In addition, grandmothers and grandfathers have participated with their grandchildren and whole families have been involved in the effort, making it a multi-generational experience.
Financial contributions for building and Bible school supplies are crucial. While crew members pay their own travel expenses, the Central congregation always donates generously. This year they contributed approximately $5,000 to the effort.
Pastor Scott Bell led this year's mission. Bell sees this project as an intersection of Navajo needs. At the same time, we live in a very affluent society and many times our greatest need is to be needed. "When a great need is confronted with the need to be needed, the Holy Spirit acts in powerful ways," Bell said.
Central UMC volunteers included: Scott Bell, John Beymer, Karen Beymer, Ann Cashner, Edna Dismukes, Jeff Ingermann, John Ingermann, Donna Jurgens, Susan O'Donnell, Judy Redmyer, Lowell Robinson, Sue Shafer, Brianne Simpson, Scott Starbuck, Steve Starbuck, Anna Wilde and Polly Wilde.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008