December Volunteers in Global Mission Update
In this issue
Greetings
Volunteer Opportunities Individuals and Teams
Facebook
Travel Advisory
Standards of Excellence in Short Term Mission

Dear sisters and brothers in mission,

Advent.  Waiting for the coming Messiah.  I’ve been thinking about those who were waiting so long ago, and were surprised by God as the Good News came in the form of a baby in a manger.  Not what they expected at all, really.  A helpless baby, coming to save the world?

Advent.  Waiting.  There are still people in this world waiting for the Good News, waiting for a Savior.  How will that message be delivered today?  Who will take it to the ends of the earth?  Who will take it across the street?  Who is waiting for YOU to surprise them with the Good News of Jesus Christ? 

Maybe it’s Vietnamese English students…

Conversational English Partners needed in Vietnam
Serve in the exciting Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, working with University students to improve their English. There are many venues to practice with the students, and they are very willing to learn!  If English is your first language, then you are equipped for this ministry.  One volunteer already served in Vietnam and God moved in spectacular ways.  God can use you, too!

Maybe you can bring the Good News through music, art, dance or drama…..

Faith and Art in Action with BuildABridge International Worldwide
Opportunities for volunteer faith and art in action experiences though a partnership with Build-a-Bridge International. The host partners are requesting those who can teach dance, drama, visual and fabric arts, and music as well as those involved in community development. More details are available at www.buildabridge.org or by contacting the Volunteers in Global Mission office.

Maybe it is through organic farming in Japan, or to African Immigrants in Italy…

Discovery Teams to Japan and Italy deadlines are approaching!
Japan from May 14 - 28, 2010   Cost $900 plus airfare to Tokyo.  Spend a over a week at Asian Rural Institute (ARI) joining in organic agriculture, community living, and serving side by side with folks from around the world and then exploring Baptist ministries in Tokyo with Stan Murray and Tomoko Armagost.
For more info on ARI, go to Asian Rural Institute, and click flyer. for more info on the trip.
Deadline to register and pay in full is March 14th.  This trip needs 9 participants to take place.  Don’t wait!!

Italy from June 17 - 28, 2010, cost $1600 plus airfare to Italy.  This trip will be addressing the issues of immigration and human trafficking in Italy with Jim and Debbie Kelsey and team leader Rosaria Love.  Deadline to register is February 17, and pay in full is April 17th.  This trip has a limited amount of participants, so please do not wait to send in your applications!  Click flyer for more info on the trip. 

To find out more about all trips and opportunities, click Discovery trips or call us.

Xtreme Team Egypt
It’s not your mama’s mission trip!
June 14 - July 13, 2010
Egypt.. A land of antiquities and modern conveniences; Muslims and Christians; boats on the Nile, camels, buses, trains..and an Xtreme walk of faith!!  If you’re between the ages of 19 - 29, or know someone who is, then give us a call, or go to the Xtreme Team website for a 2010 application.   

Volunteers in Global Mission is now on Facebook!  Be a fan, watch for events, share volunteer stories, photos, and interact with other volunteers. If you are a Facebook user, type Volunteers in Global Mission in the search box to find us and become a fan!  If you’re new to Facebook, go to www.facebook.com, register, and then follow the directions above.

TRAVEL ADVISORY!
British Airways cabin crew set to strike
Cabin crew at United Kingdom-based airline British Airways are scheduled to go on strike in protest over pay freezes and job cuts. The strike action is expected to last from 22 December until 2 January, although it is unclear which flights will be affected. Accordingly, travelers who are planning to fly within 48 hours either side of these dates are advised to contact the airline directly for the latest updates on possible flight cancellations or delays.

Standards of Excellence in Short Term Mission
International Ministries has achieved all seven Standards of Excellence in Short Term Mission (SOE). IM is now a covenant member in SOE and qualifies to display the SOE logo as a “seal of approval” upon our short-term ministry.  This qualification ensures that the IM Volunteer team continues to operate with the highest ethical standards and strives for excellence in partnerships, training, effectiveness and reducing risk through improved planning and resource sharing.

The SOE process was extremely helpful as we learned what we do well, what we need to improve on, and what we need to focus our energies on in the upcoming months.  Your input is welcome as you receive new forms and some new programs are implemented. Programs to help the volunteer, the host, and the volunteer’s supporters all experience a rich short term mission experience.

For more information about volunteering around the world, please email us at bimvolunteers@abc-usa.org or call us at 800-222-3872 ext 2366.