May 11, 2018

The new Eastern PA Conference’s Disaster Response Leadership Team: (From left) The Rev. Nick Camacho, who heads the Helping Puerto Rico Rise Again campaign; Robert Simcox, new Disaster Response Coordinator; and the Rev. Russell Atkinson, new Volunteers in Mission Coordinator.
Learning to show Christian Love in Action

The Eastern PA Conference has a new Disaster Response Leadership Team in place and a training event on the calendar for the first time in a while. Anyone wanting to become a Volunteers in Mission Team Leader, to lead VIM response teams to disaster-stricken areas, must receive training. We will host a training event on Saturday, July 14, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, in centrally-located Reading, at West Lawn UMC, 15 Woodside Ave, West Lawn, PA.

Trained leaders should also consider this as a refresher training opportunity.

Leading the training will be:

  • the Rev. Tom Lank (Deacon), Northeastern Jurisdiction VIM Coordinator;
  • Ben Botti, longtime, retired VIM coordinator; and
  • the Rev. Russell Atkinson, our new Conference VIM Coordinator.

“Great passion and interest have been expressed throughout our Conference for the continuing struggles of the people of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria last year,” said Atkinson. “The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico has developed a sound disaster response plan which our Conference has been asked to support.”

Though the training will be appropriate for all who are interested in learning how to lead teams, emphasis will be put on preparing leaders to respond to the Puerto Rico recovery. The Rev. Nicholas Camacho, our Conference Special VIM Coordinator for Puerto Rico Response, will update the gathering on conditions, needs and expectations there.

The training cost of $45/person will include the book Mission Journey, the most up-to-date production of the VIM Team Leader Toolkit, a continental-like breakfast, and lunch.

For further information contact: Russell J. Atkinson, Eastern PA Conference VIM Coordinator at 610-675-7187 or ratkinson@epaumc.org. See updates for this event on our website.