2006 Youth Mission Academy planned

Plans are under way for a summer 2006 Youth Mission Academy.
Susan Hellums, Border Area Mission coordinator, described the academy as “experiential and hands-on.” It provides a “mentor-guided model for joining God in mission.”
“The academy is being sponsored by the McAllen District and First UMC of McAllen,” Hellums said. “The San Pablo District of the Eastern Conference of Mexico will be hosting the high school mission teams, youth directors and sponsors during a portion of the academy.
“Our focus is on providing options for experiencing mission and service while building a community that embraces cultural differences.”
Mission sites will be churches in the northern border area of Mexico.
Planning and conducting this international opportunity moves through three stages, Hellums said.
Stage 1, orientation and preparation, is to take place March 24 through 26 at First UMC, McAllen, which is base camp. This stage is for youth directors, team leaders and assigned mentors. The schedule includes mission site visits.
Stage 2, team preparation at home churches, is scheduled for March through June.
Stage 3, the actual Mission Academy, is to run June 24 through July 1.
“The third stage involves two days of preparation at the base camp,” Hellums said, “four days hands-on with the teams and mentors at mission sites, and two debriefing days back at the base camp.”
The academy has five goals for those who participate, Hellums said. They are to:
> Discover and experience God in mission.
> Develop an understanding of mission.
> Expand awareness of the steps for partnering in mission.
> Learn that mission work is a privilege and a responsibility.
> Find a passion for being in mission with God.
Look for an announcement about the summer 2006 Youth Mission Academy in the mail later this summer. You can also get additional information from Hellums by calling her at (956) 661-9771 or sending an e-mail to shellums@mcfirst.com.
Her mailing address is c/o First UMC, 4200 N. McColl Road, McAllen 78504.