U.M. ARMY

PROVIDING CHRIST-CENTERED MISSIONS THAT SERVE PEOPLE IN NEED AND PROMOTE SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS.

MORE THAN MISSION WORK
Responding to the needs of our neighbors is our primary missional focus but United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth also provides an opportunity for youth and adults to experience Christian growth through service to others. Participants combine their strengths and resources to meet home repair and maintenance needs for low income, elderly and disabled homeowners who are physically or financially unable to make needed repairs themselves.

Our National Program Team develops a theologically sound annual program to be used at all programs nationwide. Young people return to U.M. ARMY year after year because our programs provide the opportunity to impact the world around them and the encouragement to build relationships with neighbors in need, new friends and positive adult role models. Participants realize the power of God's love as they mature into strong Christian leaders. Many will become leaders in the U.M. ARMY program. Some may choose careers in ministry settings. All will remember their time at U.M. ARMY their whole life long.

OUR HISTORY
U.M. ARMY is celebrating 40 years in ministry! We began in 1979, when thirty six youth and adults from three Houston churches held the first U.M. ARMY mission week in Athens, TX. Since that time we have grown to over 60 programs nationally each year. We have established regions throughout Texas, Louisiana, the North East and Mid-Atlantic regions of United States. We are continuing to grow in Florida, Kentucky, and Mississippi. Each year we identify growth areas and work to bring U.M. ARMY to additional regions and communities.

OUR PROGRAMS
In most areas local churches host our mission programs. Recent partnerships with United Methodist camp and retreat centers have expanded our offerings. Participants eat, sleep, enjoy fellowship and worship at host locations. They are divided into work teams of four to six youth with adult support for the week's work. U.M. ARMY requires that church groups bring 2 adults for every 5 youth. Preparation, safety and teamwork are priorities for all participants.

U.M. ARMY youth and adults work together on small construction projects such as porches, stairs and handicap access ramps. Teams also do a variety of home maintenance such as handrails, yard work, painting, repair of leaky roofs, windows and doors. Clients are referred through local social service agencies, and church organizations. Jobs are selected and completed based on greatest need.

Testimonials

"I feel like I am writing this thank you for the community of Uvalde. Not only for the work you did here but also for the presence of Christ you brought to this place. Thank you, bless you." -Host Church Pastor

"U.M. ARMY camps enable us to show our clients that God is still alive in this world." -Student Participant

"My favorite part of U.M. ARMY camp was helping the families and seeing the joy on their face when the job was completed. Also the things that would annoy me while working because my patience for my team members was running low. I talked to God and asked for patience and thanked him for blessing me with more than I know." -Participant

"Thank you and your volunteers for helping me. May God bless each and every one of you. Your volunteers are kind and beautiful." -Client