Applications now being accepted for 2004 OCMC Mission Teams

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL [OCMC]—January 9, 2004 - Dare to Make a Difference in 2004! Orthodox Christians are needed to help make a difference in the world by applying to become a member of one of 13 OCMC Mission Teams in 2004. All those willing to share their faith, time and talents are being called to serve for 1 to 4 weeks this summer or fall. Those who answer the call will be following in the footsteps of the missionary saints by helping Orthodox communities in Alaska, Brazil, Guatemala, Ghana, India, Korea, Romania or Tanzania. Applications are now being accepted and space is limited.

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center is offering many wonderful opportunities for those interested in construction/restoration projects combined with local evangelism efforts in Alaska, Brazil, Ghana and Korea. For those especially interested in working with children and youth there are opportunities in Romania, Guatemala and Tanzania. Orthodox volunteers with experience in construction, teaching, substance abuse counseling, health care, infant care and theological education, and all those with faith and enthusiasm are needed to apply.

In June 2004, the Mission Center will kick off its summer season by sending three Teams to Alaska. One Team will be a teaching team that will host youth camps and offer catechism in the Pribolof Islands, one of the most remote parts of Alaska. Another Mission Team will venture to Spruce Island to participate in much needed renovation work there. The third OCMC Mission Team to Alaska is a unique one-week dental care Team to Bethel on the Kuskokwim River. Dentists and dental assistants are needed to apply.

In July, an OCMC construction/evangelism Mission Team will be off to Ghana, in West Africa, to work closely with local volunteers in building a church. Team members will also have the chance to assist in local evangelism efforts while in Ghana.

An incredible opportunity exists at the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage in Guatemala in July. At this Orthodox orphanage an OCMC Mission Team will assist in classroom activities, provide youth outreach and interact with over 150 children.

The Mission Center will also be sending two Teams to Tanzania in the Summer of 2004. One Team, traveling to four different villages, will offer evangelism, teaching and medical care within the diocese of Bukoba in July. Health care professionals are needed for this Team. The other Team to Tanzania will have the exciting opportunity of hosting a youth camp for approximately 200 youth in August.

August 2004 marks the first ever OCMC Mission Team to Korea! This momentous Team will assist in the construction of an Orthodox community center in Chuncheon and be supporting the growth of Orthodoxy in an area where it is still relatively new.

Also in August, an OCMC Mission Team will get the chance to go to Romania and work with abandoned babies at the Protection of the Theotokos Family Center. Team members will assist with infant care and provide staff-training in infant development and care. Those with experience in child-care and/or pro-life counseling are highly encouraged to apply.

Also to Romania in 2004, two valuable Teams are being planned to assist long-term missionary Floyd Frantz in substance abuse counseling programs. There is a very high rate of alcoholism in Romania and a great need exists for volunteers to help in this important work. Those with experience in substance abuse counseling or related fields are encouraged to apply for either the Team in March or in June.

A unique OCMC Mission Team will travel to the Calcutta/Bengal region of India in September 2004. The Mission Center is seeking clergy, senior seminarians and theologians to serve as teachers alongside local clergy for this Team.

The last OCMC Mission Team of 2004 will be sent in October to support the growth of the Orthodox Church in Brazil. This Team will offer outreach and catechism in several indigenous communities throughout the diocese, as well as participate in finishing work on a large wooden church.

For more information about all of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center’s Mission Teams for 2004 including specific dates, costs and downloadable application forms please go to www.ocmc.org/teams. For any questions please contact the Mission Center at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), 1-877-GO-FORTH (463-6784) or (904) 829-5132. Space is limited so APPLY TODAY!