The United Methodist Volunteers in Mission program was established (in part) to respond to needs arising from the effects of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wild fires, floods, and tornados.  ORUMC has been actively involved in this program, responding to needs in several areas in Mississippi after Katrina, the floods in Cedar Rapids, IA, and most recently in Beaumont, TX after Ike.

For four years, we have partnered with High Point University, taking groups of students who give up their fall and spring break times to serve in this import mission effort.  In addition, the WNC Conference, as well as other churches in the Greensboro District, form teams regularly that individuals are welcome to join.

Our purpose is to help restore lives by restoring homes damaged by natural disasters, and sharing God's love with those we help.  We meet the home owners, and are truly blessed by their joy and gratitude as they watch their homes being restored.  Our trips are typically one week long, providing labor to do virtually everything from cleaning out debris to installing subflooring, siding, roofing, electrical wiring, framing, and installing and finishing sheetrock.  Volunteers do not have to have construction experience.

This ministry is one that relies on special gifts to support it.  We receive some help from the NC Conference, but we primarily rely on your donations.  We subsidize the cost of making the trips and occasionally to purchase materials, so those giving so freely of their time will not have to bear the full financial burden of going.  All members can participate in this ministry by giving to the Disaster Response fund.