THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 26, 1995 TAG: 9501250162
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines
PAT KOONTZ of Richmond describes herself as a ``low-profile person - simply doing the Lord's work.''
Actually, Koontz retired from a high-profile career in management to become a full-time mother and homemaker.
``I applied my professional skills toward getting my house in order, and then I put them to work in my church,'' she said.
Today, Koontz is on the steering committee of the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church's Volunteers In Mission.
She recently told of mission needs and opportunities - locally, nationally, and internationally - at VIM Evening at Main Street United Methodist Church.
Mike Smith, chairman of the church's Missions Committee, helped coordinate the event.
``We're trying to explore mission possibilities available to us,'' Smith said. ``We're in the planning stage right now - to see what we think we can and can't do.''
Smith said there is keen interest among the Main Street members to be more involved in mission projects outside the local community. Last summer, a lay team of adults and young people from the church spent a week at Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Ky., and groundwork is in place for a second trip to this Appalachian community during the summer of '95.
``It still amazes me how many people are willing to give up their time and money and energy to work on a project like this,'' Smith noted. ``It's really exciting.''
Smith cited the church's interest in a similar project - possibly going to the Edisto Indian Tribe, north of Charleston, S.C.
Koontz, who just returned with teammates from assessing the needs of this Native American tribe, elaborated on their plight.
``This group of about 3,000 adults seems to have been completely overlooked,'' she said. ``Most of the remaining natives are elderly, poor and living in trailers or low-income housing.''
Living conditions are deplorable, she said. Electrical power in one residence consists of a drop cord from the ceiling with four electrical cords running from it to other parts of the trailer. And it's not uncommon to have more than one residence hooked in to a single electrical outlet.
Koontz said the Edistoes need love, faith and hands-on assistance with housing. There's also a need for skills and training to help the people develop financial support.
While the Edistoes barely survive, their main source of income today is their native handmade craft items. Their specialty includes various designs of ``Dream Catchers,'' a folk craft passed down from their ancestors.
Sharry Swann, president of the United Methodist Women at Main Street, added support for missions. ``Our purpose (UMW) is to be involved in missions wherever there's a need,'' Swann explained.
The church women are involved locally in volunteer work with the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and in providing Welcome Baskets to newcomers. In addition, United Methodist Women Circles minister to needs among local organizations like the Suffolk Homeless Shelter and the Genieve Shelter. This year the group also purchased Bibles for distribution at a nearby inner-city church.
``We try to respond to needs as they come up in the area,'' Swann said. ``We're organized to offer care and concern, but it takes everyone's help.''
According to Koontz, VIM now addresses mission needs locally, nationally and globally. Once a need is targeted and assessed, then project leaders are trained to take volunteer lay teams on short-term assignments to work and minister. These teams generally raise their own construction funds, often provide building materials and finance their own personal expenses for the hands-on project. While the sacrifices seem great, volunteers admit that the rewards are equally great.
``There's a growing movement within the United Methodist Church causing a major commitment among the laity like we've never seen before,'' Koontz added. MEMO: For more information about the VIM program sponsored by United
Methodists, contact the Main Street church office at 539-8751.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Sharry Swann, left, and Mike Smith look at craft items brought back
from the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky by VIM volunteers.
Graphic
SAFE IN JAPAN
A story Jan. 19 told of a mission team that traveled last August
from Cypress Chapel Christian Church in Suffolk to Oita, Japan. The
group worked with American missionaries Mike and Barbara Gray on
Japan's southernmost island, Kyushu.
Following last week's earthquake in Japan, the Cypress Chapel
pastor, the Rev. John Kimball, spoke with the Grays. They reported
tremors registering 4.2 on the Richter scale in their area. There
was no structural damage or injuries, they said.
by CNB