VIM - Mission at the Eastward (MATE)

For more than twenty years, our congregation has sent more than 900 workers to assist Mission at the Eastward (MATE) in an economically depressed area of central Maine. The team consists of building site workers and Vacation Bible teachers. Projects range for painting to complete roof reconstructions.

In 2007, the VIM team numbered 62 and was the largest group ever sent. The team worked on 28 project sites during the week. In addition to construction work, 8 members of the team provided Vacation Bible School for 25 youngsters from the community. Many come back from the trip telling of life changing experiences while ministering to others.

The next mission trip is scheduled for July 19-July 26. For more information, contact Bill Reed or download an application below.

e-mail: Bill Reed

7:30am and heading for the work sites

Cutting some strapping

Janet's Home & Garden

Our tent city outside the North New Portland Community Church

Safety ropes are on and this roof is almost done

Waiting for the Sunday picnic

The Bestwick roof crew

Breakfast on the way home

A rainy evening at Flagstaff Lake

After an 8 hour workday, they still have energy!

A new house for a burned one

A new set of steps

A rare "new construction" site

A Sunday picnic in North New Portland

At the Tracey site, almost done

At the Tracey site, on goes the watershed

Cutting wood for the underlayment

Loading the food on Spirit IV

Flagstaff in the rain

It's all going home to Flemington

Don't forget the sleeping gear!

More VBS painters

One cute little guy at Vacation Bible School

Our Saturday morning breakfast at N. Anson

Packing gear into our 5 trailers

Packing our food on Friday night

Rafters at the burned house site

Removing a leaky roof at Tracey

Safety harnessed - all

"Stock" sales support the trip

Tie-dyed tee shirts on a rainy afternoon

Vacation Bible School

VBS counselors and students

VIM PICS 2008

Pictures from the 2008 mission trip to North New Portland Maine