Young Adults In Mission

What do you want to do with your life? People never tire of asking young people this question. Everyone has their own answer. Here is one more: become a US-2 or Mission Intern.

Who is eligible?

If you are between the ages of 20 to 30 and are committed to addressing the root causes of injustice so that the gospel is lived out alongside communities and organizations seeking peace and systemic transformation, consider applying to become a United Methodist US-2 or Mission Intern.

US-2s serve in the United States for two years. Mission Interns serve for 16 months in an international setting, then16 months in the US. Both US-2s and Mission Interns commit to linking their faith to justice.

Where do missionaries serve?

The settings may vary from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to Detroit, Michigan, but they are always in connection with a United Methodist-partnered organization, faith community, or institution. Some may be called to work in an urban setting with labor organizers; others may work with children in a daycare center; some may help advocate for families in transitional housing. All settings are places of hope, requiring solidarity, openness, and Christian love. The overarching Global Ministries philosophy of mission stems from the reality that missionaries serve with, not to or for others. The work of a missionary is one of solidarity and accompaniment.

Are missionaries paid?

Both types of young adult missionaries, US-2s and Mission Interns, receive a small monthly stipend. They live and work in solidarity with communities that face systemic issues of injustice.

Missionaries commit to linking faith and justice. Young adults have the opportunity to live out their faith through justice ministries, connect to networks, raise awareness, transform communities, and become a part of a community through presence and solidarity.

How do young adults apply?

Applications are due February 15, 2011. To download more information and an application to become a Mission Intern or US-2, visit the website at: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mp/documents/.

In recent years there have been about two dozen young adults serving as US-2s and Mission Interns at any given time. The General Board of Global Ministries is committed to increasing this number of young adult missionaries.

How can my organization host a US-2 or Mission Intern?

Your organization can be one of many United Methodist-partnered organizations hosting a US-2 or Mission Intern. Contact youngadults@gbgm-umc.org for more information. Placement site applications are due March 1, 2011, to host US-2s in the fall.

To learn about the broad spectrum of programs available for young adults to serve through Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, including through the Mission Intern and US-2 programs, visit the website at: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/connections/youth/serve/.

To support the United Methodist Young Adult missionary programs, give through the US-2 Program, Advance #982874 or the Mission Intern Program, Advance #13105Z.