A challenge to serve practically… gain a valuable insight into world mission from the inside out

What does a VP@Wetheringsett do?
Being a volunteer at Wetheringsett means getting involved in the practical tasks of running the guesthouse.

It could include all or any of the following:

• General housework and cleaning duties
• Cooking/kitchen duties
• Shopping
• Caring for children for short periods of time
• Outdoor work/basic maintenance
• Driving to stations, airports, shops, etc
• Spending time with visitors to SIM-UK, making them feel welcome and cared for
• Assisting in the SIM office, when necessary

. . . It also means:

• Learning about the work of SIM throughout the world and being involved in praying for missionaries on a regular basis
• Having the opportunity to take part in small group Bible study and discussion times
• Some training in areas relating to overseas work
• Being linked to a local church
• Having the opportunity to go on a 1–2 month overseas placement (for those coming 9–12 months)

Who can be a VP@Wetheringsett?
Anyone! Well, nearly anyone!

If you have an interest in mission and are willing to do almost anything that is asked of you, then read on...

It is preferable that you:

• are over 21 years old
• can drive
• can communicate well in English
• can do a bit of cooking
• can do a little DIY (but if you don’t fulfil all these criteria, don’t let that put you off applying!)

How much does it cost?
SIM-UK will be responsible for your food, accommodation (at Wetheringsett Manor), and all expenses relating to your work. Travel and holiday expenses are your own responsibility.

If you are coming for 9 to 12 months, the arrangements are a bit different. We encourage you to raise as much of your support costs as possible.

If you choose to do an overseas placement, the additional cost is your responsibility. This would be in the region of £1000 to £2000, depending on the country and length of the assignment.

We encourage you to build up a team of prayer and financial supporters who will stand with you in this venture.

How much time do I need?
We prefer . . . 'How much time can I give?'

• Three weeks would give you a taste of how the SIM headquarters and guesthouse works, a glimpse into the lives of a few missionaries and, hopefully, a desire to find out more. If your time coincides with the summer camp or orientation course, then your practical help will be even more valuable! Generally, these three-week placements take place during the summer months.
• Three months would give you more of an insight into the running of the SIM headquarters and guesthouse, and the opportunity to learn how you can be more involved in mission. How about coming for the whole of the summer (June to October)?
  
• Nine to twelve months would give you a much wider knowledge of how a mission organization works. It would mean that you can have a deeper involvement in all aspects of the headquarters and guesthouse, a greater opportunity to experience first-hand what SIM is doing all over the world, and the opportunity to absorb some training to equip you for the future. The nine- to twelve-month placement starts in September each year.

For more information, contact SIM-UK at enquiries@sim.co.uk