A Volunteers in Mission

to Siquirres, Costa Rica

Christine Kim, the pastor of the United Methodist Church of Clinton. She entered the ministry in hope of following the footsteps of Dr. David Livingston. However, God had other things in mind for her where she received the call into ministry as the pastor of a congregation. Still, she has not given up the hope that one day she will get to serve God through mission and this mission trip has become that day for her. This mission trip is not only her first, but it is also the first mission trip for the church. She consider herself jack of all trades but master of none. However, she believes that God can use anyone if there is a willingness of the heart.

Jeane Jarusik was happy to sign up for Costa Rica when she heard it was a mission trip. Ever since she was involved last year in a Habitat for Humanity project in New Haven, she has been anxious to use the skills her late husband, Paul, taught her. "It’s a way for me to give back, where I have been so richly blessed. I look forward to serving wherever needed and am anxious to see where this faith journey will take me."

Jeane has two daughters, three handsome grandsons and a beautiful granddaughter.

Beverly Jones is the mother of two wonderful daughters, mother-in-law to two terrific sons and grandmother to six healthy loving grandchildren.  She has attended the UMC of Clinton for over two years and has been a member for approximately a year and a half.  Last year she was asked by Don Shogren to use her talents as the Chairperson of the Mission Committee. Beverly says "I was very honored to be asked to be a part of this very important committee – never mind asked to be the Chairperson.  Soon after taking over the committee, I was approached about a very exciting opportunity for our Church’s ministry to grow and expand outside of our community.  Our goal was to participate in a Global Ministry within the next two years.  Well guess what, within one year with all of the love and support of our congregation we have seven people participating in the Volunteers in Mission trip to Siquirres, Costa Rica from February 11 -18, 2005.  We are going with open hearts and open minds to learn and give hope to the people of Siquirres.  I feel very privileged to be able to share the Christian love and fellowship of our Church with another country. I hope to bring my experiences back to our Church to share how the love of God and his word works within us to make our world a better place."

Roland Johnson, retired facilities engineer, lives in Clinton Ct., has two grown children and two grandchildren all living out of state. Roland is familiar with the building trades, works for a contractor as needed, does home building projects and plays golf as often as he can. He enjoys all sports, the beach, walking, bicycle riding, and reading.

John Merritt, father of two beautiful daughters, Emma and Abigail, and husband of Ginger, did his undergraduate work at Erskine College in South Carolina. He got his MBA at the University of Rhode Island, and MSE from Columbia University in New York City. He is self-employed as an engineering consultant. His hobbies include soccer and golf. Both he and Ginger love to sail, but are presently sailors without a boat.

Nancy Cassiey is a widow and the mother of four grown daughters. She has four grandsons and three granddaughters. She divides her time between Florida, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Nancy says, "When we talked about the possibility of this mission trip by the church in Connecticut I was immediately drawn to the prospect and wanted to go. I have never gone on a mission trip before, but feel that I have been called to go and that this will be the first of many. I am praying that I will be able to give at least as much as I will receive from this experience."

Erin Elizabeth Sorenson is the daughter of Neal and Mary Sorensen. She is a recent graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, majoring in history and political science. We were unable to get a photo, but Erin is the youngest and spryest member of our group and has a great interest in Central and South America.

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