While on a mission trip to Ometepec, Mexico with the World Cataract Foundation, Bartlett UMC congregational member Lori Hudson befriended American missionary Tim Wood and his family. Lori introduced Tim to Bartlett’s former minister Dr. David C. Lewis and soon it became apparent that needs of Tim’s church could be met by mission teams from Bartlett. In 1999, the first mission team of 12 members was sent to help build a home for the Puerta de la Salvacion Church. Not only was a foundation for a church building laid that trip but so was the foundation of many friendships between the people of the two churches. A second team of 6 members from Bartlett UMC returned to Ometepec in 2000 to teach a computer course to local ministers and doctors. Students were taught how to find research materials for sermons on the internet as well as how to master useful programs such as Word and Excel. In December of 2002, a larger 18 member team traveled to Ometepec. This time, 13 members worked to help lay the foundation of a bath house for a seaside camp used as a retreat facility by Puerta de la Salvacion Church. Five members stayed in Ometepec to network computers at the Hospital de la Amistad. Continuing with their support, BUMC has sent teams in 2004, 2005 and 2007 to continue with the construction of the retreat center which now includes a bathouse (with lights!), a kitchen kiosk (with lights & electrical outlets!) and a dining shelter.

To see more pictures of our trips, click here

How can I help?

Volunteer to be part of a team as we continue to help in construction needs in Ometepec.

Support the work there by making contributions to help fund mission trips or make contributions designated specifically for the work in Ometepec.