I would like to express my concerns about my experience with Lay Mission Helpers and its associated missionary educators. Unfortunately, I witnessed behavior that I believe warrants attention, as it involves questionable and possibly illegal actions. Specifically, there were instances where false information was provided on work visa applications and federal or foreign documents in the name of the organization. These actions seem to fall under the category of deception and could put individuals and the organization at risk.
It is crucial for any mission organization, especially one operating in international contexts, to maintain transparency, integrity, and compliance with legal requirements. These actions contradict those principles, and I would caution any potential partners or supporters to be aware of the legal and ethical implications tied to such practices.
While I understand the desire to serve and spread positive work in communities, it is imperative that any organization or missionary group operates within the bounds of the law and with respect for the countries and communities they are working in. I hope that Lay Mission Helpers and its affiliates take the necessary steps to address these concerns and ensure their operations are above reproach.
A wonderful organization that helps thoughtful individuals and families volunteer in lesser resourced settings throughout the world. In those settings you have the opportunity to work and live along side amazingly generous and hospitable people who minister to you in more ways than you could ever return. Our family of five served in Uganda for three years where we legally worked with visas which LMH helped us get. With over 15 years of working with LMH and personally knowing Janice I have a hard time relating to the experience shared from the two disgruntled individuals who wrote in 2017. I acknowledge they have a right to their side of the story but I have a feeling there is more to the story they tell.
I highly recommend giving LMH a look and you can make up your own mind.
I am a lay mission helpers out of Nebraska. My training program in Los Angelouus California was a four month live in formation. It was a challenging but rewarding experience taught by qualified Clergy, Professors, and Staff. These trainers came from all over the country. I hate to name a favourite because they were all good but Sister Jody from New Orleans earned my vote. She informed, inspired, and motivated me. She clearly walks the walk.
I landed on the sacred soil of Uganda, Africa 28 days ago. With my training , the warm welcome,and the difficult but equally rewarding tasks I have in front of me I feel extremely blessed.
Give my bi-monthly blog a view at http://mkadavyinuganda. blogspot.com I share my journey.
If you have a four year degree, a strong calling to serve people living in the margins please contact LMH. Come to a weekend encounter see if it is for you.
My life has been enlightened by the journey, find your calling.
Matthew
Review from Guidestar
My fiance and I were prepared to sell everything we had and join the Lay Mission Helpers overseas. It wasn't until we learned that their ethical practices may be suspect, the people that we are helping for the most part do not represent those in most need in the countries they serve, and we would not be legally working in the countries we would be serving. We had to change our plans and decide not to serve with them. If anyone else were ever to serve, I would make sure you do your homework, that what they are doing is legal, and the people you are actually serving are receiving the full benefit of your services. As another writer stated so correctly, this is not the same organization it used to be.
I understand that some people may have had a good experience in the distant past with this organization. Today though, it is not the same and this organization is not one which you would want to be associated with. The writer who reviewed in November 2016 provides a very accurate and correct assessment of what transpired during that period as well as what transpired in the past.
I have experienced the same dishonesty and disorganization. The new Executive Director is trying to improve the organization but sadly he is no better than the Program Director.
It is very sad to see a Catholic organization run so poorly and dishonestly.
I could not recommend this organization to anyone, nor would I donate as this organization needs big changes.
I do wish them well though.
God Bless Them. They need it!
Our family served as missionaries with Lay Mission Helpers from 2012—2015. At the time, our children were 6, 8, and 10 years old. We went through a four-month formation process, which had excellent presenters and content. During that preparation time, we lived in community with the other candidates, which had its challenges, living in close quarters, but also many blessings. Janice and the other staff members did a great job of addressing our questions and concerns with wisdom, honesty and respect.
Our three-year mission in Cameroon was filled with adventures. We experienced complete support from Lay Mission Helpers. The preparation and logistical arrangements had prepared us as much as was feasible, but we were taking a real step of faith. We went through the challenges of dramatic cultural change, simplified lifestyle, and many adjustments of all kinds. We tried to adopt the motto: rather than focus on what we don’t have, let’s be grateful for what we do have!
We would highly recommend LMH for any Catholic lay people or families who are considering the idea of serving as missionaries overseas. The preparation, ongoing care and support, and re-entry program was excellent. We’ve often said that serving as LMH missionaries was the best thing we could have done for our family!
-Pete and Joy Newburn
This organization was not prepared to send myself and 3 others to Kenya. We ended up with no work visas and I had a difficult time finally getting all my papers in order so I could leave the country ( I had malaria and needed to get back for medical attention but was delayed several weeks due to LMH at first indifference and then incompetence. The director Janice actually suggested to my father that perhaps paying off officials to get visa might be the way to resolve it ( i.e.: bribing). ARE YOU KIDDING ME? My father, an attorney was beyond speechless. I do believe that would constitute a felony even in Kenya. The matter was finally resolved after several weeks after constant calling Janice from me and my family. ( the American embassy said if I was arrested they could do nothing as I was illegally in the country. An organization that sends folks overseas to work should, in my option, first and foremost respect the laws of those countries and certainly protect their workers by insuring that they have valid visas and work permits. Janice kept telling us don't worry everyone does it. ( this was after I was already there and realized the situation I was in)
Btw The parish they sent us to was run by a totally corrupt priest who only wanted money from us and we had to find places on our own in the dioceses to work, which there were plenty of wonderful parishes and orphanages and schools but yet we were sent to the most notorious parish priest in the diocese. Myself and the others with me felt there was no support from the director (Janice) and found out later she had been bad mouthing us to the priest at the parish and I still have her emails to him that he inadvertently sent to me. This was a very troubling and negative experience for all of us ( one positive is we 4 bonded closely and are good friends still) I have before and since worked for many lay catholic organizations successfully and happily but I recommend avoiding this organization.