NOMADS are Christians who travel with their RV all over the United States and provide volunteer labor for historically Methodist organizations.
MARY KAY GRANT
NOMADS Mission Volunteers
Take all the things you love about RV travel — new places, friends, freedom, an active and simple lifestyle — and add faith and service to others. That’s “retirement with a purpose,” otherwise known as NOMADS Mission Volunteers, an EngageMI national ministry partner.
You might find NOMADS repairing homes after a flood or tornado or performing seasonal maintenance at a Christian retreat center. They may be remodeling a children’s home, fixing the plumbing at a women’s shelter, installing shelves in a food pantry, building wheelchair ramps, laying tile, sewing curtains, painting, or trimming trees. The community projects, churches, camps, and nonprofit service agencies where NOMADS work have all requested assistance. The agency usually provides the materials, and the NOMADS provides the sweat equity.
NOMADS (Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service) began when a small group of winter Texans grew restless in retirement and found a church that needed repairs. The organization was formally organized in 2001 as a 501(c)3, and there are currently 700+ NOMADS participating in over 175 projects annually. NOMADS collectively donate over 110,000 hours of volunteer labor each year, valued at over $2.5 million. Membership is ecumenical, with NOMADS coming from various Christian faith backgrounds. Agencies and churches served generally have Methodist connections. The NOMADS mission statement proclaims a dedication to “rebuilding lives, homes, and facilities with God’s love and our hands.”
During three-week projects, NOMADS typically live onsite with RV hookups provided by the hosting agency. The work week is Monday through Thursday, six hours a day. Three-day weekends allow time to rest, shop, and enjoy the local area. Every project has a leader or leader couple responsible for communicating with team members and agency staff. Leaders ensure each NOMAD has materials and a job they feel comfortable doing. Safety and working in cooperation with others are high priority. Every workday begins with prayer and devotions. All NOMADS submit to background checks and agree to abide by Safe Sanctuary expectations.
Some NOMADS are highly skilled in building trades, but most are not. Some are full-time RVers, while others volunteer for a few work projects a year based on where they want to travel. There is an application process and yearly dues ($45 per person). Once accepted, NOMADS can access a central website to see where help is needed and sign up for specific projects. In addition to three-week projects, there are disaster rebuilding opportunities where NOMADS can serve for one week up to the length of the entire project, working together to repair private homes in needy communities where other sources of assistance have been exhausted. There are also “drop-in” projects, where NOMADS may arrange to park their RVs and donate workdays while on the road.
Stan and Jennie Lowrey came to NOMADS after serving on several long-term Volunteers in Mission assignments. “We have always found volunteers to be the best people to work and socialize with, and NOMADS has reinforced that opinion,” said the Lowreys. They believe combining work service with a three-day weekend to explore localities in our diverse country is a great education. Their faith has grown through participating in devotions and observing Christ-like servanthood in team members. Although not required, NOMADS often attend local churches together while on a project. The Lowreys noted, “Witnessing the variety of traditions and worship styles in the churches and agencies we serve expands our concept of ‘Christian.’”
Full-time RVers for over twelve years, Steve and Sandy Drake have completed 115 projects. “We have always been helpers and doers for family, friends, and our home church,” said the Drakes. They learned construction skills while building their own home. During a winter RV stay in Arizona, they met a couple of NOMADS who asked their advice about repairing a swamp cooler. The Drakes ended up joining NOMADS, helping with the repairs, and fulfilling a passion to retire with purpose. They advise new NOMADS to remember that God always puts the right people on a project to accomplish the work.
Whether NOMADS are married or single, full-time or occasional team members, they stay connected through the website, social media, and weekly emails that provide details about upcoming project needs. Annual Meetings are multi-day events held in September at a different location each year. They include leadership and skills training, a Love Auction fundraiser, and opportunities to meet and greet fellow NOMADS. There are also Winter Gatherings in some states.
A program administrator, a board of executive, at-large, and jurisdictional representative members, and several committees provide oversight. NOMADS is supported by annual dues, church and individual donations, and contributions to Advance #982658 of the General Board of Global Ministries. NOMADS is an EngageMI national ministry partner. A Project Funding program, budgeted at $130,000 for 2024 and raised entirely by NOMADS members, provides building materials for the neediest of agencies served. For example, the fund may provide a new stove for a family whose home was destroyed by a hurricane or purchase lumber for an ADA ramp at a historically Methodist church in an impoverished area.
The website for NOMADS has more information, including the application process for prospective members and agencies interested in hosting a team.
Last Updated on September 3, 2024