NOMADS bring early Christmas to Pine Creek Camp near Lafayette

By Lynn Powers

Christmas came early this year to the staff at Pine Creek Camp, near Pine Village (20 miles west of Lafayette). In October, a total of ten NOMADS stepped out of their RV's, strapped on their tool belts, picked up their paint brushes and went to work. What a great gift - three weeks of work by a dedicated group of retirees.

NOMADS stands for Nomads On Mission Active In Divine Service (aka Nice Old Methodists Actually Doing Something). This program was started in l988 as a part of the North Central Jurisdiction Volunteers In Mission (NCJVIM) program and was designed to provide opportunities for RVers to participate in short-term mission projects.

An opportunity to join in Christian fellowship while traveling with a purpose.

In the fall of l988-89, 20 NOMADS participated in projects at five agencies in Texas and Oklahoma. Since that time, the program has expanded rapidly. This coming winter and next spring, there are 158 possible projects in l6 states with approximately l,000 members.

Although the organization was part of NCJVIM, neither membership in The United Methodist Church nor residence in the North Central Jurisdiction is required. Today, our membership roster also includes several Canadian citizens.

Now national organization

In 2000, the NOMADS became a national organization affiliated with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries. A NOMADS board or directors was created consisting of five person elected by NOMADS members and one person appointed for each of the five jurisdictions of the church in the United States. This board meets semiannually and the organization now has a paid director on staff.

NOMADS are people with a self-contained living unit, who want to share their time and skills working in UM related mission agencies, camps, churches and in disaster relief areas. Transportation and living expenses are provided by the individual NOMADS. Electric hookups and a water source are provided by the host agency. Repair and building expenses are cared for by the host agency or by the NOMADS. A building fund grants $l,000 for needy projects. The projects run three weeks, working 20 to 27 hours per week. As in the beginning of the organization, NOMADS still offer opportunities for Christians, who are mindful of the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church, an opportunity to join in Christian fellowship while traveling with a purpose.

Those willing to give a gift to their church, camp or related United Methodist agency or to learn more about the NOMADS, contact the director toll-free at 866-4NOMADS (466-6237) or by e-mail at director@nomadsumc.org. NOMADS' Advanced Special Number is: 982658.

Indiana NOMADS at work

The Indiana NOMADS have been meeting annually for about 12 years. During the past few years, the group has had a working mission project as well as a time for fun and fellowship. NOMADS have worked at Epworth Forest, Pine Creek Camp and in South Indiana camps. There are 38 Indiana single or couples units on the national roster and new members are welcome to join in the work, fun and fellowship.

This past spring, NOMADS working project them to Pine Creek Camp for two weeks. They worked in maintenance, painted and did general clean up. With funds from the Buck Creek UMC, they were able to paint and side the camp supervisor's home.

Indiana NOMADS are available for NOMAD presentations at local churches, church school classes or men's and women's organizations. Contact Lynn Powers at 765-446-2752 or by e-mail at lynnpowers1@aol.com. Those interested in scheduling an Indiana NOMADS project, including funding and hookups, can contact Indiana NOMADS coordinator Ruth Davidson at 765-589-3033 or by e-mail at rdavi8638@aol.com.

Lynn Powers serves as a communicator for the Indiana NOMADS.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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