In late February, Maranatha’s most recent project in the United States drew 70 volunteers from 18 different states. Their destination? Nosoca Pines Ranch, a 200-acre summer camp and retreat venue on the northern shore of South Carolina’s Lake Wateree. Their mission? The completion of numerous construction and maintenance projects.
“About 15 years ago, we had a hailstorm come through and … Maranatha reroofed 22 buildings for us, as well as a number of other projects,” recalled Nosoca Director Rick Faber. “In this type of ministry, where we have 40 buildings and people using them virtually every weekend, there’s just a lot of upkeep … as we get behind on things, Maranatha can come in here and help us catch up.”
This project’s large turnout of volunteers meant that many items could be marked off the camp’s to-do list. The group reroofed a large portion of the cafeteria building, rebuilt fencing for the equestrian center, replaced rotten siding from 20 cabins, renovated a bathhouse, cut firewood, painted, and assisted the camp’s cafeteria staff. “Nosoca Pines staff were very hospitable and responsive, procuring any supplies needed in record time,” affirmed Maranatha’s project leader, Susan Woods.
“It’s amazing that they would come and give of their time,” remarked Faber. “I mean they’re flying out here on their nickel. And yet it’s the Christian template: help others. They obviously are a part of that, and so we appreciate them so much.”
What causes 70 people to leave their homes and travel great distances to do manual labor for free? “These Maranatha projects are like a big family,” explained Woods. “Some come with a spouse or another friend or two, but each time they leave after a project, they’ve gained a bigger family–a Maranatha family. They look for ways to reconnect and some communicate with each other in between projects. Serving gives them fulfillment and purpose.”
Owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church since 1971, Nosoca Pines Ranch is dedicated to Christian service. It has a rich natural environment for outdoor activities like horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, hiking, and water skiing. The camp offers spiritual retreat and closer communion with nature for groups of up to 300.
Each year, Maranatha works with organizations like Nosoca Pines Ranch in the United States and Canada to provide volunteer labor for various construction or renovation projects. Work ranges from renovations of existing buildings to new construction, and saves thousands of dollars in labor costs.