THOMASVILLE — A little-known but fascinating corner of United Methodist mission work consists of a small corps of retirees scattered throughout the United States. They call themselves NOMADS.
The name fits because they spend their lives traveling around the country in the recreational vehicles in which many of them live full-time. But as they travel, small groups of them converge at various locations – at United Methodist churches, children’s homes, camps or retreats, or at disaster sites. and where they meet up, many good things happen.
On Monday, March 6, The Vashti Center, Inc. welcomed the NOMADS back for their annual visit with a breakfast and orientation session.
“This is my first experience with the NOMADS and I can’t tell you how impressed I am with their ‘can-do’ attitudes and eagerness to help us. We have been planning for their visit for months,” said David Sofferin, executive director of The Vashti Center.
The NOMADS are volunteers who have skills in painting, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, and carpentry. They demonstrate God’s love through their work and by helping the people they visit.
Visiting The Vashti Center this year were Steve and Renée Pagano, of Rosman, North Carolina; Lou and Gabriella Egging of Clinton, Iowa; Tom and Nancy Lovingood of Buford, Georgia; David and Judy Murphy of Montpelier, Vermont; and Gary and Donna Verdino of Jennings, Florida.
To learn more about this ministry visit methodistnomads.org.