Nick Evenson
Nick Evenson
Nosoca Hosts Maranatha Volunteers
15 Years After Group Last Aided Camp
In late February 2025, 70 volunteers representing 18 states arrived at Nosoca Pines Ranch in Liberty Hill, S.C., through Maranatha Volunteers International, a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The 200-acre summer camp and retreat center, located on the northern shore of South Carolina’s Lake Wateree, was the site of a long-awaited reunion — 15 years after Maranatha last served at the facility.
“About 15 years ago, we had a hailstorm come through, and Maranatha reroofed 22 buildings for us, along with a number of other projects,” said Rick Faber, director of Nosoca Pines Ranch. “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.”
During their stay, volunteers tackled a wide range of tasks. They reroofed a large section of the cafeteria building, rebuilt fencing for the equestrian center, replaced rotten siding on 20 cabins, renovated a bathhouse, cut firewood, painted, and even assisted kitchen staff.
“It’s amazing that they would come and give of their time,” said 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 we appreciate them so much.”
What motivates 70 individuals to leave home and travel great distances to work without pay? For many, it’s about more than just the physical labor.
“These Maranatha projects are like a big family,” explained Susan Woods, project leader. “Some come with a spouse or a friend or two, but each time they leave after a project, they’ve gained a bigger family — a Maranatha family. Serving gives them fulfillment and purpose.”
Maranatha Volunteers International mobilizes volunteers to construct churches, schools, water wells, and other urgently needed facilities across the globe. Since its founding in 1969, the organization has built more than 14,000 structures, and drilled more than 3,000 water wells in nearly 90 countries.
To learn more or join an upcoming project, visit www.maranatha.org.
Carolina | May 2025
Comments are closed.