Jeanice Riles
Jeanice Riles
Jeanice Riles
The sound of hammers and ladders filled the grounds of Nosoca Pines Ranch in Liberty Hill, S.C., as a team of Maranatha Volunteers International participants worked to improve the camp’s facilities.
Sixty-one volunteers traveled from Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina to participate in the project. Over two weeks, the group addressed a list of repairs and improvements designed to help the ranch continue serving campers, retreat groups, and ministry programs.
For many volunteers, the experience combined practical labor with fellowship and service.
One of the largest projects was replacing the roof on one of the ranch’s houses. A crew of seven to eight volunteers spent six days removing the old roof and installing a new one. As work began, the team discovered two layers of shingles and significant rafter damage beneath the surface. Despite the unexpected repairs, the roof was completed Sunday evening, with cleanup finished the following day.
Across the property, other volunteers tackled additional projects. Teams repaired fencing at three homes, completed maintenance work in several areas of the camp, and repainted the interiors of five cabins used for guest housing.
The painting project required an adjustment when volunteers discovered the cabins needed a specialized KILZ primer before painting could begin. The change required respirators and additional safety preparations, adding extra time to the project.
Logistics in the rural location also created delays. Replacement parts expected to arrive overnight took four days to reach the camp. In another case, fencing built with salvaged materials had to be dismantled and rebuilt after proper supplies arrived, adding two additional days of work.
Despite the challenges, volunteers continued their work with enthusiasm and cooperation.
Thirteen participants were serving on their first Maranatha project, joining others who have volunteered for years.
Jeanice Riles, project team leader and a member of the Carolina Conference, who has previously served at locations including Indian Creek Camp, Uchee Pines, and Blue Mountain Academy, said returning volunteers are common in Maranatha projects. Over the years, teams have built churches, homes, duplexes, and other facilities that support the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
While the work can be demanding, the volunteer group represents a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
The median age for Maranatha’s domestic projects in the United States is about 71. Many younger volunteers often choose international projects, while older participants prefer serving closer to home.
Families are also welcomed on the projects. One family attending the Nosoca project brought two children, ages 9 and 12, who assisted with preparation work for painting and other tasks around the camp. Safety guidelines were carefully followed throughout the project; for instance, a pregnant volunteer participated in other activities but avoided work involving paint or primer.
Project leaders for Maranatha sites are volunteers themselves, helping coordinate work teams and daily assignments while maintaining communication with Maranatha headquarters.
Although the work can involve long days and unexpected challenges, volunteers say the opportunity to support ministries like Nosoca Pines Ranch makes the effort worthwhile.
When the tools are put away and the last tasks are finished, the improvements will help the ranch continue hosting retreats, youth programs, and spiritual gatherings for years to come, extending the impact of the volunteers’ service far beyond the two weeks they spent on site.
Carolina | May 2026
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