The Volunteer Spring 2018

THE

SPRING 2018

A Publication of Maranatha Volunteers International

Maranatha in Bolivia

Building family and faith in Cochabamba

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

BOLIVIA P4

CUBA P8

Q UA RT Z S I T E , A R IZO N A P 1 0

Springtime Service Every spring, large numbers of Maranatha volunteers set out across the globe, determined to help people they’ve never met by building much‑needed structures. In March and early April, 2018, Maranatha sent 547 volunteers to seven countries. More than half were first-time participants.

But these volunteers are more than numbers; they made a direct impact on the lives of the local people they served.

Now, some have a place of worship where none existed before. Children will have a proper learning environment. And in every interaction between volunteers and locals, God shined through and touched the volunteers as much as those they served.

Photo by Ed Jensen

Photo by Hilary Macias

Photo by Ed Jensen

Photo by Hilary Macias

Photo provided by Maranatha volunteer

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Thank You For Your Service

I

f you have flown on a commercial airplane

in the last couple of years, you have probably noticed a nice gesture that the airlines are offering to those serving in the military. They are allowed to board the plane early. I have yet to see anyone complain about that, even though early boarding is a perk that many passengers would like to have for themselves. In fact, typically I hear many people showing positive support for the military people, and a certain phrase is used almost every time: “Thank you for your service.”

Having served in the United States Air Force, I tend to agree that those who are currently serving should be thanked as often as possible.

As I have observed the positive response of so many toward those in the service of their country, it has occurred to me that there is another group that should be thanked for their service. I’m thinking of those who give invaluable service for Maranatha projects all over the world. Saying “yes” to God’s call can bring great joy, and it can also generate many challenges. Without the volunteers, Maranatha would not exist as a way of positively impacting lives for God’s Kingdom. So, we are very grateful to each volunteer!

It never ceases to amaze me that so many people volunteer with Maranatha in many countries and often in very challenging situations. Just this past March and April, nearly 600 volunteers worked in seven countries to build schools, churches, and people.

I am certain that God will bless each volunteer, and I am just as certain that their involvement will be a great blessing in the places they serve.

Another thing I have noticed is that when family and friends recount what was most important in the life of a loved one, often, one of the major things they talk about is their volunteer service with Maranatha.

There are few things more meaningful in life than serving others. As we serve, we are blessed and become a blessing. Please join me in extending to Maranatha volunteers, donors and staff a heartfelt and sincere “Thank you for your service!”

Don Noble, president

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Building Family in

BOLIVIA The power of community in Cochabamba

By Julie Z. Lee Photos by Tom Lloyd

Photo by Tom Lloyd

The music coming from the building was familiar. It was a song from her past, long before Daria Chipana had faced much heartbreak and loneliness—back when God had been a regular part of her life. And now, as she walked home, she couldn’t help but detour from her path and move toward the singing coming from the Colina Ecologica community center.

There, Chipana found people in worship. She stepped inside, looked around, then took a seat. That night, she heard the beautiful message of grace and love—things she had heard as a child, growing up and attending a Seventh‑day Adventist school. She remembered going to worship with her mother.

When her mother died, however, she transferred to a different school. Church visits became infrequent. When Daria got married, she quit church altogether.

“I stopped going to church.

Sometimes I would forget about the Lord. After that, I had two sons, and I became pregnant with my baby girl.

Then my husband suffered an accident and died,” says Chipana.

Chipana was alone. She had lived in La Paz, Bolivia, before moving to Cochabamba, 145 miles east, with her husband. Her family was far away, and her husband’s own family had cast her aside. She worked long days in the marketplace, selling various items to provide for her children. Sometimes she made enough; other times the money was short. In her most desperate days, her thoughts grew dark.

“Being both a father and mother to my children, I needed to provide for us,” says Chipana. “I thought I would sell myself. But the children said, ‘Don’t provide for us like that.’”

But now, she was sitting in a church, singing hymns and listening to the pastor preach about the Lord. She realized that even after all these years, God had never left her.

“The pastor spoke of wonderful things. He said the Lord always takes good care of us,” says Chipana. She saw this was true. In spite of everything, the Lord had been watching over her. “I’m always okay. My children are healthy…”

So night after night, Chipana returned to the meetings. By the end of the campaign, she was baptized.

Today, Chipana is one of 45 members of the Colina Ecologica Adventist church. During the week, she attends Bible studies. Sabbaths are spent worshipping in the morning,

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TRUSTING GOD: Daria Chipana and her daughter start the day with prayer.

When Daria lost her husband, years ago, she was lonely and fearful of raising her children alone. However, her church family has given her new hope and the courage to trust the Lord.

fellowshipping with her new friends at potluck, and helping with outreach.

“I feel happy because the brethren are like brothers, sisters, and family members to me, so to speak,” says Chipana. “It is such a great joy for me.”

THE PROBLEM OF GROWTH

The evangelism meeting that drew Chipana back to church was organized by members of the Loma Linda congregation.

“A small group of brothers from the church decided to take the initiative to evangelize an area close to where they lived,” says Edsel Vivas, pastor for the Loma Linda District for the Adventist Church in the central part of Bolivia.

“When we arrived in Colina Ecologica, we noticed a great need and thirst for the Gospel. So we started preaching.

It was very well received, and thanks to the Lord, our brethren were very diligent, and people were very receptive to the Word of the Lord.”

Ramiro Condori was part of the team that helped to plant a new congregation in Colina Ecologica. He lives in the neighborhood, and he was eager to see the Adventist faith shared.

“This area has a growing population.

Over the past five years, there has been

much new construction taking place.

Many brethren, like me, have come to live here,” said Condori. He said he also noticed the influx of children with nothing to do on the weekends. “We are now seeing that parents are busier with their work. Almost 50 percent of the children who come here, their parents aren’t Adventists. We believe these children will grow and one day become part of the Adventist Church.”

This missionary spirit by the lay people is not uncommon in this part of Bolivia. In fact, it’s the reason why the Church is growing.

“Brethren in the Adventist Church in Bolivia are truly very simple people. However, they are also very spiritual people, and above all, very missionary-minded people,” says Henrry Mendizabal, treasurer and director of Global Missions for the Adventist Church in Bolivia. “We can see brick masons, builders, farmers who get behind the pulpit on Saturdays and preach powerful sermons.”

“It’s a Church that is experiencing strong growth, and, above all, in recent years, we have seen the missionary spirit developing and advancing very strongly to reach people.”

There are nearly 120,000 Adventists

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BORROWED SPACE: The Colina Ecologica congregation meets in the local community center for Sabbath worship. It is a nice space but having to share it with the entire neighborhood can make scheduling meetings a challenge.

says Mendizabal. “It will also impact the community, the neighborhoods, and populations where the temples are built, because the very presence of the church in each neighborhood and community is what makes the difference.”

ANSWERED PRAYER SHARING FAITH: Edsel Vivas, pastor in the Loma Linda District, at one of his churches. He helped organize an evangelism meeting in Colina Ecologica, which led to a new group being formed in the neighborhood.

in Bolivia. This number is expected to grow, and the Church is facing a problem of space. There aren’t enough churches for all the congregations.

In the Cochabamba area, where Colina Ecologica is located, there are more than 18,000 members and 152 congregations. There are 60 groups that do not have a permanent place of worship. They meet in whatever space they can find—from carports to abandoned construction sites to sheds.

Some congregations meet in homes, in driveways, or in borrowed spaces like a shed.

“The Adventist Church has been growing significantly in Bolivia, which requires a greater need for resources. Everyday or every month, we have new places where preaching takes place. Now, through a very progressive approach, new pulpits are being open for preaching by going to new neighborhoods. This makes

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the construction of new temples a necessity,” says Mendizabal.

Sadly, the congregations have little money. In Cochabamba, some groups have managed to save enough funds to purchase property, but they have no money left to build a structure.

“As a Church in Bolivia, we have approached Maranatha’s ministry to express our need for help in addressing the growth of our church,” says Mendizabal. “It is a significant growth that we are unable to manage solely with our own resources.”

In 2017, Maranatha agreed to partner with the Adventist Church in Bolivia to provide places of worship. Construction was scheduled to begin in early 2018.

“The new temples that Maranatha can build in Bolivia will not only impact our Church—our Church will be impacted in a very significant way, because many brethren who did not have a place to congregate will now be able to do so close to their families, close to the Christian community, in an environment or place to worship God,”

Colina Ecologica meets in a rented community center. It is a nice but public space, which can cause problems when there are conflicting events or objectives.

“When you lease a place, there are always limitations,” says Vivas. He says when there are conflicting events or objectives for the center, there can be tension or misunderstandings between the community and the church. “It isn’t too good for the church. Somehow it obstructs the road to evangelizing.”

“The Word of the Lord says that we are of utmost important to the Lord— the people. Nevertheless, a structure, a place to worship the Lord is also important, because God manifests Himself there,” says Vivas. “Here, in Colina Ecologica, I think it is a very appropriate place that will grow a lot.

So it needs a special environment to worship. The Word must be preached in every place, but it is a lot better when a structure is built, and there’s a special place to worship.”

The group is young—they only formed in Spring 2017—and they have already managed to collect donations and purchase land for a church. But there was little to no money left for a building. Then they heard that Maranatha was coming to Bolivia to build churches for select congregations.

The members were whipped into a frenzy at the thought that they

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could receive Maranatha’s help. The possibility was overwhelming, and the congregation started to pray that Colina Ecologica be considered for a church.

One morning, a small group of members agreed to meet for an early morning prayer session about their group. Colina Ecologica is located on a rocky hill, and the prayer team decided to hike to the very top for worship.

Once there, they sang then talked about their hope of building a church. Then they knelt together and began to pray in earnest.

“When we finished praying, my phone started to ring. It was our pastor, Pastor Edsel. He told me that at 2 p.m., the brothers from Maranatha were coming. I was elated,” says Joaquin Rios, one of the church leaders. “After we hung up, I told everyone, ‘I have wonderful, good news for you, brothers!

The group from Maranatha will be coming to build our temple!’”

“We were happy. I was really happy,” says Rios. “There was a certain joy there, and from that moment on I have continued to pray so that all this would become a reality.”

In the corner of the room, Chipana is helping serve lunch. She is cheerful as she talks with the other ladies.

“I feel good on the Sabbath. I feel very relaxed on the Sabbath,” says Chipana. “I look forward to that day.

The rest of the days, from Sunday until Friday, I dedicate myself to working and earning my daily bread, but on the Sabbath the brethren make me happy.”

On Sabbath, she is with family. •

“But when we congregate in the church, they become our family, and that’s what’s happening here, right?” he says. “On Sabbath we always meet and eat the food we all bring, and that is one of the most important aspects—all the brethren meet and share a meal together.

That’s the most important thing that happens to me here at this church.”

Their usual joy is compounded by the knowledge that their days in this borrowed center are numbered. Soon, Maranatha will be building a new church for them.

IN BOLIVIA, CONGREGATIONS ARE HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING APPROPRIATE PLACES OF WORSHIP. HERE IS WHERE SOME OF THE GROUPS ARE MEETING AND WHY BOLIVIA NEEDS YOUR HELP. 1

FAMILY BUILDING

On a sunny Sabbath afternoon, people are walking to the Colina Ecologica community center. Worship is over, and many go home to grab food for lunch. They return with giant bowls of quinoa, shredded cabbage, beans, potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Cochabamba is known for its farmland and food, and this meal proves why the area is called “the breadbasket of Bolivia.”

The women assemble bowls of food, heaping with good eats, then hand them to each person. Others rearrange the plastic chairs into a large circle for potluck. People are in good spirits, and they eat heartily while chatting with each other. Condori says this congregation is a group of immigrants—most everyone has moved to Cochabamba from other parts of the country, leaving their families behind.

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1 VEINTE DE OCTUBRE. This group has been meeting in a shed constructed of bricks and scrap metal. The roof leaks and the dirt floor turns into a muddy river during rainy season.

2 FORTALEZA. These 30 members have had to move five times. They met everywhere from homes to carports. This group is quite poor, but they saved enough to purchase land, and now they need help with the structure.

3 SAN BENITO. There are walls and even an upstairs, but this meeting space is nowhere close to appropriate for worship. The building, which is borrowed, is only partially finished.

4 ALTO MIRADOR. The couple who started this congregation managed to build a room on their property, but it is incomplete and too small for the growing membership. Sabbath schools meet under tarps.

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Maranatha Begins New Project in Cuba

Volunteers renovate church outside Havana

By Dustin Comm

D

ecades ago, in the town of

San Antonio de los Baños, in Cuba, a woman named Martina Perez discovered the Gospel. She was so taken with the message that she left the Santeria faith, which she had been practicing, and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. But when she discovered that there was no place to meet in her neighborhood, she offered her home as a place to meet. The congregation met there for 45 years.

Before Perez died, she asked that her home continue to be a temple.

Over time, the San Antonio Church began acquiring adjacent properties to expand the space and make room for the growing congregation. Today, there are more than 200 members of the San Antonio group and not enough room to seat everyone inside the existing church.

On Sabbath, members are spread out amongst five houses throughout the city.

Last year, Adventist leadership in Cuba asked Maranatha to help San Antonio by renovating their church.

Maranatha responded to the call, and in April 2018, a group of 42 volunteers arrived in Cuba for an 11-day project.

During the mission trip, volunteers started demolition of a house next to the church that will expand its square footage. Walls received fresh paint, and the group also held a medical fair and sports ministry for local youth. New soccer balls and baseballs provided excitement among the kids and goodwill in the community.

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Photos by David Lopez

SERVING IN CUBA: Forty-two volunteers made their way to Cuba in April to renovate the San Antonio de los Baños Church, located outside Havana. The group included volunteers of all ages, including several children.

Relationships were also fostered with church membership, who took initiative to join in on the work. When they learned of Maranatha’s project, they rolled up their sleeves and helped alongside the volunteers. About 65 church members contributed on various jobs, which also provided opportunities for them to interact with the local neighbors.

“Without a doubt, this project has opened up new doors in the community,” noted David Lopez, Director of Volunteer Projects. “They are using this project to push forward with the work

and continue sharing the name of Jesus in Cuba.”

Maranatha has been working in Cuba to renovate Adventist churches since the 1990s. Political circumstances make work in Cuba complicated, and projects can take years to get off the ground and completed. But Maranatha has been successful in renovating hundreds of churches in Cuba and even building an Adventist seminary. •

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OUTREACH IN CUBA:

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1 As part of a local neighborhood beautification project, volunteers painted houses on the street where the church is located.

Neighbors were grateful for the help.

2 Inside the San Antonio temple, volunteers helped to clean debris from renovation efforts and also paint the interior walls.

3 Volunteers taught a health seminar, which was open to the entire community, for one of the many outreach efforts during the project.

4 An exterior shot of the freshly painted church.

5 On Sabbath, the volunteers joined the San Antonio congregation in the freshly painted sanctuary for worship.

Maranatha will continue to work with the local church to help expand the property.

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Where Two or Three are Gathered

Snowbirds find fellowship in missions

By Becky St. Clair

S

ince 2007, carol and roger Meharry have been packing every winter and heading south from their home in Idaho to the warm desert sands of Quartzsite, Arizona. They are part of a growing number of “snowbirds”: Retirees living in northern regions who migrate to warmer climates for the colder months. Popular destinations include Florida, Texas, California, and—as is evidenced by the Meharry’s long‑time migration pattern—Arizona.

However, wintering in Quartzsite is not all sunshine and cactus flowers.

“We really missed church on Sabbaths,” Carol says.

The only two nearby Adventist churches were more than 30 miles away; one was across the state line in a different time zone. The Meharrys began talking with other snowbirds about their predicament. They discovered that others felt similarly—they wanted the weekly church fellowship but didn’t want to drive so far or deal with changing time zones every week, so most were simply staying home.

“God said if two or three are gathered together, he would be with them,” Carol says. “So we asked some friends of ours if they would help us hold church in our trailer house. They agreed, so we began the following Sabbath with seven of us attending.”

As news of the weekly gathering grew, so did the number of attendees.

Eventually, they outgrew the house, and the group—as large as 20 some weeks—

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Photos by Susan Woods

HOME CHURCH: Roger and Carol Meharry, Maranatha volunteers, stand in their “garage church” in Quartzsite, Arizona. They started organizing Sabbath worship at their winter home in 2007.

moved into a sizable garage next door.

In the midst of their growth, the group realized their mutual passion for missions. For the Meharrys, it began in 2005 in India on a mission trip with Maranatha Volunteers International.

Carol recalls, “It was amazing to watch the people realize that there is a God in Heaven who loves them and takes care of them. It changed their lives.”

Carol admits it wasn’t just the locals who were affected.

“I left my heart in India,” she says with a catch in her voice. She and Roger returned twice.

Their Maranatha experience left the Meharrys forever dedicated to missions.

The Sabbath group was the perfect opportunity to put that passion into action.

As they are not an official church, gathering only seasonally, the Quartzsite group collects no offering. However, with the suggestion to take up offerings to help build churches, schools, and, more recently, wells through Maranatha, the group readily began a weekly collection.

“We’d choose a project based on the amount we collected,” Carol explains.

“The first winter we collected around $1,500—enough to sponsor a One-Day Church [share].”

When the group’s donation had been translated into a church, Maranatha sent

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them a picture of the structure.

“I framed it and hung it on the wall,” says Carol. “That picture inspired us.

We realized we could do mission work from where we were.”

Each year, the amount collected increased. This was not only due to excitement but also an increase in attendees. The group of 20 that had moved into the garage was now twice that number. When the gem and mineral show came to town, the group swelled to 65.

“People hear about us and find us,” Carol says. “We meet so many wonderful people through our little group.”

A pair of snowbirds, one who wintered in Quartzsite, met on a Maranatha mission trip to South America. Their friendship flourished, and in 2017 they were married. They now spend their winters together in Quartzsite.

“They went on a Maranatha trip to Africa for their honeymoon,” says Carol.

“When they came that winter, they saw the picture of the One-Day Church we’d sponsored and realized they’d visited that exact site.”

Group drop-ins have become common. Snowbirds will time their drives through Quartzsite to coincide with Sabbath so they can spend the day worshiping and fellowshipping with the group there. The group provides lunch

MISSION STORY: Carol talks to the group about the various Maranatha projects they have sponsored as a congregation.

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every week so visitors have a place to eat and fellowship.

“We’ve had visitors return just to make a donation,” says Carol. “The zeal for supporting Maranatha is contagious.”

During winter 2017, the Quartzsite group raised enough to sponsor three wells, three churches, and two schools, in addition to sponsoring a child in India through school for a year.

Regular members of the group come from places across North America, including Alaska and Eastern Canada, and though they have home churches, they all remain deeply committed to supporting Maranatha during the winter months in Quartzsite.

“We almost hate to go home at the end of the season,” says Carol with a

smile. “There’s such a bond between us.”

Today, the Quartzsite garage wall is covered in framed photos of the projects the group has sponsored over the years.

“We’ll have to start on a different wall next year,” Carol says with a laugh.

What a difference has been made, thanks to the generosity and love of a few dozen snowbirds gathered in the middle of the desert, bonded through faith and service.

“I always thought to be a missionary you needed to go to some foreign country,” Carol admits. “But I’ve come to understand that there are other ways to support the work and that’s being a missionary, too.” •

BLESSINGS: The Quartzsite “garage church” walls are covered with photos of Maranatha projects that the group has sponsored over the years, including churches, classrooms, and wells.

FELLOWSHIP: After church, the group gathers for potluck every week. There are about 65 regular attendees, and everyone is a snowbird—residents who go south for the winter. Many are also Maranatha volunteers and supporters.

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Khunti, India

Photo by Christina Lloyd

Seventh Kandulna is a tailor in the village of Khunti. His family moved to the area when he was a little boy, shortly after they joined the Seventh‑day Adventist faith. His extended family was upset about the conversion to Christianity, and they were pushed out of town. In his new village, Seventh enrolled at the Khunti Adventist school. He was delighted to learn more about Jesus and His plan of salvation. Today, Seventh is still an Adventist, and he is grateful that Maranatha will be helping with expansions at Khunti Adventist School, which is still in operation with 1,300 students but in need of improvements.

Maranatha will be providing a large building that includes multiple classrooms, offices, and an auditorium.

The structure will help the campus to grow and to continue sharing God’s love in the community.

NEWS February 18, 2018. Currently, there are 536 primary and secondary students enrolled. It is the only Adventist school in Santa Clara.

From Trees to Classrooms in Angola Nearly two years ago, Maranatha shared the story of a school in Santa Clara, Angola, where students had to meet under trees.

The school, which was located on the property of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, had more than 400 students, but not a single classroom. This, however, was a common sight in Santa Clara. Most of the city’s schools were destroyed during the civil war, which ravaged the country for decades, and few campuses were ever rebuilt. So at many schools, children had to bring their own chairs to gather under trees for class.

In 2018, the scene in Santa Clara is dramatically different. Last year, Maranatha constructed a brand new Adventist School in Santa Clara. Instead of assembling outdoors and competing for attention and shade, children are in actual buildings with real desks and chairs. “We praise the Lord and thank Maranatha for such a wonderful gift,” said Emilio Cupua, treasurer of the Adventist Church in southern Angola. He said the families were especially grateful their children no longer have to sit outside.

The 18-classroom One-Day School campus was inaugurated on

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Ida Mae Freeman Passes Away On February 23, 2018, Ida Mae Freeman passed away at the age of 97. Ida Mae was married to John Freeman, founder of Maranatha Volunteers International, and she was a beloved member of the Maranatha community. Those who knew her on mission trips often called her “the Mother of Maranatha.”

A joint memorial service for John, who passed away in May 2017, and Ida Mae was held on April 7 in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

The Freeman family has established a memorial fund in honor of John and Ida Mae. Donations will sponsor the Beryl Seventh-day Adventist Church in Dominica. Beryl was destroyed

by Hurricane Maria in September 2017. Make a donation online, mail a check, or call (916) 774-7700.

ROLLOVER FOR MAR ANATHA!

Your IRA Charitable Rollover can save you taxes and make a big difference for missions.

If you are 70 ½ or older, learn how your Required Minimum Distribution can make a big difference for the mission of Maranatha.

Talk to our experts and learn more. Call Don Lloyd, Maranatha Volunteers International Foundation, at (916) 774-7700.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES You can serve on a mission trip with Maranatha! From construction to cooking to outreach, there are many ways to help, and no experience is necessary. Simply look through the opportunities listed below or visit our Volunteer Opportunities page at www.maranatha.org. For more information, email us at volunteer@maranatha.org or call (916) 774-7700.

NORTH AMERICA PROJECTS

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

Big Lake Youth Camp Project OREGON, USA

Family Project: Bolivia COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA

The Dalles Adventist Church Project OREGON, USA

Young Adult Project KIUTINE, KENYA

Leadership: Cathie Clark, Kelly Rogers Leadership: Steve Case, Bob Holmes, June 3 - 17, 2018 Danny Poljak June 21 - July 1, 2018

Leadership: Leroy Kelm June 5 - 26, 2018

Camp Whitesand Project SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA

Leadership: David and Susan Woods June 11 - 21, 2018

Milo Adventist Academy Project OREGON, USA Leadership: Kathy Hernandez, Troy Epperly June 17 - July 1, 2018

Northern Lights Camp Project NORTH DAKOTA, USA

Leadership: Betty Beattie, Neil Biloff July 1 - 15, 2018

Chadron Adventist Church Project NEBRASKA, USA

Leadership: Sadie Torrez, Kelly Rogers July 15 - August 3, 2018

Union Springs Academy Project NEW YORK, USA

Leadership: Barbara Mayes, Bill Boyd July 15 - 29, 2018

Mills Spring Ranch Project WYOMING, USA Leadership: Betty Beattie, David Schwinn July 30 - August 9, 2018

Big Lake Youth Camp Project OREGON, USA

Leadership: Angela Boothby, Jon Harvey July 4 - 18, 2018

São Tomé Project SÃO TOMÉ, SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE Leadership: Phil Becker July 5 - 17, 2018

Ultimate Workout 28: Bolivia ENTRE RIOS, BOLIVIA Leadership: Rebekah Shephard, Dan Klein Jr. July 18 - 29, 2018

Kenya Project KIUTINE, KENYA

Leadership: Vickie and Bernie Wiedmann July 25 - August 8, 2018

Kenya Project KISII, KENYA

Leadership: Valeree Krueger, Peter Thomas August 22 - September 5, 2018

Zambia Project KABWE, ZAMBIA

Leadership: George Carpenter November 14 - 28, 2018

Family Project: Bolivia COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA

Leadership: Claudio and Elizabeth Japas December 20, 2018 - January 1, 2019

Leadership: Cathie Clark, Kelly Rogers Family Project: India September 5 - 19, 2018 KHUNTI, INDIA Leadership: Karen Godfrey, Camp Frenda Project Danny Poljak ONTARIO, CANADA December 21, 2018 - January 3, 2019 Leadership: Edward Jenson, Bill Boyd September 30 - October 7, 2018 Zambia Project

Blue Mountain Academy Project PENNSYLVANIA, USA Leadership: Betty Beattie, Wayne Moon October 9 - 23, 2018

Create a Project!

If you are interested in taking a team on a mission trip, let Maranatha guide you through the process! We’ll help you set a budget, find a site and accommodations, organize your team, and provide in-country support from our staff. For groups ranging from 10 - 110, call for a consult, and we’ll help every step of the way.

For more information, call (916) 774-7700 or email leaders@maranatha.org

Thanks for Serving!

The following Group Project Teams are serving during the months of April/May/June:

BOLIVIA Spring Meadows Adventist Church Team Florida

DOMINICA General Conference Secretariat Team Maryland Adventist Health and Friends Team California

GUYANA Redding Area Missionaries Team California Madison Mission Operation Love Team Alabama

PANAMA Florida Hospital Waterman Team Florida

KABWE, ZAMBIA

Leadership: Merrill Zachary, George Alder January 30 - February 13, 2019

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THE MISSION SCENE

BOLIVIA Maranatha is building churches and school classrooms in Cochabamba, Bolivia, for the first time. As you get involved in the mission, take a moment to learn more about this stunning country and how you can help.

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

CHURCH IN BOLIVIA HAS MORE THAN 120,000 MEMBERS.

CAPITAL

Sucre

POPULATION

11.4 million

Sights to See

LANGUAGES

Spanish and 36 indigenous languages

SA L A R D E U YU N I AC A L AKE TITIC

ABOUT COCHABAMBA

• 800,000 residents • 18,357 Seventh-day Adventists • 152 congregations • 23 missionary districts • 60 buildings needed

L A PA Z

LA CRISTO DE CONCORDIA

IN QUECHUA, COCHABAMBA MEANS “SWAMPY PLAINS.”

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Non-Profit U.S. Postage

PAID

Roseville, CA Permit No. 111

990 Reserve Drive, Suite 100 Roseville, CA 95678

SAVE THE DATE!

About Maranatha Maranatha spreads the Gospel throughout the world as it builds people through the construction of urgently needed buildings.

All notices of change of address should be sent to the Maranatha Volunteers International United States address.

SEPTEMBER 21-22, 2018 Trinity Life Center 5225 Hillsdale Blvd | Sacramento, CA

In Canada: Maranatha Volunteers International Association c/o V06494C PO Box 6494, Station Terminal Vancouver, BC V6B 6R3 CANADA

• Seminars on Friday afternoon

• All participation is free

Maranatha Volunteers International 990 Reserve Drive Suite 100 Roseville, CA 95678 Phone: (916) 774-7700 Fax: (916) 774-7701 Website: www.maranatha.org Email: info@maranatha.org

Everyone is invited to our annual convention, where we’ll share incredible stories of faith and service in the mission field.

• Children’s Program on Sabbath Morning

United States Headquarters:

Featuring performances by Wintley Phipps

Join Our Community maranatha.org/facebook @gomaranatha

More information at maranatha.org/missionmaranatha ON THE COVER: In Cochabamba, Bolivia, Filomena Mariño walks to a friend’s house for worship on Sabbath. Photo by Tom Lloyd

Julie Z. Lee, Editor Heather Bergren, Designer