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Photo: Rotarian Jay Brinkman, left, hosted guest speakers Jerry and Jan McVey at the club's regular Monday noon luncheon meeting.

At Monday's noon luncheon meeting, Jerry and Jan McVey, residents of Donovan who have opted for an active retirement, informed club members about a mission outreach ministry of the United Methodist Church called Nomads. Nomads is an acronym for Nomads On a Mission Active in Devine Service. Their guiding principle is found in James 2:17: "In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action is dead."

Nomads are people who are retired or close to retirement. They enjoy RV travel and they need a meaningful purpose and personal mission. They want to share their Christianity with others and use their skills in service to others. Jan who is a retired Nurse worked at Iroquois Memorial Hospital and more recently at the IMH clinic in Kentland with Dr. Florido. Jerry was a maintenance specialist at Littlefuse Manufacturing in Watseka before retiring 10 years ago. Since they enjoy RV travel and wanted a meaningful retirement with a shared Christianity, becoming Nomads was an easy decision for the McVeys.

Nomad projects include: building projects, maintenance, repairs, new construction, office work, painting, child care, sewing, and gardening. Work on homes of needy families is not uncommon. Projects last up to three weeks. The work day usually starts with devotions. The Nomads receive no pay and pay their own expenses. They do, however , receive a place to park their RVs with water, electricity and other RV necessities. The work week is limited to four days so there is time for some sightseeing and exploration of the region near their project.

The McVeys have been active with the Nomads for the last 5 years. They have taken part in two missions each year for a total of 10 missions. They described a recent trip and mission to Pharr, Texas. The project was to recondition the small house of a lady in her 80s, which she occupied with her granddaughter and three great grandchildren. During their three-week stay the Nomads assigned to the project replaced the roof, repaired bathroom walls, added a shower stall, sink, medicine cabinet, and a much needed bathroom door. The living room and kitchen got new floors, and interior rooms and the exterior of the house were painted. Two new windows were also installed. Grandma was absolutely delighted.

To fund their projects the Nomads pay yearly dues. They also receive funds from Churches (United Methodist) and individuals. They have conducted successful auctions. To learn more about the Nomads and their service visit www.nomadsumc.org or call (toll free) 1-866-466- 6237 .

Brandt Stum
Kentland Rotary Club