If you haven’t heard of the Community of Christ RV Association, let me tell you about it. Currently, there are 124 self-supported volunteers from 16 states and from Ontario, Canada. These volunteers provide ministry through their skills and talents to improve the church’s campgrounds all over the United States. It is their desire to see that there are better facilities for play and worship.

The group began in 1998 and has volunteered more than 40,000 hours in 15 states. Sometimes working multiple times, the RVers have worked at 19 campgrounds in 13 states; at 10 church facilities in four states; at the Campus RV Park and at a Habitat for Humanity house build in Independence, Missouri; in Mississippi, helping rebuild 14 homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina; and at church historic sites in Nauvoo, Illinois, and Lamoni, Iowa. Since that time the group has built new cabins, bunk beds, laundry rooms, shower houses, workshops, and bridges; remodeled restrooms, dormitories, infirmaries, dishwashing rooms, cabins, kitchens, and offices; removed trees; constructed RV pads with full hook-ups; and installed new wiring, plumbing, and roofing on existing buildings.

Volunteer Testimonials

“While helping improve campgrounds, I have been making new friends who enrich my life, expanding my family in Christ, and traveling to places in our beautiful nation that I would not have seen.”—Lorraine Smith, Lawrence, Kansas

“This has made our retirement fulfilling and of value, made stronger by the opportunity to be of service with the Community of Christ RV Association.”—Greg and Phyllis Beitz, Santa Fe, New Mexico

“I don’t have the words to tell how much the RV group has meant to me these past three years.”—Ralph Sader, Carthage, Texas

RVA volunteer cuts bricks for a sidewalk behind the Red Brick Store.

“The work we have been able to accomplish is almost unbelievable, and there is true joy that comes when those we have assisted show their appreciation for our efforts. You begin to get a sense of what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus Christ in servant ministry. We’ve been blessed beyond expectation as we’ve allowed our energy to be used for kingdom building.”—Woody and Jody Wilson, Fairland, Oklahoma

Notes of Appreciation

“The hours the RVA has provided are amazing. On behalf of the World Church and those you have served, I want to thank you for your generous contribution of time and talent to our churches, campgrounds, and historic sites throughout the church.”—Steve Jones, Presiding Bishopric

“There is no way to say thanks for what you did at our camp. We would have worked for months and not gotten done. I felt as though this was a real Zionic effort. The heart and good spirit that is with you is truly an expression of Jesus Christ working among you.”—Bob and Myra Harper, Vinita, Oklahoma

“While I was at youth camp at Sacramento Mountain Retreat, I stayed in one of the cabins where a new shower had been installed, and appreciated that luxury very much. We deeply appreciate the assistance you give. Much of the work done is skilled labor that we would otherwise have to hire done, a cost we simply can’t afford at present. Your ministry has made these grounds much more livable and in a fashion we can afford.”—Bruce Darrington, Rio Grande Mission Center president

RVA members Kevin and Ruth Olmstead of Galien, Michigan

“I was amazed to learn of all that the RVA accomplished at Deerhaven Campground in Florida. Words cannot express my appreciation. Pass on my ‘thank you’ to all who did so much to support the ministries of that campground. Many will be blessed as they worship, fellowship, and learn on those campgrounds because you’ve made this place more inviting, safe, and comfortable. Thank you on behalf of all those who will benefit from your efforts, skill, and love.” —Linda Booth, apostle Southern USA Mission Field

RVA for 2008

The new year will begin with a rally, April 17–19, at the Campus RV Park, Independence, Missouri. The cost is $25 per person. For more information go to www.cocrvclub.bravehost.com/Rally.html. In the weeks to follow the rally, there will be work projects at Camp Woodland Hills, Missouri; Sacramento Mountain Retreat, New Mexico; Blue Water Reunion Grounds, Michigan; Guthrie Grove Campground, Iowa; Camp Nauvoo and Joseph Smith Historic Sites, Nauvoo, Illinois; Liberty Hall, Lamoni, Iowa, and at numerous other locations. The group strives to serve as many places as possible.

If you would like more information about the Community of Christ RV Association, check out the RVA Web site at www.cocrvclub.bravehost.com.  There you will find the RVA bulletin board, which includes the RVA quarterly newsletter, project application (to obtain our services for your church or campground), RVA membership application, tentative 2008 project dates, testimonies, announcements, information about Rally 2008, and the RVA dues form.—Barbara Fears reporting