1. NOMADS On Mission of Active Divine Service
Also sometimes known as “Northern Old Methodist Avoiding Deep Snow”
A Ministry of the United Methodist Church

2. Who are NOMADS? Mission Volunteers (mostly retired)
Mostly United Methodists
Have their own RVs and are willing to travel at their own expense to work projects
Work on NOMADS teams for United Methodist Organizations across the country

3. NOMADS Host Agencies
United Methodist Organizations apply to become a NOMADS Host Agency
Host Agencies furnish:
Work to do and necessary materials
Safe place to park RVs, water, electric, and a way to deal with sewer
NOMADS furnish:
NOMADS teams to accomplish the work

4. History Started 1988 in the Rio Grande Valley, TX
fall/winter 5 projects - 24 NOMADS
All volunteer organization until 2000 when they contracted with an Administer
2001 joined with United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries
Now over 1000 members, working 150 projects annually
Began Disaster Response Projects in 2006, up to 10,600 hours of donated labor annually

5. What do NOMADS do? Travel to projects at own expense
Provide own RV for self sufficient living (some Agencies provide housing for members who do not have RVs)
Furnish most of their own tools
Provide labor for NOMADS projects
Begin work days with group devotions
Meet the needs of the Hosting Agency
… and have fun doing it!

6. Types of NOMADS Projects
Three Week Work Projects
Disaster Response Projects (NOMADS may work for as little as 1 week)
Drop In Projects
(NOMADS make arrangements directly with the Host Agency)

7. Typical Project Work Repair, remodel, and painting New construction
Landscaping, maintenance, cleaning
Repair homes for elderly, poor, etc.
Sewing, office/clerical, organizing, etc.
No steep roofs or heavy concrete work

8. Typical Project Work New bathroom for Pharr UMC classrooms
Pharr UMC remodeled old SS rooms to add a new bathroom
New bathroom for Pharr UMC classrooms

9. Typical Project Work Pharr, Texas
New computer lab for Pharr, Texas UMC
New computer lab in Pharr UMC
New tile for old floors

10. Typical Project Work Rio Grande, TX, Community Outreach Program
New window gets caulk
New paint job

11. Typical Project Work Thomasville, GA
Vashti Center for kids
Remodeled bathroom

12. Typical Project Work Vashti Center, Georgia
Dining Hall windows get new paint
Admin bldg. gets paint

13. Funding Needs
Grants Funding Program to help Agencies in need purchase building materials
Funding supports NOMADS work to get disaster victims back into their homes
NOMADS Administrator Annual Contract
Operational expenses (including web site)
_____________
84% of expenses in 2009 were for direct support of NOMADS project work
Budget for 2010 is $247,000

14. Funding Sources Member and Alumni Dues Individual Donations
Direct to NOMADS via or check
Via local church Advance Special #982658
Often in memory or in honor of individual NOMADS
Church and Sunday School Donations
Agency Donations

15. NOMADS Contact Info
Website –
Write to:
Carla Kinsey, NOMADS Administrator
P.O. Box 3508
Shawnee, Kansas 66203
Phone: NOMADS
( )

16. How You Can Help Please help support NOMADS:
- Pray for NOMADS members and those for whom we work
- Tell others about NOMADS and help recruit NOMADS members and Agencies
- Consider joining NOMADS
- Donate to NOMADS

17. New NOMADS Agencies
If you are a United Methodist Organization who can use NOMADS help, apply to become a Hosting Agency at Click on “Request Help”