President’s Message
By R.G. Wilson, F21025
National President
September 2004
Nearly four years ago, President George W. Bush began emphasizing a need for the citizens of the United States to become more compassionate and helpful to their fellowman. He is a family man, a man of God, and believes that many of our world problems and conflicts can be solved through prayer, communication, and faith-based organizations working together. Being a Christian and a church member, I share this belief and philosophy.
Family Motor Coach Association was formed in the 1960s as a support organization to families who like to be on the road, travel, and live in their motorhomes. Our membership has grown to nearly 130,000 families. Many FMCA members join smaller groups with common interests within our association called chapters. These chapters now number approximately 470 and range in size from 25 families to some with a membership of more than 1,000 families. The interest these groups have in common may be weekend camping, golfing, fishing, and sporting events, or their members may all own the same brand of motorhome. Many chapters are based on a particular geographic area. Whatever it is, they plan rallies or meetings to share those common interests, having fun and fellowshipping with friends.
During the past few years, FMCA has seen many new chapters formed all over North America whose members have faith in God and want to develop friendships with those of like faith. As president of this great family organization, I am very pleased and have encouraged these chapters to form, because I believe God should be first in every family.
Coaches for Christ chapters have been formed in nine of FMCA’s areas, and plans are being discussed for a 10th. These chapters consist of Christians from all denominations who meet together, have socials, and enjoy fellowship. Members of the local chapter are usually in charge of and plan the programs for morning devotions at area rallies and international conventions.
Within the past two years, our Catholic brothers and sisters have started forming chapters in some areas; they call themselves The Roamin’ Catholics. Their members arrange for Masses at rallies when possible, or locate nearby churches and determine Mass schedules.
Jewish FMCA members also have formed the CHAI-Chavurat Yehudim chapter to promote services and fellowship for our Jewish brothers and sisters. Translated from the Hebrew, the chapter name means “Life-A Jewish Chapter.”
All of these faith-based chapters give spiritual support to FMCA members while they’re on the road.
My wife, Jeri, and I are very pleased to see these faith-based chapters formed in FMCA. We love the motorhome lifestyle and feel very blessed to be able to travel and enjoy seeing this great land in which we live. Having close friends with like beliefs and faith in God is comforting and rewarding while on the road. God’s dwelling place is not only the place of the congregational meeting, nor the meeting alone, but the life we live in his praise. Praising God and living lives that are expressive of his presence are both acts of worship that supersede personal opinions concerning how we praise him.
I am thankful that I live in a land that I can worship God as I choose based upon my understanding of the Bible. I am also thankful that we have a God-fearing president like George W. Bush leading our nation.
One of the greatest promises in the Bible is II Chronicles 7:14, which reads, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Safe travels, and may God bless you.
Join A Chapter
Anyone interested in joining one of FMCA’s faith-based chapters or any of the other 450-plus chapters is encouraged to contact the Chapter Services Department at the FMCA national office, (800) 543-3622.
New FMCA Member Application Forms
When you invite someone to join FMCA, please be sure you give him or her a membership application form that states the correct initial membership fee of $45. The FMCA Membership Department has to return new member applications that arrive with the old rate of $35 paid for the first year and ask the prospective member to send the new fee of $45. This delays the processing of new FMCA memberships.
Please discard or update any old membership applications you may have. If you need a supply of new applications, please contact the Membership Department at (800) 543-3622 and they will be happy to send you a new supply. You may also e-mail your request to membership@fmca.com.
If you give prospective members copies of Family Motor Coaching that were published before January 2004, please mark the member application forms in these magazines with the new price of $45.
We appreciate your assistance.