By Rich & Lindsey Hofer, F417519
May 2017
Little did we know 40 years ago when we purchased our first camper, a 16-foot travel trailer, that we would be enjoying the RV lifestyle as we are today. Since we first towed our little Fleetwing to county parks for the weekend, we have owned seven RVs, each one a bit bigger than the last. Six years ago we sold our primary residence and became full-time motorhomers.
Nor did we know that the RV lifestyle would lead us to spend the past nine summers working on 11 church and camp construction projects while we now enjoy the winter months in an Arizona RV resort.
It all began when a group of retired people helped build our home church in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. During the construction, they lived in their RVs in our church parking lot. They were part of a ministry called Mission Builders, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Since 1977, Mission Builders has completed more than 230 projects, including new and remodeled churches and camps.
The Mission Builders workers come from all walks of life, not necessarily from construction backgrounds. I was a banker and my wife was a teacher for more than 30 years. We joined Mission Builders with few construction skills but a desire to travel, learn, meet people, and serve others in our retirement years. Mission Builders provides on-the-job training for those without construction backgrounds.
Our summers have taken us to church construction projects in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Indiana, and Montana, as well as to camp projects in Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and Indiana. Projects have lasted from two to six months; our length of stay is based on our availability and the need for builders.
We enjoy the work because we get to spend time in different parts of the country and stay long enough to explore the area. We also meet some great people — local members of the church or camp who volunteer to help us build.
As Mission Builders workers, we receive free camping for the duration of our stay. In most cases, a temporary campground with full hookups is set up on the job site, which allows for social interaction with other workers during downtime. Rostered Mission Builders are paid minimum wage and are covered by workman’s compensation. Those who will work for less than a month can sign up as volunteers; that option is great for those traveling during the summer.
Not everyone can climb a ladder or work on a roof, so jobs are assigned based on skills and ability. We work 40 hours a week and take breaks in the morning and afternoon. Spouses have the option of being part of the construction crew or volunteering when needed and pursuing other interests.
The work is physical and tiring but fosters a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. It is exciting to see dreams become reality as projects reach completion. We have often said the hardest part of the job is saying good-bye to the people we have worked with over the summer.
During the winter months, we either spend time at a retirement resort in Surprise, Arizona, or travel the Southern states. It’s our time of the year to relax with another group of friends, but each spring we get the urge to do another project. We know it will take us on an adventure. It’s a great life, and we feel privileged to be able to enjoy it.
Many worthwhile organizations could use your time and talents while you enjoy the RV lifestyle, and a number of them are focused on construction. We have thoroughly enjoyed Mission Builders for many reasons. We encourage you to explore its website, www.elcamissionbuilders.org or call (800) 643-5295 if you have questions.