The Vosses serve as part-time missionaries during retirement

The Call

“Since both of us have had a lifelong interest in missions, it was natural to answer the call to work in a support role in our retirement years,” commented Bonnie Voss.

Paul and Bonnie Voss serve as part-time missionaries every year through the Mobile Missionary Assistance Program (MMAP).

History

“We looked into different organizations that we had heard of over the years and were led to join this one, which is evangelical and non-denominational,” replied Bonnie.

MMAP was started in 1979 in California by retired volunteers who wanted to serve. Their primary focus is to provide Evangelical Christian organizations with volunteers for construction as well as necessary maintenance and repair projects. They serve many Christian camps, schools, childrens' homes as well as some small church additions and builds. Their volunteers commit to serving four months or more a year. Many of them serve full time though. There is always a need for more workers, especially since some of the workers have been with MMAP over 30 years.

Mission Work

Bonnie mentioned, “We have committed 5 to 6 months per year.”

Three to six couples are assigned to each project, so the fellowship is an added bonus for the retired couple. This particular project provides a place for their camper with water, sewer, electricity, and materials for their job.

The Vosses are currently serving at a camp in New Hampshire with Marantha Ministries.

“We are working at a camp that is pretty much a one man and wife team operation with no paid staff. All who work are volunteers. It is amazing what the Lord has provided!” exclaimed Bonnie.

The older couple was there two years ago. At that time, the project focused on sheet rocking the worship center. Volunteers have since finished the drywall---painted and installed the ceiling with tongue and groove white pine lumber.

During the couple's first month there in August, the goal was to complete the worship center in time for a wedding. The volunteers had much work to do back then including installing, sanding, and staining wood paneling; building a stage; having carpet laid professionally; building stairs to the basement; as well as doing some electrical work with lighting and in the sound booth. The wives worked by cleaning the chairs, sanding the wood paneling, and painting some exterior sign posts.

For the month of September, the basement of the same building has to be sheet rocked and electrical work has be completed. A sports building for ski and archery equipment is also on the list for completion. That job includes painting the exterior, insulating the interior, sheet rocking, and doing electrical work.

Bonnie said, “We love traveling. Since we have a week off between each month, we are able to see some of the glorious country God has made for us to enjoy. We are currently visiting Nova Scotia.”

There is an endless list of jobs, but the Vosses' work for October has not been revealed to them yet. At least, the Four Season Conference Center is now complete and debt free after several years of work primarily done by the volunteers.

“We have lived in Spring Hill for seven years, but just recently started to fellowship at the Church at Station Hill. We have enjoyed Jay’s teaching and our Life Group with Don Reid,” replied Bonnie. When the couple isn't serving out of state, they can be found there.