Calling it a “revolution in the hearts of many who were once without hope,” Dr. Ron Watts, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Asia, praised the efforts of those involved with Maranatha Volunteers International (MVI) mission to India. MVI is a non-profit Christian organization, which organizes and implements the construction of urgently needed buildings across the world.

Speaking to a standing room only group at the Oct. 8-10, 2004, Maranatha Volunteers International Convention in Gladstone, Oregon, united States, Watts shared stories from the villages of India illustrating how the Gospel is not only changing people but entire communities. He emphasized the importance of having a Christian presence in these areas by building churches, and how Maranatha’s work is integral to that effort.

Maranatha was in Berrien Springs, Michigan, in 1969. During the past 35 years, Maranatha has mobilized 55,000 volunteers to build churches and educational institutions in 61 countries all over the world.

For the Sabbath service on October 9, more than 600 people crowded into the Gladstone Conference Center auditorium. The morning program focused on Maranatha’s efforts in India and welcomed Watts and Maranatha volunteers, the Fjarli family as special guests.

Don Noble, president of Maranatha Volunteers International, spoke highly of the Fjarli family and their commitment to Maranatha’s work in India. In an emotional on-stage interview, Merlin, Joanne, and Bruce Fjarli discussed their experience in coordinating mission trips, fundraising for churches, and communicating the gospel to thousands in India.

Along with encouraging service in the mission field, the convention also celebrated Maranatha’s 35-year anniversary. Eight-foot tall panels, displaying 35 years of Maranatha history, lined the walls of the convention center.

During the event, Maranatha named Charlie and Naoma Henkelmann as 2004 “Missionaries of the Year.” The Henkelmanns have served as Maranatha volunteers and leaders for the past 30 years. Charlie’s enthusiastic recruitment for mission trips is largely responsible for the active segment of the group’s volunteers in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States.

“Charlie is a consummate marketer of Maranatha. He is always positive. Whenever he sees a need in a project, he convincingly draws people in. As a result, people go on mission trips, and they have a great time,” says Noble. “Over the years, Charlie’s enthusiasm has helped to impact thousands of lives for missions.”

Added Kyle Fiess, vice president for marketing at MVI, “The founders and early pioneers of Maranatha certainly set an example and left a legacy. But it is clear that their spirit and motivation lives strong in today’s volunteers, who will see to it that Maranatha continues to make an impact in missions and service.”

He added, “This is why when the volunteers hear about a need, they say, ‘When can we go and serve?’”