A ministry registered under the name Maranatha Flights International in 1969. It was founded as a nonprofit organization by John Freeman, a Seventh-day Adventist commercial photographer. He operated out of his home in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
In 1989 Maranatha Flights International merged with Virginia-based Volunteers International, whose president was Robert Bainum. At the same time, the ministry’s name was changed to Maranatha Volunteers International and headquarters were relocated to Sacramento, California.
Maranatha coordinates volunteer laborers who then help fund and construct urgently needed buildings throughout the world field. The organization works closely alongside the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a supporting ministry but encourages Christian volunteers from all denominations to join short-term mission teams.
The word “maranatha” is of Aramaic origin and means “Jesus, come quickly.” By constructing buildings in which people can learn more about Jesus, Maranatha contributes to the evangelism priorities of the church.
Every year nearly 2,500 volunteers from all walks of life spend their vacation on short-term building projects, international or stateside, orchestrated from start to finish by the Maranatha staff. An individual volunteer or group of volunteers chooses a project based on location and desired length of time—usually between one week and one month.
There is always a need for skilled contractors, masons, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters on each project site. An unskilled worker who has a sincere desire and willingness to help wherever needed also possesses an “essential skill” for construction.
From its founding through 1993 Maranatha has mobilized about 25,000 volunteers, worked in approximately 50 countries, and completed nearly 800 projects valued at more than $31 million.
Maranatha’s magazine, The Volunteer , is printed six times a year and is free to all requesting a subscription. Among its many features is a project selection list, with every upcoming project, its leader, and date of construction.
The Maranatha Guide to Adventure is Maranatha’s own instructive guide to short-term missions. It is composed of three components: a comprehensive handbook, an inspiring video, and a useful set of cards. Drawn from more than 25 years of experience in sending volunteers to developing countries, this practical how-to guide is valuable for short-term mission experience in general, beyond its function of helping Maranatha volunteers. MGA may be purchased through the corporate headquarters at 1600 Sacramento Inn Way, Suite 116, Sacramento, California 95815.