March 2021
Rev. Jim W. Hollis and his wife, Jan.
Pastor John Aukema and his wife, Betsy.
Dane Bailey and his wife, Christina.
We are indeed not only an RV organization but, most of all, a Family of RVers in FMCA. We share many common dreams, hopes, goals, and adventures. But as we all know, in the past year we also have shared in enormous losses, fears, uncertainties, and the unknown. Few of us have not been detrimentally impacted by COVID-19 and multiple struggles of 2020.
It’s wonderful to know that FMCA has three national chaplains who bring many years of ministry experience in caring for our RV family and community. With so many institutions of worship having been closed for months, and their staff members overwhelmed with caring for those who have faced enormous losses and struggles, it’s a true blessing to have our national chaplains available for us to call on in FMCA — as individuals, couples, and families, including those just starting out in the world of RVing.
Why might FMCA members reach out to the chaplains during the present time? Here are just a few possible reasons:
We need someone to share with about one or more of the huge and painful losses in our lives from 2020. How will we go on and find victories?
We have a dear family member who is in the hospital now, and they are totally isolated from us due to restrictions on visits or calls. We feel the agony of the separation and need to talk through our feelings with someone who genuinely cares and listens well.
These have been days, weeks, and months wherein I’ve felt far away from God. How can I truly reconnect with God and rekindle the strength of my spiritual life?
I need a new friend who can listen, understand, pray with me, and help me consider my options in light of decisions that I’m facing.
This month at the FMCA International Convention and RV Expo in Perry, Georgia, FMCA’s chaplains will be present during the entire event, on call for any of us who needs to reach out to them. They are offering not only daily devotionals but additional creative, spiritual growth opportunities during this event (see the schedule for details).
FMCA members may reach the chaplains via email at chaplains@fmca.com or by calling the Chaplains’ Connection Line at (833) 458-0778. They are on call day or night.
Each of the chaplains would love to share God’s love and grace with as many FMCA members as possible. And they hope you will get to meet and know each of them:
Rev. Jim W. Hollis became an FMCA chaplain in 2015. He is a retired United Methodist minister, with 45 years of ministry experience. Jim’s wife is Jan.
Dane Bailey is perhaps best known as “The Singing Auctioneer” and has been a lay chaplain with FMCA since 2017. Dane’s wife is Christina.
Pastor John Aukema is a second-career United Methodist minister in the New York Conference, serving as chaplain with FMCA since 2017. John’s wife is Betsy.