a NOMADIC mission in america
Connect and join our Journey!
a NOMADIC mission in america
Connect and join our Journey!
Welcome
Ramblin' Home Ministries is a modern-day mission effort traveling the highways of America offering assistance to Churches with need and ministering to those in the nomadic community.
Between any scheduled events we take advantage of opportunities to share Jesus with whosoever may cross our path.
- Fuss, Us and the Bus -
the Fuss
We have to apologize - our travels will generally lead us to more remote areas affording little to no internet access. In this, the building of the website is moving slower than expected. Please be patient as we move forward with this site. Thanks!
US!
We're ramblin' your way!
Meet the Smith’s… that’s US!
Craig, Melanie,
Tikka & Callie (the pup kids 😊)
We all came together with our marriage in January of 2019. We have now pared down pretty much all our “stuff” to whatever fits on Dixie (our bus). We’ve traded in a traditional lifestyle and have taken to Ramblin’!
It is truly humbling to think that the Lord has called us to this place in life. Our amazing God of second chances has given to us just that – and orchestrated a wonder-full season of life! In this, we can’t wait to meet all the folks whose paths we will cross. As we share our story, we’re just as anxious to hear yours. In our first year of living full time on Dixie, we have learned a lot. But however much… or little, we know, we’re excited to share it as we help new friends make some life decisions. A large part of our mission is to provide an opportunity for people to gather together in sharing, learning and enjoying life!
The Bus
Our Ramblin' Rolling Home
Our bus, coming to us from the heart of Mississippi, is lovingly named Dixie! We tore out the inside and re-built her into our home.
1993 International 3800 Chassis with a Bluebird body
DT360 Engine with an Allison 545 transmission
38’ overall length with 185 sq. ft. of living space
Garage with access from rear door and interior housing:
100 gallons of fresh water storage
45 lbs of propane
2200 watt gas powered generator
(2) origami type kayaks
tool boxes, chairs, spare parts, etc.
Rear bedroom with queen bed, His & Hers closets and A/C
Dining area with split, folding 5’ table and (2) chairs
Living area w/Ikea sofa, O.H. cabinets, TV & Blueray, Bookshelf (full!)
Kitchen with 6’ counter, large sink, pull down faucet, 2 burner cooktop, 4.4cf Fridge, (2) SOLAR ovens
propane cabinet, laundry bin
Bathroom with sink/vanity, storage shelf, compost toilet, 32” shower
(2) 40” hall closets: pantry and "stuff" / utility w/ solar controls, on-demand HW, electrical box, tools
600 watts of Solar Panels on the roof feeding a
Goal Zero Yeti 3000X Power Station
Walnut composite floor t/o with vinyl tile in bath and dining areas, artificial turf in cockpit - and no mowing!!
(2) Lectric e-Bikes on a Thule rack on the back
About the mission
A Calling
Indeed, our Life Mission has launched! Called to "Ramble" the states, we minister to as many folks as we can; sharing the Love of Christ and lovin’ on them as best we’re able! We look for opportunities to visit laboring churches and bring relief and encouragement in every way we can.
Of course, attending as many “Skoolie” events as possible is a big part of life now LOL.
We’re not here to thump religion into anyone. Rather, we’re shining a light and providing a resource for truth and learning… whenever you’re ready.
The time came to take the church planting experience on the road and we will keep on keepin’ on until God changes the trail!
At the personal level, we want to use this incredible opportunity to experience a simpler life, enjoy this amazing country and grow together as perhaps no other couple has!
In all of it, we hope that there will be those that believe in our mission and support us in some way – be it simply sharing our story, lifting us up in prayer or lending a hand when our paths meet.
Our amazing God always meets our needs. Often, His blessings come through the wonderful people He continually puts in our lives. Although our greatest need is always prayer, if you feel led to offer support financially, be assured that 100% of it will be used in blessing others - all of our needs have already been met! Whatever may come, we so appreciate all the encouragement and assistance received.
Please, if you have any questions or comments, connect with us and we’ll get them addressed for you.
With Much Love & Blessing,
Craig & Melanie
*** MISSION UPDATE ***
Exciting News!!
With the rising cost of fuel (and pretty much everything else), its becoming increasing difficult to remain on the road full time. In this, God, in His infinite grace, has blessed us with a small ranch property in northern Arizona - SHILOH RANCH! Here we are setting up a base from which to launch when we are needed. This will allow us to reduce our costs (completely off-grid!) and ready ourselves for the next assignment. The response will always be ASAP - whenever we're called upon. The only difference is that our arrival will be based upon our current schedule and the distance from Shiloh. Our intention is to always be available any time a church or other group reaches out in need. The hope is to also connect with our new "hometown" of Snowflake, AZ and become a blessing to the community as well. Please keep us in prayer as God transitions us into this new chapter.
We're not stopping - only changing!
