Maranatha Village Rapidly Expanding

More than four decades after the Assemblies of God founded Maranatha Village  in Springfield, Missouri, the unique retirement community is still growing.

“We’ve experienced so much growth, we’re nearing capacity,” administrator Doug Blauvelt says. “Right now we have 252 units. We have plans to expand to 36 more units, and then our property will be full.”

The nonprofit community, which opened in 1973, has added more than 100 new houses and duplexes during the past 15 years. The housing — located on 100 acres featuring walking trails, a pond, and a fishing dock — is available for purchase or rent. A limited number of lots are also available for individuals looking to build.

The three-bedroom all-brick homes have price tags of $150,000 to $200,000, and the two-bedroom duplexes are priced at $125,000 to $150,000. Apartments rent for $550 to $1,600 per month.

The price covers property taxes and insurance. Residents also receive free lawn maintenance, snow removal, home and appliance maintenance, weekly trash pickup, water and sewer services, and cable television.

Maranatha offers a range of progressive care options, from independent living to assisted living, a long-term care facility with 46 private rooms, and a new rehabilitation center.

“A lot of people think Maranatha is just a base for a nursing home, and they have no idea how much we have to offer,” Blauvelt says. “There are a multitude of options to fit every need and lifestyle. It’s a place to come to live and enjoy a carefree life.”

David Drake, 89, moved to the retirement community in 2008 with his wife, Sandy. The retired Central Bible College professor, who leads a weekly Bible study for residents, says he enjoys the environment at Maranatha.

“We have a fine spiritual atmosphere here,” Drake says. “It’s not unusual to see people out in the street praying for each other.”

Jim Wilkins, 78, is a regular attendee at Drake’s Bible study.

“We really enjoy the friendships here,” says Wilkins, a retired Assemblies of God pastor from Lincoln, Nebraska, who moved to Springfield seven years ago with his wife, Verna. “People think they’re going to move here to slow down, but we’ve stayed busy ministering and enjoying life.”

Maranatha Village has a chapel that regularly hosts services, Bible studies, and speakers from local churches and nearby Evangel University. Residents can participate in a choir, an orchestra, and a range of activities. Bus transportation is available for residents needing a ride into the city or help getting to the on-campus dining hall.

“Maranatha goes out of its way to accommodate people,” Drake says. “It’s a wonderful and easy style of living.”

Blauvelt says people move to the community from around the nation. Residents include pastors and missionaries, as well as laypeople.

“Here you can have Christian fellowship with other people of like faith,” Blauvelt says. “A lot of our people have kids and family scattered all over the United States. This makes a great place for them to settle into that’s centrally located. Maranatha is here to provide a place where seniors can enjoy this season of life and never want to move again.”

Christina Quick

Christina Quick is a former Pentecostal Evangel staff writer who attends James River Church (Assemblies of God) in Ozark, Missouri.