director ’ s letter
VISION: We strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those affected by disasters. MISSION: We respond to disasters, rebuild homes, and restore hope by organizing and empowering volunteers in the U.S. and Canada.
VOLUNTEER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE MDS U.S. 800-241-8111 Canada 866-261-1274 www.mds.org “ If I had the chance to do something like this again, I’d jump right into it. I gained so many friends and have also seen how these connections have made a difference in my business. I met and even hired a new employee because of it. You just never know what doors will open.” AARON BYLER VOLUNTEER AND BOARD CHAIR WITH NORTHERN OHIO ASSISTING HANDS, AN AMISH MDS VOLUNTEER GROUP THAT BUILT 10 NEW HOMES IN MAYFIELD, KENTUCKY, IN THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS
Worth mentioning again
I believe that our work as a people of faith is to show how responses of generosity can effectively alter the life of a disaster- riddled community. Now is a time more than ever to serve and model the generosity
CORE VALUES: Faith in Action Caring Relationships Working Together
of the creator God who dearly loves all creatures, great and small. As you read through this Spring issue of Behind the Hammer, I hope you will be moved as much as I was. The
Vermont bridge build. Story page 12.
SPRING 2025
Behind the Hammer is published quarterly by Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and is available for free upon request. This magazine shares the stories of MDS work in the U.S. and Canada and of more than 5,000 annual volunteers who are the core of MDS. The stories are meant to encourage people to con- tinue expressing the love of God through the work of MDS. Printed on Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified paper using environmentally friendly plant- based inks. MDS Executive Director: Kevin King MDS Canada Executive Director: Ross Penner Communications Manager: Jesse Huxman Production Coordination: Jesse Huxman, Nikki Hamm Gwala Writers: Susan Kim, Nikki Hamm Gwala Photographs: Asha Belk, Caleb Gingerich, Nikki Hamm Gwala, Paul Hunt, MDS volunteers Designer: Julie Kauffman STAY CONNECTED If you have story ideas, need subscription information, want to donate or volunteer, please contact us: MDS U.S. Office 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543 USA tel: 717-735-3536 | toll-free: 800-241-8111 fax: 717-735-0809 mdsus@mds.org
following quotes and statements stood out to me: • When you serve with MDS for a year you might not have to ever hire someone to fix your house (p. 6) • Hear praises to God for the work of your hands and testimonies that sometimes disasters bring people closer to God (p .7) • Build a house that is fire resilient with net-zero standards (p. 9) • Be seen as practicing radical hospitality (p. 12) • Volunteer in a tropical setting like Puerto Rico (p.13) I also want to express my condolences to the family of Lowell Detweiler who died on March 1, 2025. Lowell served as director of MDS from 1986 to 1998. He was an influential and highly regarded member of the MDS community of leaders. His career spanned decades of service with Mennonite Central Committee and MDS. Part of his legacy is authoring the beloved book, “The Hammer Rings Hope: Photos and Stories from Fifty Years of Mennonite Disaster Service,” published in June 2000 for the 50th anniversary of MDS. May you be inspired to pray, give and go! God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (Hebrews 6:10)
FEATURE — PLANADA, CALIFORNIA It makes me feel good 4
FLASHBACK – 15 YEARS AGO Praise God for community 7
FEATURE – LYTTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA Building back better 8
FEATURE – ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA From California ashes rises unity 10
HOMEOWNER EXPERIENCE – VERMONT Radical generosity 12 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE – PUERTO RICO Puerto Rico blessings 13
Notes from the field 14 PLUS RECIPE: APPLE DUMPLING ROLLS
ON THE COVER: Homeowner Jose Vasquez stands in front of his house, newly repaired by MDS volunteers two years after January 2023 flooding in Planada, California. MDS work has focused on repairs and rebuilding in partnership with Habitat For Humanity. STORY ON PAGE 4. PHOTO: PAUL HUNT
MDS Canada Office 200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J1 Canada tel: 204-261-1274 toll-free within Canada: 866-261-1274 fax: 204-261-1279 mdscanada@mds.org
Kevin King Executive Director, MDS US
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