director ’ s letter
Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is a volunteer network of Anabaptist churches that responds in Christian love to those affected by disasters in Canada and the United States. While the main focus is on cleanup, repair and rebuilding homes, this service touches lives and nurtures hope, faith and wholeness. Our programs, funded by contributions, aim to assist the most vulnerable community members, individuals and families who, without assistance, would not have the means to recover. MDS volunteers — women and men, youth and adults — provide the skills and labor needed to respond, rebuild and restore.
Ode to Joy
As I look through the following pages seeing over 100 faces – nearly all are smiling. I suspect those behind the masks are too! Whether the owner of a new house or a volunteer with an ice cream cone — joy exudes beyond measure. The beauty of volunteers coming together at a disaster site reminds us we are not alone in this world, no matter how much we may feel
otherwise. These 100 faces coming together make up a mighty stream of smiling people flowing to the heart of God. We are and can be that justice that “rolls down like water” and righteousness that “flows like a mighty stream” that the prophet Amos (Amos 5:24) talks about. Despite the pain and loss happening around us, I hope all who read this issue will draw inspiration and joy as well. Reach out and give a
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 the more than 5,000 annual volunteers who are the core of MDS. The stories are meant to encourage people to continue expressing the love of God through the work of MDS. Printed on Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified paper using environmentally friendly plant-based inks. Executive Director: Kevin King Communications Manager: Jesse Huxman Production Coordination: Jesse Huxman, Judith Rempel Smucker Writers: Susan Kim, John Longhurst Photographs: Dan Coyne, Caleb Gingerich, Paul Hunt, Julie Kauffman, Anabaptist World, MDS volunteers Designer: Julie Kauffman STAY CONNECTED If you have story ideas, need subscription information, want to donate or volunteer, please contact us: MDS Binational Office 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543 USA tel: 717-735-3536 | toll-free: 800-241-8111 fax: 717-735-0809 mdsus@mds.org
Scholarship recipients serving with MDS in Monte Lake, British Columbia, for eight weeks this summer became “friends for life” – Betty Ramones, 31, Lindsay Hofer, 20 and Shannon Lang, 27. Of her time with MDS, Ramones said, “it has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. I’m texting all my friends and saying, ‘You have to do this!’”
hand of hope by volunteering with MDS, or say a prayer for these volunteers, or speak a word of praise. In doing so, we can stand up against those forces that would divide us as the body of Christ. Keep smiling and spread the joy! Why? “… for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) May it be so.
Kevin King Executive Director
MDS Canada 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
And the bridge held! If you’re wondering how MDS volunteer-built driveway bridges are doing in recent flooding, check out this bridge in McDowell County, West Virginia. It may be covered with post-flood debris— but it’s holding strong and ready for the next deluge.
www.mds.org
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online