“It’s a real blessing to be part of people’s lives, particularly as they go through crisis.” – Lowell Detweiler, MDS executive coordinator 1986–98
Alabama
“Throughout our land there is much more work to be done. I say to you Mennonites, keep on doing what you’re doing. There will always be disasters. Unfortunately, they won’t all come by tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. Some will continue to come from evil hearts and hands. Be encouraged now, be inspired now; you remember how God has blessed you.”
The long haul During these years, MDS solidified its role in long-term recovery,
often staying until the last disaster survivor was home.
– Pastor Thomas Gilmore, Ensley, Alabama, following the Mt. Zoar Baptist Church burning
Alabama
1990
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
RED RIVER FLOODS
ALABAMA CHURCH FIRES
HURRICANE ANDREW
April–May 1997 – From southern Manitoba to North Dakota and Minnesota, spring flooding of the Red River was the most severe since 1826. It forced nearly 28,000 people from their homes and covered 450,000 acres of farmland. More than 20,000 volunteers from MDS and other organizations responded – building sandbag dikes, preparing food for evacuees, then helping with cleanup after the waters receded.
1995–96 – In the U.S., 145 black churches were burned in a wave of arson attacks. MDS youth volunteers rebuilt a church in Alabama, a project that former MDS executive director Tom Smucker remembers as one of the “most touching” experiences of his career. “The celebration we had, packing that church with people, and people outside listening through the windows,” he recalled.
August 24, 1992 – With its devastating winds, the Category 5 hurricane left more than 250,000 people homeless in south Florida, a scale not experienced before. In Homestead, more than 99% of all mobile homes were completely demolished. MDS volunteers responded, serving 42,000 work days in Florida and Louisiana.
It was a turning point for MDS, bringing focus to the way it responded. Each disaster agency would carry a different piece of the response and become an expert in it. Salvation Army and Red Cross took on food and clothing. MDS concentrated on cleanup and rebuilding.
St. Thomas
Arkansas
“You couldn’t pay me enough to do this job, but I wouldn’t take anything in the world for all the friendships we’ve made.” – Marlin and Nancy Gingerich, longtime MDS project leaders
Florida
Florida
Manitoba
Manitoba
10 behind the hammer
behind the hammer 11
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