On the Level - MDS May 2021

May 19, 2021

Greetings!

I am fresh back from a wonderful week of vacation and being decoupled from electronics. I literally bathed in the ocean and was soothed by the endless waves. The only sounds were crashing waves letting me know more waves are coming.

Now I am back. As I sit at my desk and re-enter the “disaster world,” it can be overwhelming with the number of disasters happening. And there will be more. How do I handle this? I go to scripture. I keep handy the following on my desktop knowing the Bible is not silent about disasters, pain, and loss. After all, God lost his son.

Referring to the booklet “When your whole world changes,” published by The Salvation Army, I share with you some scriptural references as we all continue to face challenging times with a heart for service.

God wants to hear us. David the Psalmist cries out. Psalms 55:4-8, 16-17, Psalms 31:9-10 22b; 4:8 Lamentations 2:18-19, 3:49-50.

Suffering is universal. It is wrong to say God is punishing us. God said Job’s friends were wrong. (Job 4:7-9)

God knows us more than we know ourselves, thus we may not always understand the emotions disaster survivors go through. But God does. Psalms 139:1-4.

God sent his son so we can be connected. John 3:16

God offers us new life, a new beginning, a chance to live life to the fullest. John 10:10b

So, dear reader, you may be experiencing crashing waves. Know that you are not alone. God cares. And MDS keeps caring for others, no matter what the next wave brings.

Executive Director

Mennonite Disaster Service

More than three years after Hurricane Harvey, 13 more families are going home in Texas

As MDS gets ready to close its Hurricane Harvey response in communities throughout the coastal bend of Texas, this week the last ten homes will be dedicated in the Tierra de Esperanza, or “Land of Hope,” Project in Woodsboro.

Click here to read more.

MDS organizes and empowers volunteers to respond in Christian love to those affected by disasters in Canada and the United States. While the main focus is on clean up, repair and rebuilding homes, this service touches lives and nurtures hope, faith and wholeness.

Click here to volunteer

MDS is helping Ohio residents realize their dream of owning a home

As volunteers from Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) began working on two new homes in Trotwood, Ohio in May, they were helping tornado survivors unlock the door to owning a home for the first time.

To read more click here.

2021 Spirit of MDS Fund issues 43 grants worth $104,900

“We are very grateful for your generous support as we work to respond to our community in the love and compassion of Christ.” That's what a pastor in B.C. said about the Spirit of MDS Fund grant his church received to buy 12,000 eggs for vulnerable seniors in his community.

Click here to read more.

Leaving MDS “with a grateful heart”

Evelyn Peters-Rojas retired in April after 15 years with MDS Canada, mostly in the area of volunteer coordination. We asked her a few questions about her time with MDS.

To read more click here.

Thank you for your support!

MDS has volunteer opportunities for Spring and Summer 2021.

Your continued support helps with recruiting volunteers, moving equipment, setting up accommodations, replenishing supplies, and many other things needed to get going.