Mennonite Disaster Service is a volunteer network through which various constituencies of the Anabaptist church can respond to those affected by disasters in Canada and the United States.
While our main focus is on clean up, repair and rebuilding homes, this activity becomes a means of touching lives and helping people regain faith and wholeness.
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Join in celebrating the work of MDS through worship, reporting, storytelling, music and food. Friday afternoon will feature MDS’ 60th Anniversary through stories and media. Daytime meetings: Warman Bergthaler Church, Warman, SK; Friday evening banquet: Valley Christian Academy, Osler, SK. Registration opens Dec. 1, 2009. Print form and mail in as directed.
To download registration form, click here: Registration Form
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Quilted Wall Hangings
Since November 2004, MDS house dedications include the gift of a quilted wall hanging to the new homeowners. The wall hangings are made and donated through the Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Women's group. If you are a quilter and would like more information on this program, e-mail MDS at communications(at)mds.mennonite.net.
Jake and Keith chip out layers of old flooring at the restoration project in New Iberia, La.
Working on the house in Cameron sponsored by Ephrata Mennonite, Indiantown Mennonite and Blainsport Mennonite.
When Bert Hamm, Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Project Director, returned to the MDS camp site located at the vacant Ramona Community School in San Diego County on January 5, 2010, he quickly noticed something unusual—the absence of the MDS tool trailer.
Local law enforcement believe the tool trailer, holding a majority of MDS tools needed to rebuild houses, disappeared around December 12 or 13, 2009. The tools and trailer are estimated to be a "significant amount" says Hamm. When added up, "it is well over ten thousand dollars."
Although the theft was unpleasant, it ultimately failed to distract MDS volunteers from serving those in need. In fact, the incident has created new MDS partnerships, awareness of the ministry of MDS to serve the most vulnerable, and it has raised community awareness of displaced neighbors.
Being familiar with the work of MDS, pastors of Grace Community Church, located near the MDS campsite, heard the news and "wanted to do something to help," Hamm explained. They took two special offerings to help offset the costs MDS has incurred in lost material. The church collected $2,225 and gave it as a gift to MDS. Local stores have also started donating tools.
"We are grateful for the support received from the community," said Hamm. He also noted the good that has arisen. "The community is more aware of us being here and the work we are doing."
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Mennonite Disaster Service and Mennonite Central Committee work together closely in determining who is the lead disaster agency in response to natural disasters. In accordance with our agreement, MDS is responsible for organizing disaster response in Canada, the United States and their territories. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is responsible for organizing disaster response efforts in international settings. In this case with Haiti, MCC is the lead disaster agency.
Click on this link to see the MCC website: www.mcc.org and to learn more of their response.
MDS volunteers are known for repairing and rebuilding homes damaged by disasters. But it takes more than construction skills to serve with MDS. During the time that you serve as a volunteer, you will learn that MDS also restores lives.
Your contribution will help to connect volunteers with disaster survivors who need assistance on their path to recovery. MDS depends on the support of people who believe that disaster response is an important part of helping those who are in need.
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Mennonite Disaster Service project locations are the physical response centers established by MDS in a disaster-affected community. In addition to housing the local MDS office, the projects function as base camps for MDS volunteers who need a place to eat and sleep while they serve. This section of the MDS website contains updated information about current MDS projects.
Project maps best viewed with Microsoft Explorer.
