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.
Physical work is beginning on the new MDS Binational office and warehouse upon settlement of the property March 3, 2010. Click here to follow the progress: Binational Office Project
For volunteer needs at the Binational Office Project and other projects, click on Urgent Needs.
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.
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Volunteers help set the trusses on the new building in Lititz.
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MDS volunteers roof a home in the Weir, MS area after a tornado.
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Leah Rittenhouse of Hesston, Kansas, nails down a tarp on a mobile home after the home was damaged by a tornado.
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Miss Aungeleka signs the job card at the dedication ceremony for her new home in New Orleans.
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Paul Sylve, former MDS client in La. talks to Paul Unruh, MDS Board Member, about the ramifications of the oil spill for La.
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Former client, Rosina Philippe, talks with MDS personnel about the oil spill in the Gulf and what it might mean for residents of her community.
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MDS volunteers Jim Eicher and Evie Nafziger along with an AmeriCorps volunteer in Weir, MS cleaning up after tornados.
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MDS volunteer Steve Campbell works on removing trees in Weir, MS.
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The walls go up at the new building in Lititz.
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Volunteers framing at the new office.
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MDS volunteer works on framing the new office and warehouse building in Lititz.
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Volunteers from New Iberia roof a home in the Weir, MS area that was damaged in a tornado.
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The building is progressing.
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Orchard encased in mud after mudslide in Oliver, BC. -photo by Tim MacLeod
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Work continues at the new office.
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Looking over the plans.
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Volunteers work at the new office build in Lititz.
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Framing at the new office and warehouse.
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Setting the trusses at the new office build in Lititz.
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Installing windows in the new office. -photo by Paul Hunt
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Volunteer Judy Miller presents a quilted wall hanging to Miss Aungeleka at the dedication ceremony for her new home in New Orleans. The quilt was made by Sheryl Mummau of Honey Grove, PA.
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Mike helps Feed the Children distribute food and supplies to oyster and shrimp farmers who are out of work in the Bayou area.
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MDS volunteers mudding at the project in Gary, IN.
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Ray works on insulation at the Lititz project. -photo by P. Hunt
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Mahlon working at the new office site.
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Windows and siding are installed at the Lititz project.
MDS distributes Cards in Louisiana
Last month, MDS invited people to send personal cards to residents of the Gulf Coast affected by the oil spill, giving them a word of encouragement.
MDS received approximately 200 cards that were forwarded to Diamond, La., and distributed to residents. Mike Wilson, MDS Project Director in Diamond, reports that the cards were well received, bringing tears to the eyes of many residents.
Cards were distributed last Sunday during the morning worship service at Port Sulphur Baptist Church, in Louisiana. The service lasted two hours with approximately 40 people. People came forward, took a card, and went home to pray for those who sent them. “It was a moving experience,” said Wilson. “It was a good experience to hear from other folks who were concerned about their well being.” He gave one woman from the congregation the cards written by children. Before she could open them, she began to cry, seeing the children’s handwriting. Wilson delivered the morning message about the story of the Good Samaritan.
“We are all neighbors with these people no matter where we live. We, like the Samaritan, must have the compassion necessary to respond to the needs of others,” said Wilson. More cards with words of encouragement are needed for Plaquemines Parish. Wilson is asking people to “please continue writing so more people will be encouraged.”
For those interested in sending a personal card to residents in the Gulf Coast, please address your card to “Gulf Coast Residents.” After you write your card, please send it directly to the MDS Akron office in Pennsylvania. Once your card is received, it will be delivered to individuals in communities along the Gulf who are directly impacted by the oil spill.
Please mail your card to:
Mennonite Disaster Service
Care and Prayer Cards
1018 Main St
Akron, PA 17501
Volunteer
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.
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.
