A lot of work was done at Mrs. Olivia and Mr. Gerald's house this week. Don and the students were able to get the entire basement taped and mudded and ready for painting.

Students began to rotate working in the office and with the project director, working to learn about all parts of the MDS site.

In the kitchen students learned about FIFO and the importance of using older ingredients first.

Dave had to travel back to Canada for a day, surprisingly his border crossing back into the states went well and was much shorter than he had expected.

The estimating crew from Kansas was productive this week and were able to complete all the work they needed to before they headed back to Kansas on Saturday.

On Friday, Kendrik and Jon went with Don and began to hang the ceiling drywall in Ms. Carolyn’s house.

Jamie Dailey had been the lead singer for Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, where his unique voice contributed to Lawson’s special version of the bluegrass “high lonesome” sound and some amazing a cappella harmony.

Darrin Vincent had paid his dues and made many fans while playing and singing with Ricky Scaggs’ Kentucky Thunder group and John Hartford, as well as touring with Darrin’s sister, Rhonda.

Their second album titled “Brothers from Different Mothers” included a song called “When I Reach That Home Up There”. Written by Jamie Dailey, the song tells of all the wonderful things we hope to experience when we reach the promised home beyond the pearly gates of heaven.

For the survivors of the Bastrop wildfires of September 2011, there was a more immediate home they were thinking about. After the fires were out, the toll of the damage revealed that 1,700 homes were burned up. Many who had insurance started right away to rebuild. Others with insurance and ample resources decided to relocate out of the fire zone. The rest of the survivors were in various states of recovery. Many of them applied for help with the Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team (BCLTRT).

When MDS returned to Bastrop County in October 2012, a little over a year after the fire, the BCLTRT had selected and funded seven client homes for MDS to build. Christian Aid Ministries and other groups were also assigned clients and provided funding with which to build new homes. So, the 2012/2013 “rebuilding season” began. In the course of the next six months, the MDS Bastrop Project and the Bastrop RV Project welcomed over 400 volunteers who stayed from one day to six months. The work went so well, that MDS asked for two additional homes to rebuild.

By the end of the six months, just over $280,000 of BCLTRT funds were spent on materials to build eight complete homes and start a ninth that lacked only about three weeks of work to be completed. It was an amazing run of good weather, great efforts by the volunteers, and lots of answered prayers. God provided more than could have been asked or imagined.

One common factor in all of those homes was the hope of the clients. All had been working and waiting for over a year to reach home. Some had just about expended all of their resources and given up, but some hope remained. It was up to the MDS volunteers to rebuild that hope.

At the dedications of the eight completed homes, the scenes were very much like those described in Jamie Dailey’s song. Friends and family were gathered around. Expressions of thanksgiving and not just a few “Hallelujahs” were heard. There was a sense of angels gathered around us ready to join in singing praises. The clients were smiling, knowing they had reached home. These may not be eternal homes, but the timeline of their living in them extended far into the future.

The BCLTRT extended their gratitude to the 400 plus MDS volunteers who came to work in Bastrop County this past season. The community is a little more like home again. Nine more families will stay in the area, buy groceries, send their children to school, and hold jobs in area businesses… all helping to assure the future of Bastrop County.

As the last of the MDS volunteers returned to their homes across North America, the BCLTRT and MDS were looking into the future. We hope and expect that funds will be raised for another “rebuilding season”. There are still many families that have not reached home, and have not given up hope of doing so. So, when we listen to Dailey and Vincent sing their song through the summer, we will be reminded to hope and pray to be given the chance to help more fire survivors to reach home again.

In great thankfulness to all the wonderful MDS volunteers who came to Bastrop County. To God be the Glory!

Carl and Laura Dube

The students started off by getting a tour of the MDS work sites and the warehouse.

At Mrs. Olivia and Mr. Gerald’s house taping and mudding was started and continued till second coat was finished and some third coat was started.

At Mrs. Carolyn’s house some drywall backing was put in before the whole house was insulated and poly was stapled to about half of the outer walls.

Dave had one inquisitive student learning the ropes of project director; from estimating drywall needs in a few houses to picking up and delivering materials to work sites.

Rachel taught the first student in the kitchen about planning meals, grocery shopping and creating great meals on time. They also did a great job of using leftovers creatively.

The Estimating Crew received their jobs from Mary at the warehouse after proving their trustworthiness. They have come up with a system that works.

Some student comments were:

“There is an amazing amount of destruction in Minot and it seems overwhelming at what all needs to get done.”

“It is interesting to see the different houses and how MDS makes them into very nice homes.”

“I realized how easily a homeowner could get enticed to go beyond their means when a contractor keeps pushing for more changes.”

“The amount of patience a homeowner must have is incredible when it takes MDS so long to finish a house.”

“It was neat to meet someone who would donate their time at the warehouse when a paying job was available.”

By the end of the week we already received a “Thank you” note from a grateful client.

With everyone gone but ourselves and the Gorchynski family, we began to tackle all the “little” things left behind, as well as the paperwork still to do. This was interspersed with the visits of clients and friends as we say our “good byes”.

As we look back on the two-year project, there are many good things that have happened, many great memories have been made, and many clients have been given hope as they had their homes repaired or replaced. We have had many great volunteers, almost 1,500 since April 2011. The 2012 tornados and the 2013 wind shear storm added to the challenges that our volunteers faced. It is with grateful hearts that we have the privilege of seeing so much work completed. Approximately 383 clients were served from clean up, to repair, to nine rebuilds done with the help, also, of the RV groups and Partnership Home groups.

We definitely want to thank our Mennonite partners of the local churches, New Victory Church of God for providing housing for many months, and Grace and Truth Church for all their assistance in the many behind the scene jobs that help our project keep going. A special thanks to Dave and Jane Slabaugh who hosted workers in their home, made volunteer pickups, and to Dave, especially, who for the first six months with the help of his son, Mark, serviced all of our vehicles, and was our “get it done man” when we didn’t know what else to do.!!! A big thanks to Oren Horst, who faithfully came by two or three times a week to do all the finance and books. Thanks, Oren, that was a big job off of our shoulders.

We give a huge thanks to Jefferson County Emergency Management for purchasing all the FEMA trailers for our volunteers to live in. Another big thanks to the City of Birmingham for providing the school kitchen and lunch room, and for providing the electricity and water this past year.

A big thanks to all who helped work, to all of you out there who donated money to have kept us fed and working, and all the rest of you who prayed for us. God is good.

On May 7, 2013, we turned in our keys to the school, office space, and gate keys. The Gorchynski’s fifth-wheel camper was towed to Sleepy Hollow Campground where they will await some work done on their truck before heading back to Canada. The McCoy’s truck was hooked behind their camper, then loaded with office supplies to be returned to Lititz. We are all off our different directions, and the camp is closed.

Esther for the last of the Birmingham team: Mike, Sharon, Taylor and Tatina Gorchynski, and Bill and Esther McCoy

The shortage of long-term staff in Minot this week did not hamper the prospect for a productive week. Under the leadership of carpenter Floyd, a crew went to Mr. Derald and Ms. Jane’s house to install an egress window, insulate and sheet an area to be used as a kitchen and laundry room in the lower level of their home.

In the interest of utilizing Floyd’s expertise in cabinet installation, Floyd and his crew spent a day at Ms. Carol’s house installing her cabinets and then went to Ms. Gabrielle’s house to install her cabinets, as well.

Another crew of three electricians led by Dale worked at Ms. Carolyn’s house, continuing the electrical work that had been started the previous week. By mid-week the house was ready for an electrical rough-in inspection. A crew from the Lutheran Disaster group came into this house as well, to install a furnace and hot water tank much to the delight of the homeowner. The disappointment of being rejected for funding for these appliances last week, turned to joy as another funding source met her need.

Crew leader Roger, with his group of three enthusiastic workers completed the work of mudding Ms. Jodi’s complete house. By the end of the week the whole house had been primed ready for the first coats of paint.

The crew of electricians had more time in the latter part of the week so they went to Ms. Gabrielle’s to complete the electrical work there. MDS long-term local volunteer electrician Dave was excited to have so much capable help so he had them going to a number of homes to complete appliance connections.

A number of the short-term volunteers had a fascination with trains so an evening tour was arranged to see the large trestle railroad bridge just outside the city limits. Good fortune provided the opportunity to see a train cross over the bridge with a rising moon and grazing white tail deer in the background.

The threat of flooding in Minot this spring appears to have been avoided. Water levels in the reservoirs up stream have been lowered and Mouse River is currently a meandering stream. This condition could change quickly, but for now all is quiet. People are going about their daily activities.

This was another great week. Energetic workers here to be the hands and feet of Jesus, contributed greatly to getting more people back into their homes. We thank them for their efforts.

Submitted by Gerald Loeppky

For Grace Loeppky and Roger Friesen

Ms. Martha’s home had only a few hour of work to finish, then it was ready for the home dedication. All of the volunteers met at their home on Tuesday for a time to celebrate their house blessing with them.

Mr. Aubrey’s home got some additional window washing and cleanup, also, on Monday.

The work at Mr. Jessie’s home continued throughout the week. There were paint touch ups to do as the electricians and plumbers kept busy. In addition, there was yard work that needed to be done. Many people took a real interest in buying things to make the home beautiful, including some of the volunteers, and some of their family members from “back home”.

The rest of the week held a variety of tasks as we all began dismantling the camp. Trailers were cleaned inside and outside, cots piled on top of each other to make room for additional beds, couches, and chairs to be put back in the trailers. The tool trailer got a “spring cleaning” in order to make room for the many things that needed to be packed into the semi for moving back to Columbus. It was truly unbelievable how well and how fast our volunteers worked together to get a huge job well on its way, and all the time saying “this is important work too”.

By Friday, as some finished the cleaning, others of us prepared for the BBQ that we had scheduled for the afternoon to say “thank you” to Birmingham city officials, Jefferson County Emergency Management, and United Way for making it possible to live here at Scott School these past 15 months. As Harry Brown with United Way, and, also, the Chairman of Central Alabama Long Term Recovery Committee said, “this is not the first time MDS has been with us here, we have successfully worked together on two previous occasions caring for persons who have been through tornados and have experienced so much trauma”. We all recognized this work as God’s work, and it takes a whole team to complete what needs to happen. No one group can do it alone.

Kevin King, MDS Executive Director, came down to share this time with us, and then to be here with us to celebrate the house blessing of Mr. Jessie’s home on Saturday. This home was the last one to be built by the Walker Co. Long Term Recovery program, so it was done cooperatively by MDS and World Renew (formerly known as CRWRC). Their Director, Bill Adams, was here also.

Our number began to shrink when Sam and Pat left on Thursday, then Sheryl, a dietetic intern from Bluffton, on Friday, and Walter, Hoyt and Sylvia on Saturday. Calvin and Mary Jane Schrock came to continue keeping us well fed as we continue packing everything up.

A big thanks to all who helped work, to all of you out there who donate money to keep us fed and working, and all the rest of you who are praying for us. God is good.

Esther for the Birmingham team: Larry Beaner, Mike, Sharon, Taylor and Tatina Gorchynski, Fete Konn, and Bill and Esther McCoy

We have encountered a number of multi-generational homes in this community. Parents are sharing their homes with their children and grandchildren. Getting homes rebuilt after the flood will help to restore families and reduce stress.

This week we are blessed to have four young men from southern Ontario and one gentleman from central Alberta as short-term volunteers. They were the hands and feet of Jesus here in Minot.

Two men worked at Ms. Carolyn’s house stringing wiring in the complete house, drilling holes and nailing on boxes. Two other volunteers also worked in this house building stairs, and sheeting the main floor.

This week two men worked at Ms. Jodi’s house, taping and mudding. By the end of the week there was tape and mud on all the drywall seams and screw holes.

While the taping and mudding was happening in this house two other men were working at putting up drywall in a third house. By the end of the week Ms. Olivia’s basement was ready for tape and mud.

We were fortunate this week to have Kenton and Violet, from the local church, join us on the working crew. They spent the week painting in Ms. Gabrielle’s house. At the end of the week there was only a little painting left to do.

A crew also spent time in Mr. Lyle and Mrs. Laurie’s house, building a wall for the shower and completing some wiring.

Crew leader Bill spent part of a day working at Mr. Robert’s house installing some trim, and doors.

Despite the fact that we had a small short-term group this week, work on a number of houses progressed considerably. Thanks be to God for willing workers!

Submitted by Gerald:

For Bill and Florence, Norm and Phyllis, Roger and Grace

The repair work on Ms. Martha’s home is really winding down. Hoyt had hoped to get it finished this week, but a few more little things kept popping up. The painting is completed, and the carpet is installed in the sitting room. Sam, our cook helper, enjoys going out occasionally, so was willing to go out to do some electrical repairs. Another day’s work should have their home repaired.

We continue to be amazed, but not surprised, how God prepares persons to come to supply our needs at just the right time. Two of the new jobs was window replacements and gutter installation, and this was the profession of one of the gentlemen that God sent this week. They also replaced a door and a window in a mobile home.

The hardwood flooring that was donated was installed in Mr. Jesse’s home. There was a lot of painting to keep the girls busy as Mr. Jesse came around to see what all was being done. Fete and Mike went out on Sat to grout the tile while no one was around to step in it.

Mr. Michael and Mrs. Kaley’s home was also ready for the painting. It was finished on Thursday, and they came to share dinner with us here at camp. They talked about what it was like the day of the tornadoes.

Thanks to some of the girls who were willing on Friday to brave the cold weather and cold water to begin the process of cleaning the outside of the FEMA trailers that we have been using. It’s amazing how blackened and streaked they have gotten here in this coal burning country in such a short time.   

A big thanks to all who helped work, to all of you out there who donate money to keep us feed and working, and all the rest of you who are praying for us. God is good.

Esther for the Birmingham team: Larry Beaner, Mike, Sharon, Taylor and Tatina Gorchynski, Hoyt and Sylvia Jenkins, Walter Klassen, Fete Konn, Bill and Esther McCoy, and Sam and Pat Sollenberger

Nearly two years after an EF5 tornado struck Joplin, MO, Mennonite Disaster Service closed their project site in Joplin.

On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado cut through the center of Joplin, MO. The tornado was over a mile wide. Over 7,000 homes were completely destroyed, the town’s infrastructure was heavily damaged, including the hospital and school. In addition to the loss of property, 159 lives were lost during the storm, making this disaster the second deadliest tornado in all of US history.

Local MDS volunteers responded to the news of the tornado immediately. Within 24 hours, volunteers were helping to clear access roads and were working with local farmers to help move animals to safety. In the weeks to follow, thousands of volunteers poured into the area to begin the job of cleaning up. Weeks later, the first repairs began.

MDS volunteers from Arkansas, Iowa and Missouri traveled back to Joplin to mark the end of MDS’ response in Joplin and to celebrate getting families back home.

Kevin King, MDS Executive Director, joined Larry Hostetler, Missouri Unit Chair and Al and Jan Kroeker, MDS Region III Directors at an evening of celebration and closure. Representatives from partner agencies, including Rebuild Joplin, Fuller Center for Housing, Samaritan’s Purse, Joplin Family Worship Center and several families who received a rebuilt home also attended the ceremony and dinner.

This was King’s fourth trip to visit the project in Joplin. He relates, “I entered into town and saw the famous cross was at one of the street corners that one of our volunteers carved out of a tree stump. It is now weathered and cracked from the drying sun - proclaiming the injury of the past.”

Renee White, chair of the Long Term Recovery Committee in Joplin praised MDS’ work saying, “MDS was integral to the rebuilding here in Joplin. MDS showed us a work ethic. You showed us what humility looks like. You are known not only for the quality structures you build, but the spirits that you lifted as well. We are a better and richer community now because of MDS. Thank you.”

In the two years that MDS worked in Joplin, over 3,300 volunteers served completing 125 clean ups, 23 minor repairs, 25 major repairs and nine new builds. There were also 12 new builds that volunteers worked on from foundation to “dry-in stage”.