Scholarship students swap textbooks for hard hats

Eight students received scholarships to serve with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) across Canada this summer.

Stepping away from papers and required readings, and into four weeks of service with MDS, Grace Bahula loved the opportunity to work with her hands and “see the progress of the houses being built” in North Shuswap, British Columbia.

The Conrad Grebel University College student explained, “This led me to step out of my comfort zone where I was able to learn new construction skills and challenge myself in a new way.”

Bahula also appreciated the relationship building that was fostered between volunteers — over ice cream or a scenic hike.

“[It] was eye-opening to see how people of the same faith follow God and serve him differently. It inspires me… to continue to meet new people, explore the Bible and immerse myself in diverse groups,” she said.

Bahula was one of eight students from Canadian Mennonite colleges and universities who received a scholarship from MDS this year. In return for one month of service at a Canadian response site, they received funding to cover the cost of four three-credit hour courses.

“A space for people of all walks of life and faith”

Similarly, Taylor Godwaldt, a student at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), reflected on relationships.

The 24-year-old found “a space for people of all walks of life and faith to come together and serve as Jesus would have” at the MDS response in the North Shuswap.

While he began his four-week assignment with some trade skills, Godwaldt developed more, crediting leadership volunteers for the sense of encouragement and empowerment he experienced.

“The food was also, of course, amazing. All the cooks during my service did a phenomenal job,” he added.

Mario Cruz works on a cabin build at the MDS Family Project near Bancroft, Ontario.
MDS photo/Nikki Hamm Gwala

A new take on camp ministry

Also receiving a scholarship was Mario Cruz of Columbia Bible College (CBC).

Cruz had a unique experience as the only student volunteering at the MDS Canada family project — where he served for the full duration of that response.

Based at Fraser Lake Camp, near Bancroft, Ontario, he built cabins, alongside family volunteers, to house camp volunteers and facilitate program activities.

Cruz chose the placement because of a personal soft spot for camp. He was a seasoned Bible camp volunteer. From dishwashing to counseling to maintenance and preaching, he touched almost every corner of camp ministry over five summers. But he had never built cabins before.

His favourite part: working with kids and youth.

“It feels like I’m still able to do… camp ministry,” reflected Cruz. Instead of typical camp activities, he mentored youth volunteers in construction, teaching them how to use tools that he had only recently learned to use himself. “[It gives] them confidence that they can… do it too.”

The power of community

“From my first interview with MDS Volunteer Manager, Rose Klassen, I felt welcomed into the MDS team. I knew from then on, that I would be appreciated and welcomed wherever my MDS journey would take me,” shared Hizee Pankratz, a scholarship recipient from CMU.

And Pankratz was right. She found community with volunteers over shared meals, late night card games and on job sites — and in the hospitality and welcome of North Shuswap area residents, especially a homeowner who ensured daily snacks for the volunteers at his site.

“Being immersed in this community for a month helped me truly grasp the extent of the damage caused by the forest fires,” said Pankratz. “But this experience also allowed me to recognize the strength of the community, and their genuine appreciation for the work that MDS has done.”

She also appreciated the leadership opportunities afforded her.

“I realized how a great leader can find meaningful work for everyone involved,” explained Pankratz. “These leaders were great role models for me and helped me construct my own leadership skills.”

Hizee Pankratz (right) and Grace Wideman on assignment at the MDS Shuswap Response.
Photo courtesy of Roman Heuft

Intergenerational exchange

For Grace Wideman, a scholarship recipient from Grebel, the intergenerational nature of volunteer teams was significant.

“I appreciated the varied and unique groups of volunteers that assembled to serve together each week. Each group consisted of a range of ages and stages, from university students to retirees, as well as those in between,” said Wideman. “The intergenerational nature of each group was very significant for me. I appreciated the wisdom and life experience of older volunteers, and their willingness to teach me. I relied heavily on the knowledge and mentorship of more seasoned volunteers, as I had never worked on a building site before. The variation in skill levels and backgrounds made the experience all the richer and created neat opportunities for learning, growth and leadership within the group.”

She also valued opportunities to connect with locals and homeowners.

“I realized, over time, that an important gift we can give as volunteers is a willingness to listen.”

Strangers turned friends

Before Carter Harrison, a CBC student, entered his MDS service term, he had a hard time investing in relationships that he saw as short-term. But the volunteer experience Harrison had in the North Shuswap challenged him to embrace new friendships, no matter their longevity.

“At the end of the first week, after meeting so many great people, I struggled to see how the next few weeks could compare. Everyone was so genuine and friendly, and as I said goodbye I expected to miss the welcoming and warm group I had gotten to know. Sunday night rolled around, and new faces showed up, and that’s when I realized that I hadn’t lucked out on the first week. This new group of people was all just as intentional about getting to know me,” he said. “Before I knew it, my four weeks were up, and I was the one saying goodbye. I realized that MDS didn’t just happen to have a good couple of weeks by chance, but that it naturally attracts people who care.”

Carter Harrison on a project site in Celista, British Columbia.
MDS photo/Nikki Hamm Gwala

A hopeful shift

Mia Loeppky was impressed by the hopeful viewpoints of disaster survivors in the North Shuswap area.

The CMU student explained, “All the [homeowners] spoke about their experience with such a hopeful lens, and it was so refreshing to hear about all the good that exists in the world. I really appreciated speaking to the [homeowners] and hearing their stories because it allowed me to get out of my own reality, and step into theirs momentarily.”

She observed an “outpouring of generosity” — from weekly volunteers to local businesses and disaster survivors.

“It was really beautiful to see how much people cared, and how they were willing to take action because this made all the difference,” said Loeppky.

Growth in community

For Monica Newton of CBC, four weeks of voluntary service was marked by joy in new friendships and growth through personal hurdles.

“It forced me to stretch mentally in ways I have not before and examine my heart and motives daily. It required me to be more disciplined in the way I treat and care for my body and spirit, and grow in the way I interact with others,” she said. “Building relationships was one of my deepest joys from this service trip… and is a compelling reason why I will volunteer with MDS again.”

Her advice to students considering the scholarship opportunity: be prepared to challenge yourself and “absolutely do it.”

Up to eight MDS Canada Service Scholarships are awarded annually to students at Canadian Mennonite colleges and universities. Application details are available at these institutions.

Nikki Hamm Gwala, MDS Canada Communications

Mia Loeppky on a project site in Celista, British Columbia.
Photo courtesy of Donelda Friesen