A personal note from Executive Director Kevin King

Greetings,

I hope you are safe and healthy, and that everyone in your family is doing well.

I want to say thanks for your support and prayers over the past few weeks—it has been a turbulent and challenging time for all of us in the U.S., Canada, and the whole world.

At MDS, the pandemic meant we had to close all of our projects on March 13. A week later we decided to suspend all scheduled summer projects. Although we can’t predict the future, everything we hear from the federal and state governments and public health authorities tells us the pandemic is doing to take time to work its way through Canada and the U.S.

While the decision to suspend operations for the summer was also difficult, it will take a lot of stress and anxiety off of volunteers who were wondering if they should still plan to serve in summer at youth, family and other projects. Now they know what the future holds for them with MDS.

As for the future, only God knows. We hope we can resume again in fall, but nothing is certain. The only thing I know for sure, as the Psalmist put it, is “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Ps. 46:1)

If you think of it, please pray for me and other leaders at MDS, and also for those leading other Mennonite organizations, denominations, schools, churches and other groups. Pray also for the leaders of the U.S. and Canada, and all who are involved in health care in any way. It is a difficult and challenging time for everyone.

Again, thanks for your support and prayers. I pray that you and your family are safe and healthy and that God will give you grace, peace, and comfort at this time.

Your servant,

Kevin King | Executive Director

Mennonite Disaster Service

583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543

direct: 717.951.3286 | main: 717.735.3536

toll-free: 800.241.8111

www.mds.mennonite.net