Coming back after 25 years: Lilli and Jakob Rempel reflect on their MDS experience

Lilli and Jakob Rempel, from Germany, served as crew leaders for Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) in the U.S. from March 1999-March 2001. They recently traveled back to the U.S., visiting the MDS U.S. headquarters, and reflecting on what has stayed with them in their hearts for the past 25 years.

Back in 1999, after a German mission organization connected them with MDS, the Rempels, newly married, decided to embark on what would be a big adventure. Leaving behind their friends and family, they realized they had to rely on each other—and on God, as well.

“My favorite memories were the nice people we met,” said Jakob—“and driving those big pickups. We don’t have those as much in Germany.”

Both the Rempels enjoyed seeing different parts of the country.

“There was lots of land,” said Lilli. “We met a lot of friends and it was very, very special for me. We met people who had lost their homes. We learned a lot from them, what they had gone through.”

The first three months were particularly challenging for the couple.

“We could not just say we trust in God—we had to do it,” said Jakob. “We also saw people who were completely different from us, but still believed in God.”

The Rempels returned to Germany finding that their relationship with God had changed.

“We were young—24—and we had not seen a lot of Christianity,” said Lilli.

She recalled a time in Alabama, during an especially challenging period, when she was outside on a walk looking at yellow butterflies. “They had a tree and, one morning, it was full of yellow butterflies, coming out of their cocoons.”

The following day, she was pretty exhausted, both physically and emotionally, after having to wash and clean all the paint rollers by herself at the end of the working day. “And then suddenly somebody touched me on my shoulder—and there was nobody there, just a yellow butterfly, flying away, and God told me this: ‘I will help you through this. I love you.’ So this was a huge experience.”

After serving with MDS, the Rempels returned to Germany, and started a family. Now parents of four children, they have stayed in contact with their MDS friends.

“We will never forget the experience we had here,” said Lilli “We are still talking about it. It’s very present.”

They came to the U.S. thinking they would serve others—and they did. But both of them were surprised at how many blessings they received from their fellow volunteers, from people they helped, and the people they met all over the U.S. and Canada.

As they visit with friends, they are also praying and reflecting themselves. “What is next for us?” asked Jakob. “What is the will of God for our future ministry?” Lilli asked.

MDS staff extended gratitude to the Rempels for their service and for the steadfast connection over the years. “We will continue to pray with you and for you as you continue to share in the U.S., and as you return home,” said Ginny Sauder, Database Support and Administrative Assistant with MDS, who hosted the Rempels for part of their stay.

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