In Mayfield, compassion keeps turning

On Dec. 10, 2021, Mayfield, Kentucky, became known for a tornado that killed 24 people, destroyed every municipal building, and devastated the city, home to 10,000. Three-and-a-half years later, Mayfield is known for the compassion, born out of pain, that keeps turning.

Since the beginning of Mayfield’s recovery, Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) has been intricately involved, working with local partners, city officials, and residents to repair or rebuild more than 100 homes.

Over the course of Mayfield’s recovery, MDS has worked with two nonprofit partners—first, Homes and Hope for Kentucky, and currently The Hope Initiative.

Pastor Stephen Boyken, president and CEO of The Hope Initiative, said that, though construction and repair needs in Mayfield are very nearly met, there are still what he describes as “felt needs.”

“We did have a flash flooding incident in July 2023, and had some homes damaged,” he said. “When that happens, the felt needs—the emotional trauma—surfaces.”

Now Boyken prays about what’s next for The Hope Initiative. Already, the nonprofit has decided to partner with North Ohio Assisting Hands (NOAH), an Amish group that works collaboratively with MDS, for work in Douglas, Georgia, as communities there continue to recover from Hurricane Helene.

“We really knew that The Hope Initiative was formed not only in Mayfield—but beyond Mayfield, too,” said Boyken. “We’ve been involved and engaged in other disaster recoveries in our region.”

He believes that the faith community must come together with government and local businesses. “There may be some disunity or disagreements or division—but collaboration is built on trust,” he said. “We are going to continue to grow and expand as the Lord allows us.”

Kentucky’s highest honor

MDS Executive Director for the U.S. Kevin King recently received Kentucky’s highest honor when he was commissioned a “Kentucky Colonel” for outstanding service. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is a philanthropic organization made up of people who are “passionate about being compassionate.”

A lifelong difference

Retired U.S. Army General Joe Orr has worked closely with MDS for nearly three-and-a-half years, first with Homes and Hope for Kentucky, and now with The Hope Initiative.

Orr worked with Acknowledging Christ Through Service (ACTS), an Amish community from Indiana that operates collaboratively with MDS, then with NOAH. He estimates he has worked with at least 1,000 volunteers, most of them young people.

“Really the best part of the whole deal is, you know you are making a difference in young men’s and women’s lives,” he said. “Out of at least 1,000 young volunteers, I’d say at least 10 percent made a second trip or third trip to volunteer again.”

As Orr moves on to work in Georgia with another new set of volunteers, he is also planning to attend reunion events with volunteers from ACTS and NOAH whenever he can.

“I made lifelong friendships,” he said.