As nine new homes were dedicated on March 17—homes for families who lost everything to Hurricane Helene in September 2024—the small town of Douglas, Georgia, generated big headlines of hope. As Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk put it, “We saw the hand...
Bluffton University student Colin Burba, 22, served with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) in St. Louis, Missouri, because he was inspired “by the chance to serve others with my gifts that have been gifted to me by God, and the opportunity to visit...
During the Mennonite Disaster (MDS) Annual Celebration, held Feb. 27-28 in New Holland, Pennsylvania, MDS and its partners explored the theme “Working Together”—and what that means for disaster recovery. As Atlee Kaufman, a board member from...
During reading week in Canada, university students are given time to study and catch up on assignments. But this year, nine students from Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg, Man. used that time not for books, but to serve others through...
What’s a “typical day” for the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Family Program? “Wonderful meals, age‑appropriate work (both in tasks and in the length of work periods for the children), crafts and snacks for the kids, and evenings spent...
There is deep meaning behind the name of the Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group on the island of Maui, Hawaii. “Hoʻōla means to rejuvenate, to give life,” explained Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, the group’s executive...
Leann Lovell still remembers the weather forecaster urgently calling out street names and county road numbers in Wynne, Arkansas. A tornado was bearing down on March 31, 2023. The twister would kill four people, injure 26 others, and destroy or...
Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Executive Director for MDS U.S. Kevin King has announced his intent to retire by the end of 2026. During more than two decades of leading MDS U.S., King ushered the organization through Hurricane Katrina in 2005,...
If you were not able to join us in New Holland, Pennsylvania, for the 2026 MDS Annual Celebration, you can still take part. The main events from both Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 are available to watch online. Together, we worshiped...
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