What does Mennonite Disaster Service have in common with the orthodontist? On the surface, it might seem like nothing; but Isaac Visser, 16, from Port Henry, New York has shown that there is truly a connection between the two. Isaac spent two...
As seasoned Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) leadership volunteers participated in Leadership Training alongside new volunteers at the MDS office in Lititz, Pennsylvania in August, they reflected on why it’s one of the most rewarding jobs they’...
Clarence Kruschel knows exactly what wildfire survivors in Monte Lake, B.C. are going through. It was 19 years ago when Kruschel, 74, lost his own home to the Okanagan Mountain Park firestorm, which destroyed 239 houses in Kelowna, B.C. Kruschel,...
For their 51st anniversary, Grant and Joan Kowalenko wanted to go somewhere with great food, meaningful activities, engaging people, interesting scenery and good accommodations. That’s why they chose to do a week of service with Mennonite Disaster...
They barely got out. It was 6:15 a.m. that November day in 2018 when Teri and John Rubiolo noticed a spot fire visible from their house, nestled on 10 acres in the scenic canyon of Concow, California. “I called 911 and they said, ‘get...
Flood survivors in hard-hit eastern Kentucky seriously need volunteers—and Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is trying to help. “The need is overwhelming,” said Larry Stoner, MDS regional operations coordinator, describing the aftermath of...
For the past six months, Andrea DeMeer has had a bird’s-eye view of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) work in Princeton, B.C. DeMeer, publisher and editor of the Similkameen Spotlight in the southern interior town, lives on Fenchurch St. near...
“I can honestly say we wouldn’t be where we are today without your help.” Those were the words of Princeton Mayor Spencer Coyne to Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers at an August 11 thank-you celebration put on by the town. About...
The first Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Early Response Teams will arrive in eastern Kentucky on Aug. 15, ready to muck out homes and clear debris in flood-ravaged communities. “It’s muddy, hard work—and it’s badly needed,” said...
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