Knott County, Kentucky is a unique place of beauty. But it has suffered great losses this summer. Its mountains are not tall or organized, but run around in convoluted configurations, creating many “hollows,” or, using the vernacular, “...
“It’s interesting how we always ended up with the right people for the job at hand.” That’s what Philip Wiebe said about the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) family project in Princeton, B.C. this summer. Wiebe, who directed the project with...
After serving with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) in Monte Lake, B.C., Sofia Epp won’t see news about fires or floods the same way. “Hearing stories from the homeowners personalizes it,” she said. “It’s been an eye-opening experience.”...
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...
Building a better world together.
Sign up to learn how you can help support MDS and receive the latest updates on our work.