Relationship over the long haul

MDS is widely known as a disaster relief organization that is there for communities over the long haul. The organization’s response in Lytton, British Columbia, is a prime example.

The village of approximately 250 people was flattened by an extreme wildfire in June 2021. Delayed by complicating factors — including the removal of toxic ash, loss of town records, archeological survey of an Indigenous historical site and updates to local building code — MDS began its first house build nearly three years later.

Survivors Owen Collings and Patsy Gessey contacted the organization a year and a half after the fire destroyed their home. They’ve been in touch with Response Coordinators Mark Rempel and Gerald Dyck at least weekly since then.

Rempel and Dyck recognized the importance of relationship building early into their exploration of a Lytton response. The two prioritized attending a local Unmet Needs Committee meeting on a near monthly basis — to develop community relationships rather than offer solutions to complex issues.

After two years of relationship building, paperwork and delays to construction, excavation on Collings and Gessey’s new house began in April of this year. Rempel admits he’s emotionally invested in the response now. He heard affirmation after affirmation for MDS’ presence in the village.

While there have been roadblocks, Rempel maintained, “God’s hand is in [this] all the way, and it has felt a lot like we are where we should be.”

Lytton evacuees are still scattered in motels across southern British Columbia and a group of older adults continues to stay at a church camp more than an hour’s drive away.

“That’s the part that tugs,” he said.

Rempel and Dyck’s commitment to local relationships has borne fruit through resource sharing with other builders, knowledge sharing with community members, and donations of local produce and fresh feta cheese for the volunteers on site.

As a resident of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Rempel had previously known Lytton as a “hot town” and highway-side stop on road trips. But today he sees something special in the community.

“It’s beautiful… It really feels like it’s a calling [to be here].”

Collings reiterated, “I was telling Mark and Gerald… ‘I’m so grateful and thankful that I’m working with you because your organization shows hope… Some people have given up… but you’ve stuck with us. And you’re here.’”

Nikki Hamm Gwala, MDS Canada Communications