April 16, 2025

Hello Lisa,


I believe MDS volunteers are in a cooperative business with God. Because God is in the business of restoration. At MDS, we’re in the business of restoration—not just of homes and communities, but of hope, dignity, and faith. Guided by Christ’s call to serve, we come alongside those affected by disaster to help rebuild what was lost, restoring both physical structures and the human spirit. In the scriptures we find:

 

1.        Isaiah 58:12 (NIV)

“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”

This verse directly speaks to the heart of MDS’s mission—literal and spiritual rebuilding.


2.        Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

This captures the call to compassionate service that our 7,000+ volunteers perform.


3.        1 Peter 4:10 (NRSV)

“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”

This emphasizes using our gifts to serve in faithful stewardship year after year.



4.        Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”


I am reminded of this work by a thank-you letter from our partner agency, Techos Pa’ Mi Gente (Roofs for My People) in Puerto Rico. MDS has been working for 11 weeks repairing roofs for homeowners impacted by Hurricane Maria (2017). Executive Director, Amarilis González Domínguez writes, “The past 11 weeks turned into countless experiences for both organizations. There was a rich exchange of construction knowledge, ideas, creativity, as well as cultural aspects that made of this alliance an unforgettable event. Within the language of love and empathy we rebuilt hope together; and that is priceless.”


MDS is a “business” worth investing in – won’t you come join us?





Kevin King

Executive Director, MDS U.S.

Western North Carolina neighbors

welcome The Green Giant

Residents of the Stoney Creek community in western North Carolina drove the last screw and cut the ribbon on their new bridge on April 4, seven months after Hurricane Helene destroyed it.


The bridge is the second to be dedicated in North Carolina by a partnership called “Bridging Together,” co-organized by Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR).


Click here to read more

Chain saws were "music to our ears"

Sometimes, experiences with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) come full circle. This was the case for Deb and John,* who were introduced to MDS in 2008 when John was invited to volunteer on an MDS assignment in New Orleans, Louisiana. He “caught the bug,” laughed Deb, and participated in three more assignments in years following.


Click here to read more.


MDS has produced two new books in celebration

of our 75th Anniversary.

Click here to learn more or to order your copy.

Count your many blessings

Several weeks before we left for our assignment in Merced, California, we had a realization. Between state and national MDS projects, this would be our 60th assignment!


Don’s first time serving with MDS was helping clean up after the Big Thompson Canyon Flood in 1976. When the time came for the group he had traveled with to return home, the director asked him to stay on to give continuity to the contacts that had been made. 


Click here to read more


Check out the worship resources available from MDS.

Click here


MDS has volunteer opportunities for you!

See the full list of volunteer opportunities when you click here.

  Contact volunteer@mds.org or 

call 1-800-241-8111 with any questions or to schedule a week. 

Click here to volunteer
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MDS Office in U.S.

583 Airport Road,

Lititz, PA 17543 USA


T: (717) 735-3536

T (toll free): 1-800-241-8111

F: (717) 735-0809

mdsus@mds.org

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MDS Canada Office
200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd
Winnipeg, MB Canada R3P 2J1

T: (204) 261-1274
F: (204) 261-1279