April 15, 2026

Hi friend,


We are just over a week past Easter Sunday, when we celebrate the rising of our Lord and Saviour. It reminds us that death and suffering do not have the final word. God brings new life even when things feel broken or lost.


As we look ahead to our MDS Canada national project in Denare Beach, Sask., we have been moved by the number of volunteers who have signed up. The summer is already full, though we still need help in May and June (see below). It is humbling to see so many people offer their time—whether for a week, a month, or longer.


Many of these volunteers return again and again. Why? Each person has their own reasons, but I think one of the draws to volunteer is that we glimpse the same spirit of resurrection we celebrate at Easter. As we hammer, paint, and plumb, we join in God’s work of renewal and new life.


When disaster survivors walk into a rebuilt home, it can feel like a kind of resurrection. Sylvia Starr, from Libau, Man., said it this way: “You didn’t just build us a place to live—you brought our family back to life.”


Respond. Rebuild. Restore. is more than a tagline. It reflects God’s renewing, resurrecting work. What an honour, blessing, and privilege to be part of.


Reynold Friesen

Executive Director

MDS Canada

Come volunteer with MDS in Denare Beach, Saskatchewan

Our project in Denare Beach begins at the end of April. We are so grateful for all the volunteers who have already signed up. We still have spaces for weekly volunteers, including:


May 10-16: 6 spots

May 17-23: 5 spots

May 24-30: 6 spots

May 31-June 6: 11 spots

June 7-13: 14 spots


Click here for more info

Saskatchewan couple catches the MDS “bug”

Gord and Marianne Siemens of Saskatoon have caught a “bug”—the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) bug.


The “bug” has taken them across Canada, from B.C. to Nova Scotia, and to places like Texas and Florida, since 2018.


Click here to read more

For MDS, what does “Working Together” mean?

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 Disaster Aid Ohio, put it: “It’s amazing what can happen when we all work together—and nobody is concerned with who gets the credit. What does working together create? It brings hope, love, and family.”


Click here to read more

MDS has volunteer opportunities for you!

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

  Contact volunteer@mds.org or 

call 1-866-261-1274 with any questions or to schedule a week. 

 

MDS Canada Office

200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd

Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J1 Canada


T: (204) 261-1274

T (toll free): 1-866-261-1274

F: (204) 261-1279

mdscanada@mds.org

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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