On the Level - MDS December 2020

December 16, 2020

Greetings!

This Advent season, I’ve been drawn to using written prayers for my quiet time in the mornings as I ponder those we serve who are affected by disaster. As I do that, I’m reminded that we all have been affected in some way by disaster in this COVID year. With that in mind, I want to share with you a prayer titled “A Prayer Amidst Disaster” written by Kelsey Friesen, Volunteer Coordinator in the MDS Canada office, as we wait in hope and joy to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

God our provider and our refuge. God who is with us wherever we are and God who knows what it is to be displaced and without somewhere to call home. Mighty God in whom we live and move and have our being.

You, God, have guided your people out of places of despair before and given them new places to call home. As Jesus, you know what it is to make a new home in an unfamiliar place. You made yourself incarnate and shared our experiences of disaster and chaos. But you brought unity and peace, you stilled the storm. From the very beginning as your spirit hovered over the chaos of the waters you have been present in all times and all circumstances.

God who knows us and loves us, we trust you to be our resting place from generation to generation. God you never forget us and you send others to us and us to others to bring hope to places where there is none.

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed but your steadfast love shall not depart from us. Flood waters may rise and fall, and homes disappear, but you show up by sending your people into those places and staying with us.

At times we cry out, how long Lord? Will you forget me forever?

But you do not forget us. You do not leave us. You are our resting place in anxiety and uncertainty. You are the God who looks for the lost, because you see the value in that which is missing. You bring us home.

So God we call upon you to do something! We ask you to bring comfort and rest. We ask you to make your presence known. May love, unity and hope triumph amidst disaster. Make a way, Lord, when no way is seen.

Do not forget your people. Do not leave us or abandon us. Be our hope. Be our joy. Be our home.

Amen.

Executive Director

Mennonite Disaster Service

Save the Date!

2021 MDS ANNUAL CELEBRATION

(formerly All-Unit Meeting)

Join us online February 6, 2021 as we celebrate the work of MDS volunteers, donors and staff.

Be inspired by stories of hope related to our theme,

Unexpected Opportunities, Unexpected Blessings.

Join as as we celebrate and look back on a year unlike any other.

Learn more about the MDS Annual Celebration

COVID-19 Congregational Relief Fund offers additional grants

“We know this pandemic will persist through the winter ahead,” said Kevin King, MDS Executive Director. “The needs that our churches already face due to COVID-19 will be exacerbated by rising infection rates and community shutdown mandates. It is imperative that we continue helping our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Click here to read more.

Volunteers create safer, warmer space

for homeless

Eight volunteers from Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) helped Corpus Christi House, a hospitality day center for homeless people in Boise, Idaho, expand its services. Corpus Christi House helps more than 150 people each day, serving 90,000 meals annually.

Click here to read more.

Thank you for your support!

MDS is accepting volunteer requests for early next year.

Your continued support helps with recruiting volunteers, moving equipment, setting up accommodations, replenishing supplies, and many other things needed to get going.