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Greetings!
The story of MDS is deeply rooted in the themes of Scripture. One June day in 1950, as fields were ripening for harvest, families and friends gathered by a river in Hesston, Kansas for fellowship and a shared meal. They came with baskets filled from their fields and kitchens. Together they gave thanks, broke bread, and celebrated community.
After the meal, Paul Shenk stood and spoke to those gathered. Reflecting on the recent years of war, he reminded them that many Mennonite young men, guided by conscience, had chosen alternative service instead of military service. With peace returning, he asked a simple but profound question: If we were willing to serve during wartime through peaceful service, should we not now step forward voluntarily in times of peace? Could God be calling them to rebuild homes, feed those in need, and care for people whose lives had been shattered by disaster?
The group responded with strong affirmation. Among them was John Diller, who, despite serious injury from a farm accident, offered his time and leadership to help bring this vision to life. Word quickly spread to other congregations, and more people stepped forward, ready to comfort the grieving, shelter the homeless, and live out their faith through service.
Soon disasters struck—storms, floods, fires, and earthquakes that devastated communities. In the midst of destruction, MDS volunteers heard God’s call—not in the noise of the disasters themselves, but in the quiet invitation to serve. They traveled to unfamiliar places, helping strangers rebuild not only their homes, but their hope.
From that small beginning beside a river, MDS was born—a servant community responding faithfully to God’s call to bring healing and restoration where it is needed most.
And now, we stand in our own moment of history. The needs around us are many. Disasters grow in scale and complexity. Communities face new forms of hardship and uncertainty. Like those gathered by the river in 1950, we are invited to listen carefully for that same still, small voice.
The question before us is not only what MDS has done, but what these times are calling us to do. May we have the courage to rise, to discern together, and to offer our gifts, our hands, and our hearts in service to a world still longing for hope and restoration. We like to say, as per our vision statement, that we are the hands and feet of Jesus. Perhaps ears too.
*inspired by a speech given by Robert Kreider at the 50th Annual Celebration, June 2000, entitled “Learning from the Past-A Vision for the Future”
Sincerely,
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