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Hello Jesse,
Last week I had the privilege of traveling from one coast to the other, investigating possible MDS responses in Canada. When I do this work, I experience a full range of emotions. In the Shushwap area of British Columbia, Peter, Roman and I had the privilege of sitting with several potential clients. When we drove past the fire-scarred landscape, I knew this is a fitting visual illustration of the inner wounds we will likely encounter amongst those trying to rebuild their lives and homes.
In British Columbia, we visited with several homeowners who need help recovering. What was hardest was discerning there were some we probably won’t be able to help. There were some who aren’t yet quite ready to build due to circumstances out of their control. The image of one older gentleman’s head falling when we had to tell him “not yet, maybe later,” is still burned in my memory. It was hard news to hear.
But then we were able to say to two homeowners: “We’d like to build you a home.” It is a privilege to be amongst the first MDSers to bring them the good news of hope. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring news” (Isaiah 52:7).
Two days later I was in southeastern Nova Scotia where a fire also devastated the communities of Barrington and Shelburne. Together with partners from Canadian Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way, we met with six different households to let them know who we were and what we do. From that group of homeowners I observed those who are still in shock. We talked with one family who had come apart amidst the added stress of losing their home. We talked with some who were are still so deep in their grief, they are struggling to make any decisions. While it is still too early to say for sure, it is quite likely that we’ll be able to help some homeowners in Nova Scotia as well.
The need for MDS volunteers in Canada will be great this coming building season. In the next while, we will start looking in earnest for volunteers. Be on the lookout for our invitations!
In the meantime, would you say a prayer for disaster survivors? Pray for the mercy and grace of the Great Healer to come upon these and others communities and people. Pray for discernment as we seek to identify whom we may be able to help. Pray for volunteers who would be ready to do as Peter encourages, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace” (I Peter 4:10).
And if we pray, I believe God will hear us.
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