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Hi Lisa,
Last week, I had the privilege of swinging a hammer at the MDS Canada Shuswap response. Once again, I am in awe of what takes place on a project.
On Monday, I took a turn as crew leader and worked with a youth group from Emmanuel Mennonite Church (Abbotsford, B.C.). We built sawhorses, drying racks and started painting trim. It was fun to help newbies learn how to use drivers and a skill saw. It was also a delight to watch Pastor Rachel care for her group.
On Tuesday, I helped drywall a house. Philip and I worked together alongside a family team: Abraham, Helena and their daughter Annie, who is a schoolteacher in their Old Colony community. In conversation she shared, "I never knew I liked drywalling so much.” Helena indicated that this was their first time on an MDS project — and that it wouldn’t be their last.
It was a personal highlight to observe one of Rachel's youth group members ask Annie about her beliefs and way of life as a part of an Old Colony community in southwest Ontario. Our world gets bigger when we get to know people who are different than ourselves.
On Wednesday night we heard from Ted, the homeowner of our fourth build in Shuswap. His story was moving and his heart for family and community, inspiring.
The next morning, long-term volunteer Elvira shared her personal journey from a low point to volunteering with MDS.
From Monday through Friday, house four went from floor joists, to walls, to rafters and sheathing on the roof. It felt a bit like a barn raising. The temperatures were high (32-38 C) but with frequent breaks, spirits remained higher. It was amazing.
The week was then topped off with a ride to the airport on Elvira’s three-wheeled motorcycle! Does it get any better?
The conversation, hammer swinging and wall raising — it is all faith in action. And it’s because of Jesus' presence among us. Riches beyond measure.
Thank you volunteers! You continue to be a blessing to me, each other and those we serve.
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