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Hello Lisa,
Sometimes, my shoulders get heavy-laden with all the affirmation I get on behalf of MDS—and all the letters I receive—when I travel across the country. I want to turn that thanks back to you—MDS’s many volunteers.
When I think about the times I’ve spent talking with homeowners who have lost everything to disasters, I sometimes struggle with the right words to say. Often the best words are: “We’ll have a crew there tomorrow.”
MDS does not work alone, but has some 74 national partners throughout the U.S., many of them part of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster coalition. This enables MDS to be nimble and learn about local needs quickly.
Right now, that nimbleness is evident in Texas, where chainsaws are running, and hope is rising amid the aftermath of tragic flooding. MDS volunteers are on the ground, removing debris, clearing downed trees, and assessing damages. Months later, the core of MDS’s work will begin: long-term recovery that involves repairing and rebuilding homes.
Twenty years ago there was a disaster about every 80 days. Now, more recently, there is a disaster every 18 days. That’s the most challenging thing for me—how do we manage those constraints? That’s one of the hardest things about the job.
Sometimes the best thing to say—is to say what you’re going to do. MDS needs more leadership volunteers—people who can spend a month or more coordinating volunteers at projects. Won’t you consider this role in your life?
Meanwhile, please pray for the flood survivors, first responders, and the future long-term recovery in Texas. May MDS keep building the capacity to respond. And may hope and the love of Christ abound, always.
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