June 15, 2022

Hello Jesse,

Springtime hope blooms in Kentucky!

Last week I visited our project in Mayfield, Kentucky where MDS volunteers are restoring hope in response to the early December tornadoes that left a devastating trail. Since December 17 we have been there cleaning up and rebuilding 15 homes. Ultimately, we hope to build for 50 clients.

It was a delightful time, this six-month anniversary, as we dedicated three homes. What joy to present a new Bible, stopping a moment to read from Psalm 127:1—“unless the Lord builds the house…the laborers labor in vain”—and hand over the keys to the front door.  

Afterwards, the coordinator for case management at the long-term recovery group Homes and Hope for Kentucky, Jane Bright, reflected on the day’s events. She said "with the new homes going up it is like the first signs of spring – like the daffodils and the March flowers coming up, and then they bloom." So this fall she is going to go back to each homeowner and will help them plant daffodil bulbs so that they have this imagery too. “I care about getting people home,” Jane says with pride.

“Everything happens for a reason,” exclaims Bill Paterson, as his wife, Barbara, hugs his arm. “When I returned in the dark after the storm to my house, I couldn’t believe what I saw when my flashlight shone on what was left of my house.” Suddenly I felt God telling me “it will be alright – I will get you a new house. And here we are, today, in my new house!”

Mennonite Disaster Service recruits, organizes, and empowers volunteers to repair and rebuild the homes of those impacted by disasters in the United States and Canada. We have opportunities for you to volunteer with MDS at various projects this fall!

MDS has volunteer opportunities for Fall 2022.

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