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Hello Jesse,
A couple of weeks ago, I had the joy of participating in an MDS leadership training event here in Winnipeg. It was particularly momentous because this was the first in-person training event we had held here since well before COVID (June 2019).
Three things stand out for me at this training event.
The first is the great mix of experienced and inexperienced volunteers who attended. This cross pollination of differing experiences and stories provides a rich learning environment and very effective in passing on some of the best MDS knowledge. Experienced volunteers bring stories and examples of what they have learned. Those less experienced frequently bring great questions; “Why do we do it this way? Might we consider another way?”
The second thing I observed was the intensity with which I saw our volunteers listen and engage when we talked about the struggles clients go through when a disaster that has taken their home or made it unsafe to live in. When we described some of the trauma or emotional health concerns that may be encountered on project, our volunteers listened and engaged in a way that exemplifies how we want to rebuild more than houses—we also want to rebuild hope, wholeness and faith.
Lastly, the love and compassion of our volunteers is nothing short of divine. I believe the source of this love is the Spirit of God who indwells us. While we frequently speak about being the hands and feet of Jesus, what is evident to me is that the heart of Jesus also becomes evident through our volunteers. From the heart of Jesus God’s love flows to those who need faith, hope, and wholeness.
Thanks to all who volunteer as leaders at MDS, and to all other volunteers, too; you are stewards of that love.
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