May 20, 2026

Hi friend,


On April 28, a convoy of MDS trucks and trailers pulled into Denare Beach, SK, where four homes destroyed by the Wolf Wildfire were set to be rebuilt. It’s a scene that has played itself out countless times, when MDS sets up camp at a disaster site. 


Although subtle, the MDS logo is featured on all our vehicles and trailers, letting community members know we are here and reminding disaster survivors that they have not been forgotten. We heard from several excited community members in Denare Beach that they saw the MDS convoy arrive. Our logo helps to share the story of MDS, what we seek to accomplish, and what we stand for. 


Ultimately, the story we seek to tell is the story of Jesus Christ and his love for the world. I’m grateful for the 25 volunteers who will wear MDS shirts in Denare Beach each week this spring and summer. More than displaying the MDS logo, volunteers are Jesus’ brand ambassadors, sharing the Good News through ministries of reconciliation, healing, and love. 


Peter Thiessen, the first Project Director at Denare Beach, shared how meaningful that witness has already been. At the end of the first week, long-term volunteers attended a local musical performance in Flin Flon (a nearby town). Before the final song that spoke about rising up through hardship, MDS volunteers were acknowledged and thanked for coming to help.  


Let us never underestimate our role of being a positive brand ambassador for Christ.  

Reynold Friesen

Executive Director

MDS Canada

Friendship circles grow with MDS in Puerto Rico

For two Winnipeg friends, serving with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) in Puerto Rico was a good way to spend time together for a week in March—and bring joy to a disaster survivor.


“It was a great way to learn about another part of the world, meet other people, and really help someone,” said 24-year-old Andrew Stoesz.


Click here to read more

Three Canadian couples find comraderie and fulfillment while serving for a month in Lahaina, Maui, Hawai’i

Three couples, Jane and Jeff Holly from Deep River, Ontario, Laurie and Jim Bos from Okotoks, Alberta, and Sheila Wiens-Neufeld and Michael Neufeld from Langham, Saskatchewan, join in a Q&A to share their experience serving with MDS in Hawai'i.


Click here to read more

MDS has volunteer opportunities for you!

See the full list of volunteer opportunities when you click here.

  Contact volunteer@mds.org or 

call 1-866-261-1274 with any questions or to schedule a week. 

 

MDS Canada Office

200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd

Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J1 Canada


T: (204) 261-1274

T (toll free): 1-866-261-1274

F: (204) 261-1279

mdscanada@mds.org

Facebook  Instagram  Youtube

MDS Office in U.S.

583 Airport Road,

Lititz, PA 17543 USA


T: (717) 735-3536

T (toll free): 1-800-241-8111

F: (717) 735-0809

mdsus@mds.org