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Greetings!
The biblical passage 1 Corinthians 13 always inspires me. As I consider the mission and the vision of MDS, I thought of a special version of these beautiful words, which might go something like this…
If I speak in the language of disaster response, quoting FEMA manuals and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster protocols, but have no love, I’m just the hum of a generator with no power to share.
If I can assess damage, coordinate volunteers, and know every stage from search-and-rescue to long-term recovery, and have faith to move truckloads of relief supplies, but don’t have love, I’m nothing.
If I give away my savings and MDS’s tool trailers, if I spend every weekend speaking about service but don’t have love, I gain nothing.
Love shows up early, listens deeply, and works quietly. Love is patient when materials are delayed and kind when tempers are short. It isn’t jealous of other VOAD crews; it celebrates every partner that helps rebuild a home. It doesn’t brag about numbers reported or hours logged. It isn’t rude, doesn’t demand credit, and doesn’t grumble when plans change. Love rejoices not in disaster, but in hope restored and families returning home.
Love keeps showing up, even when the rain returns. It trusts in God’s provision, hopes when the funding runs low, and endures long days, splinters, and failed inspections. Love steadies the ladder, sweeps the sawdust, and prays before the next wall goes up.
Love never fails. As for hurricane forecasts, they’ll change. As for glowing grant promises, they’ll fade. As for new technologies, they’ll soon be outdated. We know only part of the picture; we build on faith. But when God’s kingdom comes in full, our partial efforts will be complete.
May it be so,
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