|
Hi Lisa,
Earlier this month, I joined volunteers, disaster survivors and local partners in North Shuswap, B.C., for MDS Shuswap Response wrap-up. The five-month-long response was an impressive effort, with four houses rebuilt and another four repaired by an estimated 400 volunteers.
Work like this would not be possible without local partnership. And it’s because of strong local relationships that the collective team of 400 volunteers was able to achieve what they did. At the closing celebration and in conversations with long-term volunteers and our church partners, it became clear to me that MDS and our host church reciprocated blessings.
The North Shuswap Christian Fellowship generously shared their church facility to make it our volunteer homebase for five months. They extended our reach through the help of dozens of daily volunteers. And we shared a model of service that the congregation plans to adopt so that they can continue to rebuild hope in their community.
A beautiful illustration of Luke 6:38: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (NIV)
Thanks to the many volunteers who served in North Shuswap and in Lytton this season — for recognizing put-down-the-hammer moments and for living out your faith through these meaningful relationships.
With gratitude,
| 
