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Hello Lisa,
(This month a guest column, written by Jesse Huxman, MDS Communications Manager)
“Their team doesn’t just rebuild homes, they rebuild lives, and we are honored to stand by them in this work of disaster response and recovery.”
Those are the words of Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army about the work of MDS.
Since joining MDS in April 2019, I’ve heard similar comments from leaders at FEMA, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Samaritan’s Purse and so many more. They all speak so highly of MDS and our volunteers; it makes me feel blessed to be a part of this amazing organization.
Growing up in tornado alley, I frequently heard Sunday morning church announcements calling for volunteers in nearby counties to help clean up after a storm or a flood. In my little world, MDS was the only crew around that cared enough to send volunteers to help those in the chaotic aftermath of disaster.
As I got older, I learned there were other faith-based agencies in the disaster relief sector. Many were bigger than MDS. Many have deeper pockets than MDS. And yet… they all hold MDS in high regard because of the care and compassion of our volunteers and the work we do.
Annually, over 7,000 volunteers serve with MDS. The Salvation Army has more than a million! And yet lift up MDS as the standard in long term recovery. Wow!
As a lifelong member of the Mennonite church, I’m well aware that the only thing Mennonites are proud of is our humility. But I am proud to tell people I work with MDS. I’m proud of the hope we bring to families at a time of hopelessness. And I’m proud of every volunteer who wears our logo and serves as the hands and feet of Jesus.
I am blessed to be a part of MDS.
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