Mennonite Weekly Review

Even someone who doesn’t know a Mennonite from a Midianite might end up praising God for Mennonite Disaster Service. The important thing is that God gets the glory.

That attitude of humility — accepting thanks graciously but directing the praise to God — is the true spirit of service. It came through time and again Feb. 13-14 at the MDS All-Unit Meeting in Mobile, Ala.

Participants testified about the life-changing impact of an organization that combines physical labor with relationship-building. It’s a style of service that has captured Mennonites’ imagination ever since a Hesston, Kan., Sunday school class came up with the idea almost 60 years ago.

Sometimes the MDS connection begins at the basic level of knowing Mennonites by reputation, if not by name. Nelson Roth, pastor of Gulfhaven Mennonite Church in Gulfport, Miss., told of a women who called his church after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to ask if “the Midianites” could come and clean up trees that fell on her house.

“The Mennonites have a reputation, and that’s an awesome thing,” Roth said. “People thought of us as the ones who help.”

By the time the work is done, speakers said, people ought to think of the God whom MDS volunteers serve.

“People will thank us, but ultimately thank God,” said Gene King, pastor of Grace Fellowship in Atmore, Ala. He cited 2 Cor. 9:13: “Men will praise God [for] your obedience.” He added: “By the service you perform, you represent the gospel that is in you.”

Kevin King, MDS executive director, regards the organization’s work as helping disaster survivors regain faith and wholeness. In the process, MDS volunteers gain something important, too: contact with people in need.

“It’s sometimes difficult to see the hungry, thirsty, naked and imprisoned when you are surrounded by the abundance that we have,” he said. “That’s what I like about the mission of MDS. It opens our eyes.”

A non-Mennonite presenter at the meeting mentioned something else volunteers get out of their service. MDS work can be exciting and fun.