Tornado sirnes call us to respond
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'" (Matthew 25:34-36 NIV)
The Greensburg tornado has been headline news across the country this past week, and rightly so. The EF5 tornado will go down in history as one of the most powerful and devastating natural disasters on U.S. soil.
We believe the tornado sirens that sounded this past weekend were a call for all of us to serve.
On the front page of this paper is a story about the Mennonite Disaster Service, and its response in the aftermath of this tragedy.
In an age when so many so-called charitable relief organizations seem more interested in grabbing headlines and publicity than grabbing hammers, saws, shovels, and brooms, the MDS performs simple acts of service.
Instead of taking charge, the MDS believes that effective disaster response begins with working partnerships between organizations, agencies and individuals.
Many of these partnerships begin and end with a handshake. In fact, the handshake in the MDS logo represents the primary relationship between MDS volunteers and the clients they serve.
The majority of MDS volunteers belong to a family of peace churches that includes the Mennonites, the Amish and the Brethren In Christ. Anyone who has lived around them knows that Mennonites are a diverse group of Christians who share a common desire to follow Christ's example of peacefulness and service to others.
But when it comes to serving through MDS, you don't have to be a Mennonite, or Amish, or Brethren in Christ to give your time and talents. All people who are Christian by faith are welcome to lend a hand.
The cross is found at the center of the MDS logo because Christ is at the center of their work. Regardless of their denomination, MDS volunteers serve in the name of Christ.
That's why, even though the main focus of MDS is on cleanup, repair and rebuilding homes, volunteers are reminded that the work also means touching lives, helping people in despair regain faith and wholeness. Workers are encouraged to stop, and to listen to the stories, and to respond with compassion in Jesus' name.
Mennonite Disaster Service specializes in managing volunteer labor. While it is unable to provide direct material or financial donations to disaster survivors, it works closely with other responding agencies to make sure that the needs of their clients are met.
In the coming weeks and months, MDS volunteers, male and female, young and old, varying in their dress and religious practice, will be working nonstop, long after the camera crews, politicians, and other relief organizations have gone. Collectively, they will roll up their sleeves, which is an apt description of what MDS is all about — Christianity with its sleeves rolled-up.
How can you help?
You can volunteer.
You can bring your spouse and your mature children. You can invite friends, coworkers, neighbors, and serve together.
And you can donate.
While MDS is funded from a variety of sources including individuals and Anabaptist churches, it still needs financial support from people like us.
Those wishing to serve on an MDS volunteer team are encouraged to call Ediger at 947-3258.
Donation checks should be made out to Kansas MDS and sent to Gerry Selzer, 249 S. Weaver Street, Hesston 67062. Or you may donate on the web at www.med.mennonite.net.
Be sure to designate your donation, "May 2007 Kansas Storms."
Why should you help?
There are many good reasons, and everybody has their own. But in case you need reminding, we help because it feels good; because it make others feel good; because someday it could happen to us; because it reminds us of what we have to be thankful for; and because it makes God happy to see his children helping each other; because it's the right thing to do.
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (Matthew 25: 37ff)
— GRANT OVERSTAKE
