MDS Updates - September 2

CURRENT NEEDS

Diamond, La. - The leaking oil well may be capped, but Gulf Coast residents are still anxious about the future. MDS wants to have volunteers working at our Diamond, LA project to let people know that we have not forgotten them. The weather is hot, the bugs are fierce, and you may need to cook your own dinner, but there is A/C! Our friends in the Diamond communities are so grateful that MDS is still there! General construction, electrical, and plumbing skills are all needed.

Fall Projects

We are currently scheduling for fall projects. Projects that will be open include Diamond, New Orleans, New Iberia, Cameron and Pass Christian. RV Projects will be in the Gulf, exact locations are not yet available. Long-term and short-term volunteers are needed.

If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity please call (800) 241-8111 in the U.S. or (866) 261-1274 in Canada.

Volunteers Needed in Lititz, PA

Volunteers are needed each day at the Binational Office build in Lititz, PA. Please call Martha and schedule a time when you can help. She will tell you what skills are needed now and place your name on the list if you want to be called for a different skill. Some jobs don’t need a special skill. Please call (717) 917-3467.

Regional Meeting Schedule

• Region I – Oct. 8-9, First Mennonite Church, Richmond, VA
• Region II – Oct. 23, Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, OH
• Region III – Nov. 19-20, Windmere Retreat Center, Roach, MO
• Region IV – Sept. 10-11, Albany Mennonite Church, Albany, OR
• Region V – Oct 29-31, Wilderness Edge Retreat Center, Pinawa, MB

For more information, contact your Region representative or check the MDS website.

DIAMOND, LOUISIANA

Disaster: 2005 Hurricane

Volunteers will return to Diamond soon to continue the rebuilding.

LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA
New Binational Office Build 2010
The office was alive with chatter as a group from New York and some volunteers from Lancaster County painted at the new office. Two electricians continued doing their wire pulling work. The stone masons completed the front of the offices and the front of the multipurpose room and they are starting to prepare the end wall for stone. Added to this, the site developers are making their noise as they dig yet another hole for pipes.

A special thanks to the seven couples from New York State and some fellows from Lancaster County that helped them. Thanks for the beautiful job!

You could make some new friends this week, while painting at the Lititz MDS Project. All help is appreciated, even a half day. To schedule a time to work, call Martha at (717) 917-3467. You can also email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Disaster: 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes
The New Orleans project will reopen in October.

SWIFT CURRENT, SASKATCHEWAN
Youth Project
Fiberglass insulation was put in the Chapel ceiling and lots of vapor barrier went up on ceilings and walls. Every day more OSB went on and so did the drywall. Mudders started taping and mudding and by the end of the week much progress was made.
On the lower level, some electrical boxes were put up and fireguard drywall was glued around the steel posts. On the outside of the building, the soffit, fascia and gable trim were put on. A major clean up of scrap around the building site greatly improved the scenery.
One evening we had s’mores and while we were around the campfire, two staff from Rock Solid Refuge came to share their testimonies. When you think of them, please pray for them.

Contributions may be sent to:
USA: 1018 Main Street, Akron, PA 17501 or
Can.: 6A-1325 Markham Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6
Online: Donate

Telephone: (717) 859-2210 or (800) 241-8111

Remember the variety of ways you can give to MDS – volunteer your time, give money through cash donations, planned gifts, bequests and traded securities. Call our office to learn more details.