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Friesens end five years at Pass Christian
Much appreciation expressed as homeowners had opportunity to speak
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss.—5 Years, 38 New Homes, 3400 hostess, construction foreman, and crew leaders. The unity Volunteers – Thank You, MDS! So reads the front page of and commitment we experienced provided for a rewarding the Gazebo Gazette (March 5, 2010). This experience. weekly newspaper serves residents and When orientation began Sunday night friends of Pass Christian, Mississippi. we were ready for a new set of short-term
We dedicated our last two homes on workers that hailed from churches all over Friday, February 26. Our hearts overCanada and the USA. These volunteers flowed with joy as we watched the families came with a wide variety of skills and “an celebrate this joyous “homecoming.” eager willingness to serve.”
“Mama’s place is home, it’s where we Our accomplishments at the end of come together,” responded Ms. Thelma each week were new friends, the blessing as she placed her arm around her Mama. of fellowship through devotions and meal Another homeowner, Ms. Hazel, reMs. Hazel with her granddaughter Jasmine times, relating to clients while working on sponded from her wheelchair, “I am truly their homes, and an abundance of work blessed; it’s good to be home.” completed.
MDS volunteers presented the homAn added task for us this year was to eowners with a Bible, a wall hanging, the close down the Pass Christian site. There book The Hammer Rings Hope, the occuare still many families without homes, pancy permit, and finally the keys. but funding for materials has run out. For
The mayor, members from the Rotary Saturday, Feb. 27, we invited MDS hom(the funding agency), neighbours, and eowners, friends, business acquaintances friends came to show their support. and pastors to a wrap-up celebration. Pastors came to pray a blessing over these The huge shed that housed all our new homeowners and their families. building materials for the last four years
My husband Harold and I have had the became a place of shelter from the rain privilege of volunteering with Mennonite Ms. Georgia with her family in front of her and cool weather. Much appreciation Disaster Service in Pass Christian, MS, for new home built by MDS volunteers. was expressed as each homeowner was January and February the past five years. acknowledged and given an opportunity to speak.
In our role as project directors God blessed us with inWe fellowshipped around a bountiful potluck table of credible long-term volunteers. This team included cooks, southern dishes and watched as neighbours and friends greeted and welcomed each other home. What a blessing it is to be a part of such a warm, caring, supportive community. No, their problems are not over. Will they make it? Yes, God’s love abounds. On our last Sunday we attended Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church. Thank you was expressed to MDS and its volunteers. The men’s choir dedicated a song to “the Mennonites” called God’s got a blessing waiting for you. When our black brothers and sisters worship, they sing from the bottom of their hearts. We were blessed by their warmth toward us. Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened! I say from the bottom of my heart: I am truly grateful for this experience. God has smiled down on us MDS volunteers. I trust that we finished well. Sandra Friesen
Our long-term team of volunteers this last winter (with Sandra and Harold Friesen, project directors, bottom right).
Sandra and Harold Friesen are part of Abbeydale Christian Fellowship (Calgary, Alta.).
