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In this episode, Gloria Nussbaum sits down with Abe Ens of Winkler, Manitoba, whose connection to Mennonite Disaster Service stretches back to its earliest years. Abe shares how he first became involved in disaster response during the Red River floods and reflects on decades of service in leadership roles across Manitoba, Canada, and the binational MDS board.
Along the way, he recounts stories from the field, discusses the evolution of MDS and its relationship with MCC, and offers a firsthand look at how the organization has grown since its founding. Through his experiences, Abe reminds us of the grassroots spirit of MDS and the importance of going the extra mile for disaster survivors.
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It started with a free trip to Alaska through a Mennonite church. What followed was 13 years, 44 project sites, and a life of service that took Don Mintmier from the coast of American Samoa to the mountains of Washington State, from High River, Canada to Marianna, Florida, and dozens of communities in between.In this conversation with host Gloria Nussbaum, Don reflects on his years as a Project Director with Mennonite Disaster Service. He talks about the rhythm of life on a project site: morning devotions, the whiteboard with the day's assignments, the work, the meeting place, the dinner table, and what it means to lead volunteers of all skill levels with patience and good humor. He shares the places that stayed with him, the people he never would have met otherwise, and why, once you do it, it tends to pull you back."If it weren't for Mennonite Disaster Service," Don said, "I would never have gotten to see the places that I have seen."
Don passed away after this recording was made. We are publishing this episode to honor his memory and his life of service. On behalf of all of us at MDS, Thank you Don.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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When interviewer Gloria Nussbaum asked Frank Hoover what he received from his decades of service with Mennonite Disaster Service, his answer was immediate: "Way more than I put in." Frank reminds us that even in the tragic aftermath of disaster, God is quietly at work — building relationships that draw us closer together and closer to Him. We cannot prevent the storms from coming, but we can build homes, bridges, and relationships that last through the most trying times.
Frank Hoover of Ephrata, PA has been showing up for strangers since 1972 — from flood muckouts in Harrisburg to hurricanes in Florida to wildfire recovery in California. He's learned that every disaster is unique, and so is every survivor. Some watch your every move; others hand you the keys. One client in New York told him they "could see the love of God in every stroke of the paintbrush and every swing of the hammer" — a moment that captures what Frank has believed all along: "It is a lot easier to show people God's love than to tell them about it."
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Esther McCoy of Manheim, Pennsylvania, after learning about Mennonite Disaster Service 30 years ago, went on to serve alongside her husband Bill for 20 years, from 1995 to 2015. With skills in construction and nursing, they became long-time project directors, helping create spaces where everyone could serve and grow.
The McCoy's service took them across the country and beyond, where they witnessed both hardship and deep gratitude from homeowners. Esther reflects on the many blessings received through MDS, especially the relationships built and the gift of serving others.
Enjoy this episode of the MDS podcast, and don't forget to follow and share the episode.
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Don and Rachel Horst of Newton, Kansas have been showing up for people in their worst moments for nearly five decades. First responding to the Big Thompson Canyon flood in Colorado in 1976, the Horsts have since served in some of the most far-reaching corners of MDS response work, from California and Puerto Rico to American Samoa and Saipan.But what makes Don and Rachel stand out is not just the miles traveled or the years logged, it is the way they show up. They listen they sit with survivors they offer compassion to people who have lost everything. In this episode, they share some of the most moving stories from a lifetime of service, including Don's own profound journey as a retired pilot and trucker who found deep meaning in giving back through MDS.We are saddened to share that Don Horst has passed away since this interview was recorded in 2023. We are grateful to have captured his voice and his story, and we are honored to share his memory with reverence.
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“MDS changes lives.” On February 10, 2023 in Lancaster, PA Gloria Nussbaum met with Sabourin of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Denis talks about his faith journey, how he came to know MDS, and how his first trip led to him organizing over 17 MDS service trips!
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On November 18, 2024, Gloria Nussbaum sits down with Tom Smucker of Sterling, Ohio, former Executive Director of Mennonite Disaster Service, to reflect on a lifetime of responding to disaster.
Tom shares how he first became involved with MDS in 1992 following Hurricane Andrew, drawing from his background in construction and farming. He recounts the early days of MDS, its history and separation from MCC, and what it feels like to witness a disaster for the first time. From the overwhelming sight and even the smells of destruction, to the challenges of arriving early in a response, Tom offers honest insight shaped by decades of leadership.
The conversation also explores how MDS, and disaster response as a whole, has grown and changed over the years, and the importance of collaboration with other organizations doing meaningful work.
Join us as we listen, learn, and give thanks for Tom Smucker’s faithful years of service with MDS.
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Meet Steve and Connie Caucci from Duette, Florida. Listen to them recall hurricane Ian, their experience in the storm, and how they came in contact with MDS.“I never thought that I was going to be one of those in need” said Connie Caucci, reflecting on their hurricane encounter. Be sure to like and share this episode, and listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to hear their full story.
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Gloria Nussbaum interviews Jerry Grosh, Interim Director of Operations with MDS. Jerry shares how he was introduced to MDS, his first experience serving in Alabama after Hurricane Katrina, how disaster response locations are chosen, adversity faced on projects, and the nature of facing disasters as a faith based organization.
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Thank you for listening!
