The Mennonite Disaster Service did more Rita Restoration in in 2005-6, in Newton, County than any other single organization. They have returned! See the MDS appreciation dinner held on April 26, 2007, to honor all of their efforts for Newton.

 

 

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On January 18, 2007, Marlin Gingerich, the project manager for the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) was the speaker at the Newton Lions Club meeting. Newton has a special love for the MDS. The MDS came to Newton within a few days after Rita and worked her for about 6 months clearing debris and repairing houses. They came back to Newton in early January with the mission of building some new houses from scratch. They are staying at the Baptist Encampment. They have a group of 28 Amish workers that will be here for an extended period of time. One of the Amish men, John Swantz came with Marlin. During Marlin's talk he stated that the MDS believes in doing work for which there is no expectation of repayment. They do it just because they want to help. After Marlin described the work projects, the Lion Club President commented how the MDS expressed their Christianity in such real terms by serving God and their fellow human beings. Their was a resounding AMEN from the club members. 

 

John Swantz talks with members at the Lions Club meeting
 

The Lions Club President thanks Marlin Gingerich for a very inspiring presentation
 

 

One of the MDS work sites is on 1415 in Shankleville. This shows the house after only 5 work days on January 24.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 15, 2007, and the MDS is busily repairing houses as they did in 2006. This home is on loop 502 heading North just a few blocks from the main court house square. This picture was taken in the early afternoon on a cloudy day. The work crew had just started to work in the afternoon the day before. The amount of progress in such a short time period is typical of the work crews.