MDS couple enjoys new RV program

Last year, Jake and Verna Martens retired and sold their farm near Portage la Prairie, Man. They were looking at how to spend the next chapter of their lives.

Jake and Verna Martens, volunteers in the Mennonite Disaster Service RV program. Photo: Bruce Hildebrand

When they saw the devastation caused by the hurricanes of 2005 on the southern U.S. Gulf coast, they felt utterly small. “What can I do here?” Jake asked himself.

After reflection, Verna thought, “We have to break it down into smaller chunks. A cup of water is such a small thing – unless you’re thirsty.” So the Martens decided to do something.

They called Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and signed up for the new RV program, geared to RV couples with energy and a desire to serve, who also want time for sightseeing and relaxation.

Jake and Verna, members of Community Fellowship Church in Newton, had recently purchased a fifth wheel trailer, so the program was a good fit. They left Oct. 25 for a five-week assignment in Chunchula, Ala., returning to Manitoba for Christmas with their family. They did another term of service in January and then a third term in Louisiana in March.

MDS is helping people whose houses have been damaged or destroyed by the hurricanes and flooding. The Martens worked on two houses. One is being repaired from tree and subsequent water damage. The other is a new build for a couple that lost all the contents of their rented house when it was washed into the Gulf.

The couple has done a variety of jobs: cleaning up debris, framing walls, working on plumbing and electrical, drywalling, mudding, sanding, painting, and installing windows, doors, and trim.

Verna avoids some jobs because her eyes are sensitive to dryness and dust, but does what she can, like painting. She is also busy writing a book about their 14 years as missionaries in Belize in the 1970s and 1980s.

Jake likes being physically active. “I enjoy doing this and the need is there, so I make myself available for this,” he says.

The socializing and camaraderie with other RV couples is a favourite aspect of the program for many participants. They make their own meals most of the time, but enjoy playing games, visiting, or going for blizzards in the evenings.

“Service is part of Christian life; it’s part of Christ’s example,” explains Jake. “The Lord calls us to do that. It’s plain in Scripture.”

Says Verna, “We want to be a channel of God’s love and blessing to other people.”

—Bruce Hildebrand, MDS