Description
Book SynopsisIn the aftermath of a traumatic disaster, Mennonite Disaster Service arrives to help. Established in 1950, associated volunteers have gone into devastated communities to pick up debris, muck out homes, and launch rebuilding efforts. These volunteer efforts have succeeded in building more than homes, however. Called the therapeutic community by disaster researchers, acts of volunteerism can generate healing moments. Though most studies see such therapeutic effects happening right after disasters, this ethnographic study looks at long-term recovery assistance. Such extensive commitment results in beneficial consequences for survivors and their communities. For Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers, serving others reflects deeply upon their historic roots, cultural traditions, and theological belief system. In contrast to the corrosive blaming that erupted after hurricane Katrina, and feelings of neglect by those who experienced Rita and Ike, the arrival and long-term commitment of faith-
Trade ReviewReaders, and not only Mennonite readers, will enjoy this book for the ways in which it inspires hope.... The book deserves to be read widely.... [I]t will be of tremendous service to scholars and relief actors alike. * Mennonite Quarterly Review *
Mennonite Disaster Service brings to clear focus one of the most powerful examples of faith-based volunteer service to the survivors of hurricane Katrina and the other Gulf coast hurricanes of the first decade of the 21st century. This book is an important read because it provides detailed history and understanding of the work the particular group achieved but also enables us to appreciate the motivation, methods, and outcomes such committed groups demonstrate. -- Shirley Laska, University of New Orleans
This book offers a rich and textured account of Mennonite Disaster Service. In describing this extraordinary organization, Dr. Phillips answers several fundamentally important questions, including: Why do people volunteer after disasters? What do faith-based organizations contribute to post-disaster recovery work? And, ultimately, how can communities rebuild to be stronger and better, even after the most catastrophic events? This is a fascinating read. -- Lori Peek, Colorado State University
This is both an excellent academic study and a story—a truly engaging one—of people helping people in a very special way. This is a close up view of those who experienced the destruction of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike and those from the Mennonite Disaster Service who came to help. Together they built a classic therapeutic community. This important book is a valuable resource not only for students and academics who will find rich empirical support for many theoretical concepts, but for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate giving and receiving in disaster recovery. -- Maureen Fordham, Northumbria University
Table of ContentsForeword by Pam Jenkins, Ph.D. Acknowledgments Chapter 1: The Gulf Coast Storms Chapter 2: Disaster Recovery Chapter 3: Mennonite Disaster Service Chapter 4: The Quiet in the Land Chapter 5: Homeowners Chapter 6: Serving Neighbors, Serving Jesus Chapter 7: Behind the Hammer, Behind the Scenes Chapter 8: Building a Therapeutic Community Appendix A Methodology
