Mennonite Disaster Service

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.