Since the beginning of 2023, we have sent six containers full of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and the surrounding area.
The war rages on, and many people are trying to find a new normal within the hard times.
It’s been since July since we sent the last shipment, but this week, we were given pictures from our shipping and logistics partner, North Star Foundation.
In April and May 2023, our Rice Meals as well as the 5-minute meals donated by Springfield Rotary Club were passed out to those in need throughout Ukraine.
This picture is of kids living at Berkat Charity in Kiev, Ukraine, who received Rice Meals from us. This is an orphanage for kids that need physiological rehabilitation.
Shortly after we received photos from North Star, on Tuesday, we were surprised with a note that landed in our office email inbox. It was from a man named Igor.
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This is what he shared with us:
“My name is Igor. I live in Ukraine, now I live in Odesa. I am writing to thank you because right now I’m cooking the rice stuff. Thanks for your help in these difficult times. I pray for you and each other with respect and honor. Your help is very useful. Thank you very much.”
It’s a simple note. A simple acknowledgement that he has received and is using the Rice Meal. But what weight the note carries.
A Rice Meal - a simple packaged meal - brought such a strong emotion that he decided to reach out and thank those who packed it.
It can be easy to forget the reality of those we serve. There is no escape from the difficulties they face. But, what we send gives pieces of hope and empowerment for someone like Igor.
It’s worth it. The time given, the money donated, the resources used. It’s all worth it to be able to hear the blessing it gives to someone we may never meet, but will be connected to forever.
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Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska held a Fill the School Bag event during their Sunday service on September 10th in honor of Midwest Mission Serving Sunday.
They hung the colorful, handmade one-handled bags on the edge of the pews. Each person picked one or more bags and went to their Great Hall to fill the Student Kits in the assembly line.
Altogether, they assembled 132 Student Kits, and filled more on September 24th.
This is a great way to get your entire congregation involved through collecting supplies and assembling kits. It’s an easy and accessible mission opportunity for everyone no matter if you are five or ninety-five!
Your church can do this too! To learn more about ways you can get involved at home, visit midwestmission.org/at-home.
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October Church Bulletin Insert | |
We now offer monthly church bulletin inserts that you can slide in your church's bulletin. These inserts keep your congregation up-to-date on our current needs and upcoming events! | |
You can purchase these items at your local store, or make them, and take them to Midwest Mission or a Collection Site near you. You can also buy items online and have them shipped right to Midwest Mission.
Receiving Blankets
28"x28" - 32"x32"
Bed Pillows
must be new!
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Please praise God with us for the ability to serve those in need. Praise God for the opportunities we have to serve with one another, and give out of our abundance to those in crisis.
"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done."
Proverbs 19:17
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Midwest Mission Weekly Projects
Work of the Mission Volunteers
Work Done
- Cleaning
- Build Desks
- Refurbish Bikes
- Refurbish Sewing Machines
- Sewing
- Weaving Sleeping Mats
- Counting in to inventory
- 1,270 Student Kits
- 90 UMCOR Cleaning Kits
Off-Site Events
- 2,286 Rice Meals — Colona UMC, Colona, IL
- 300 Student Kits - Disciples UMC, Mt. Morris, IL
Disbursements
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Feeding Kids NICA, (Haiti Shipment) Sarasota, FL: 22,464 Rice Meals, 1,680 Student Kits Value: $63,408.00
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St. Martin de Porres, Springfield, IL: Redirect cleaning , hygiene, and school supplies Value: $888.00
Midwest Mission is able to do this work because of your generous donations and willingness to volunteer. Thank you!
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Share some GOD news with those you love! | Do you have family or friends that need some GOOD News - GOD News - to uplift them? If so please click on the button below and share the link provided. The more we can spread the word about the work God is doing here, the more we can make the world a happier place. | |
Volunteer at Midwest Mission
Dates are available in 2023, 2024, and 2025
Need a Saturday option for team volunteering
or assistance in booking? Contact Pat Wright at pat@midwestmission.org or 217-697-4063
Click below to check calendar openings and to reserve your spots.
Volunteer Reservation Calendar
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2025 Volunteer Calendar is now open for dorm reservations!
Go to our Reservation Calendar, log in, reserve your rooms, and submit payment for your Non-refundable Reservation Fee via credit card or electronic check. We will email you the Access Code to reserve Volunteer Shifts for your team. You must complete this step for your team to volunteer at Midwest Mission.
For local teams and individuals: Volunteer Shifts will only be available 3 months ahead of time. Beginning October 1, 2023 you will be able to reserve Volunteer Shifts for January of 2024.
Thank you for your patience as we try to improve the reservation experience for both local teams and those staying in the dorm.
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Volunteers at Work
September 25-29, 2023
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Chuck and Karen Porter
Brighton, IL
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Pat and Sharon Baumer
Noblesville, IN
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Emmanuel UMC
Noblesville, IN
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Springfield FUMC Sewing Group
Springfield, IL
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Quilting Friends
Jacksonville, IL
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We are so grateful for all our local and regular volunteers, and the time they give towards volunteering at Midwest Mission. We appreciate their passion and dedication to the ministry! | | | | |