In the Midwest, disasters can come out of nowhere, with little to no warning. A peaceful day can quickly turn into a devastating series of events.

On Saturday, December 9, residents of Tennessee experienced this sad reality. Seven tornadoes tore through Middle Tennessee from the early afternoon to the evening.

Several communities have been changed forever. Families of six loved ones have had to say goodbye, dozens more are recovering from injuries, and thousands are sifting through what remains of their belongings.

It's truly terrible, and we continue to pray over those who are grieving.

When disaster strikes, Midwest Mission is ready to help when called upon. We work with a group called VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). These organizations work together in times of crisis to coordinate relief in an effective and efficient way, all organizations doing what they do best so that the most people possible receive help.

Through the Tennessee VOAD, we were told what their needs were, and we quickly prepared supplies to be sent to Middle Tennessee.

Midwest Mission volunteers, Dave and Deb Gowdy, recently moved to Tennessee. Thankfully, they were safe during the storm, and their house was not impacted, but there have been widespread power outages throughout the state.

The Gowdy's graciously volunteered to drive to Midwest Mission, pick up supplies, and take the loaded trailer back to Tennessee.

They arrived at Midwest Mission on Thursday, December 14, and will be back in Tennessee by this evening.

Brad Walton, Operations Manager, loaded rubbermaid totes, disinfecting wipes, body wipes, UMCOR Hygiene Kits, UMCOR Menstrual Hygiene Kits, and tools like shovels, rakes, and brooms, onto the trailer.

The supplies will be delivered to VOAD Collection Sites in connection with Middle Tennessee Tornado Support. There are four locations: Clarksville, Madison, Hendersonville, and Springfield, Tennessee.

Thank you, Gowdy's, for volunteering to bring needed supplies to people in crisis. And, a big thank you to everyone who has donated time, funds, and supplies — because of you, we are able to quickly respond to requests that come in after a disaster.

Happy December, 

As we prepare for year-end we know that you are doing the same. With that, many people are looking at the end of the year for their charitable giving opportunities. If that is the case for you and you are considering giving to Midwest Mission, please remember to talk with your financial advisors for opportunities to give from your Donor Advised Funds and using your Required Minimum Distribution … both are ways you can give pre-tax. 

We are always grateful for your gifts, and we also want it to mean something. When you give to Midwest Mission, you are touching lives and hearts. 

Merry Christmas blessings and Happy New Year to you and yours!

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10

Joy to the world, the Lord has come! The third week of Advent, we light the candle of JOY!

At Midwest Mission, we talk about JOY a lot, because we believe that the true JOY that comes from Jesus is contagious, and inspiring.

Joy is evident through all circumstances - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Because it is not reliant on human capabilities, but on God! It is the realization that in even the darkest of days, God provides, and we are eternally saved through Jesus’ sacrifice. 

How could we not want to experience that joy, and share it with others!

One of the ways we’ve seen joy is through service. The joy of serving is contagious, and can reinvigorate an entire congregation. 

Serving alongside one another, for another in need, despite any differences, is what truly brings us together. It is a great representation of the gospel at work. The joy that comes from serving flows and is evident to others! 

The JOY we get to experience is because our Lord has come. And, we look forward to the day He comes again, and mends the brokenness of this world, so everyone might experience eternal joy!

Spend time this week resting in the Joy we have in Jesus! Maybe work on a service project with loved ones to experience the joy that comes from serving. Thank you, Jesus, for granting us your everlasting JOY!

“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Midwest Mission has been blessed with volunteers across the Midwest who give of their time, energy and resources to assist us in carrying out God’s mission to help those in need.  

Some of these volunteers use the facilities God has blessed them with to provide a donation collection point for needed supplies. These are our Permanent Collection Sites!  

You can find their contact information at www.midwestmission.org/permanent-collection-sites.

What’s Happening @ Permanent Collection Sites?

Nebraska City UMC, Nebraska City, NE: Howard & Deb Orndorff made and delivered several Looms to our warehouse in Illinois on Nov. 27th , helping us keep up with the demand.  Thank you so very much!

Mequon UMC, Mequon, WI: Karen Huffman shipped several one handle cloth bags to our location. These were brought to her site and she wanted to get them to us as soon as possible.  Thank you so much for going the extra mile.

Grace UMC, Carbondale, IL:  Grace UMC assembled the following kits and other items through November:  Layette Kits – 57,  Student Kits – 4, Personal Dignity Kits – 7, plus 48 extra hand towels and 50 extra washcloths,  Home Care Kit – 1, 1000 medical-exam gloves for Birthing Kits, 5 sets of sheets for Bed Packs and sent checks totaling $122 for diaper cream and other needs. These are to be delivered to Midwest Mission by Larry Dunlap-Berg in December.  Also, a special thanks to Betty Hamilton of First UMC, Carbondale, who knitted 47 of the Layette baby sweaters. 

Riverside UMC Park Rapids, MN: Duane Gebhard has been making looms for their congregation to use for Sleeping Mats.  Thank you Duane!

Trinity UMC, Elk Mound, WI: Joel Certa-Werner is excited about donations collected through their site for Midwest Mission. Midwest Mission was also lifted up by Trinity UMC congregants at their Church Charge Conference. We are blessed to have you all working to support God’s mission.

Forrest Hill UMC, Peoria, IL: Deb Nuske reported their church has started a Cleaning Supplies and Personal Hygiene Kit pantry for their community. Midwest Mission was honored to be in a position to provide some needed supplies to help them get going. We pray this pantry will share God’s love in a tangible way in your community.

If your congregation is interested in becoming a new Permanent Collection Site in 2024, please contact [email protected] for more information.

God is doing great things at Midwest Mission! We combined some of our most recent "God Moments" into a publication called "God is On the Move."

Using the button below, you can download the stories and share with someone you know!

December Church Bulletin Insert

We 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.

Liquid Household Cleaner

56-80 oz total (no spray bottles) - purchase here

Receiving Blankets

28"x28" - 32"x32" — can be store-bought or handmade — purchase here

Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers

Work Done

• Cleaning
• Desks
• Sewing Machines
• Bikes
• StuffChristmas Mailer
• 690 Student Kits
• 96 UMCOR Hygiene Kits
• Counting into inventory

Disbursements

• St. Martin de Porres, Springfield, IL: Cleaning, hygiene, and school supplies, coffee filters, body wipes Value: $11,336.00
• Toys for Tots, Springfield, IL: 240 UMCOR Hygiene Kits Value: $3,061.44
• Biehl Bridges to Recovery, Marinette, WI: 168 UMCOR Hygiene Kits Value: $2,016.00
• Middle Tennessee Tornado Support, Middle Tennessee: 192 18-gallon totes, disinfecting wipes, body wipes, 576 UMCOR Hygiene Kits, 320 Menstrual Hygiene Kits, tools Value: $30,783.28

Midwest Mission is able to do this work because of your generous donations and willingness to volunteer. Thank you!



Volunteers | December 11-15

Volunteer Leaders

Ron and Sharon Monroe

Fairbury, IL

Chuck and Karen Porter

Brighton, IL

Volunteers

Simpson Group

Springfield, IL

Union Reunion

St. Louis, MO

Jenny's Birthday

Springfield, IL

Douglas Avenue

Springfield, IL

Ready to Get Involved?

Host an Off-Site Event!

We have several easy, hands-on mission opportunities for all ages that your church can participate in. You can make an impact around the world from right where you are!

Learn more here

For more ways to get involved, including serving at Midwest Mission in Illinois or Iowa, or serving from home, go to midwestmission.org/get-involved.