July 12, 2024

Hurricane Beryl Slams Into Several Countries

On Monday, July 1, Hurricane Beryl made landfall over the island of Carriacou, an island of Grenada, with winds as high as 150mph.


The island was devastated, with over 90% of houses damaged on the island.


Through the week, the Hurricane traveled through the Caribbean, impacting Jamaica, Haiti, Mexico, and eventually Texas.


Devastating winds, and life-threatening storm surge flooding fell on Jamaica on Wednesday, July 3.


This is the strongest hurricane to hit the Caribbean so early in the year. Abnormally warm waters allowed the hurricane to quickly gain strength into a Category 4 Hurricane.


The level of destruction from this hurricane is heartbreaking. Hurricanes know no borders. And, unfortunately, it's those in developing countries who already lack necessities who are affected the most.


Our partner Food For The Poor prepositions Disaster Relief Kits in many Caribbean countries in preparation for times like these. Midwest Mission's Student Kit is a part of the Kit, along with water, tarps, hygiene items, emergency blankets, and more from other organizations.


Because of this, supplies were quickly distributed to affected communities, providing needed items in a timely manner.


Every single Kit they had in the Caribbean has been released, after the recent disaster. This is deeply concerning because of the earliness of this hurricane. And, assuming this is an indication of what this fall's hurricane season will be, there will be a great need for disaster relief supplies.

Midwest Mission Sends Supplies

When a disaster happens, Midwest Mission gets in contact with partners to find out how we can best work together to respond. We never send supplies without a request, and we always only send what is needed.


This is a difficult disaster because it has affected so many places. From the Caribbean to the United States, there is a path of destruction and people left behind that are in dire need of help.


Because of you, we were ready to respond to the requests that came in.


On Friday, July 12 we sent a shipment to Texas through North Star Foundation and Global Citizen. The supplies will help those who are in need of basic resources on the front lines of the disaster.


Included in what we sent was Hygiene Kits and Menstrual Hygiene Kits.


Because this is a domestic disaster, we are able to quickly get supplies into the hands of those who need it. We loaded the supplies onto a semi that will be down in Texas within a day or two.


Internationally, we are preparing to send supplies.


Supplies have been requested for Jamaica by Food For The Poor, and Brad Walton, our Operations Manager, is actively working with our partner to quickly find a shipping date.


Before the hurricane came through, El Salvador was experiencing major flooding after heavy rains. On July 18th, we will send a container full of requested disaster relief supplies to assist with their clean up efforts.


All that to say, our supply of disaster relief is depleting!

How You Can Help

There are three main ways you can provide help for the recent disasters.


1. Pray for those who are victims of the hurricane and flooding, and pray for those who are on the frontlines of helping.


2. Send supplies to Midwest Mission or a Permanent Collection Site near you to help us prepare for future response.


We are in need of:

  • 5 gallon buckets and lids
  • 32-64 oz. Bottles of  liquid laundry detergent
  • 16-40 oz. Bottles of liquid concentrate household cleaner
  • 16-34 oz. Bottles of liquid dish soap
  • Scrub brushes


3. Make a monetary donation towards Disaster Relief Supplies that will allow us to be flexible and respond to specific requests.

Send a check to Midwest Mission — 1001 Mission Drive, Pawnee, IL 62558 with “Disaster Relief Supplies” in the memo

Donate online at midwestmission.org/donate and choose “Disaster Relief Supplies” under the “My Gift is For” tab


You can help provide needed supplies for those in unthinkable circumstances. Midwest Mission always asks what is needed before we send supplies, and before we ask you for help. Although it’s out of the goodness of hearts, ⅔ of supplies donated to a disaster end up in the garbage because people assume what is needed. 


We want to help you respond in the right way — to show God’s love in a practical way.


Prayers to Lift Up

This week, pray for those who have been affected by Hurricane Beryl.


"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." 


Psalm 23:1-3a

Our 2023 Impact Report is available for download! Using the button below, you can download the report and share with someone you know!

Download

July 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!

Download July Bulletin PDF

These items will help us replenish our disaster relief supply to respond to upcoming disasters.


  • 5 gallon buckets and lids
  • 32-64 oz. Bottles of liquid laundry detergent
  • 16-40 oz. Bottles of liquid concentrate household cleaner
  • 16-34 oz. Bottles of liquid dish soap
  • Scrub brushes



Click here to purchase these items online.


You can bring items to Midwest Mission or a Permanent Collection Site near you — or send them through the mail to 1001 Mission Drive, Pawnee, IL 62558.


Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers


Work Done



  • 1,128 Hygiene Kits
  • 9 Electric Sewing Machines
  • 120 Home Care Kits
  • 230 Personal Dignity Kits



  • Landscaping
  • Poly Shop
  • Desk Shop
  • Count into inventory
  • Cleaning
  • Unload Bleacher Wood
  • Bike Shop
  • Sewing Machine Shop
  • Sewing



  • 100 Student Kits - Trinity Lutheran School VBS, Springfield, IL


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



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.

Link to Share the Midwest Mission Newsletter

Ready to Get Involved?

Here are three ways you can get involved at Midwest Mission:


1. Host an Off-Site Event


We have several hands-on mission opportunities you can host at your location! Visit midwestmission.org/off-site to learn more. Contact Melissa Brookens at 217-483-7911 or melissa@midwestmission.org to book your event or for questions.


2. Serve From Home


You can serve people around the world from right at home! From sewing, to assembling kits, there's something for everyone. Learn how at midwestmission.org/at-home.

3. Volunteer at Midwest Mission

We have dates available in 2024 and 2025! Have questions or need assistance in booking? Contact Pat Wright at  pat@midwestmission.org or 217-697-4063. 


Click here to check calendar openings and to reserve your spots.



2025 and 2026 Volunteer Calendar is 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. For example, December 1, 2023 you will be able to reserve Volunteer Shifts for March of 2024.



Midwest Mission Iowa

If you would like to do the Midwest Mission Experience at our Jefferson, IA location, visit midwestmission.org/iowa - or reach out to Melissa Brookens.

Volunteers at Work

July 8-12, 2024

Volunteers Leaders

Rus and Tony DeBonis

Cedar Falls, IA

Illinois Teams

Petersburg UMC Youth Mission Camp

Petersburg, IL

Coal City UMC

Coal City, IL

Athens UMC

Athens, IL

Lincoln First UMC

Lincoln, IL

Trinity UMC

Huntington, IN

Taylorville UMC

Taylorville, IL

Wesley UMC Day 1

Macomb, IL

Wesley UMC Day 2 AM

Macomb, IL

Wesley UMC Day 2 PM

Macomb, IL

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!

Click Here for the UMVIM NCJ Newsletter
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