June 7, 2024

Donated Fire Gear will Bless International Fire Departments

Did you know…

In many countries, fire fighters are walking into fires without proper equipment. For many departments, their “uniform” is jeans and a t-shirt. 


Did you know… 

In the United States, there is an expiration date on fire gear. That means, uniforms, masks, equipment, and more that is in great condition has to be thrown away. 


Did you know…

Our international partners want that "expired" gear! When the choice is a t-shirt, or “expired” turnout gear, most will choose the gear. 


We collect expired or unwanted fire gear and equipment and send it to departments around the world through our international partners. 

While in Honduras, we were blessed to witness fire fighters sorting through gaylords of fire gear you had donated, and organizing them for the different departments in San Pedro Sula. 


The firemen were emotional as they were able to choose very needed gear for their departments. One fire chief was especially emotional as he recounted losing several men due to not having the proper gear. 


These donations — items that we can no longer use in the United States — will save lives in Honduras, and many places like it around the world. 


The firemen later invited us back to their station so we could tour the facility and meet many men and women who use the donated fire gear.

Recently, our Permanent Collection Site in Mt. Vernon, OH received a wonderful donation of fire gear.


Nancy Collier has volunteered at Midwest Mission, and knew we collected Fire Gear. She is a retired firefighter, and was aware that several departments in Tuscarawas County, Ohio were culling their gear. 


Twenty fire departments in the county donated their old fire gear, all because Nancy was willing to ask!


If you are willing to talk to your local fire departments, use this flyer to share information. If you have any questions, please give us a call — 217-483-7911.

Welcome, Summer Staff!

This summer, we have three students working with us!



This is the third summer Katy Smith has worked at Midwest Mission, and we are very thankful for her kind heart! She assists Barb with volunteers as the Volunteer Manager Assistant.



Evan Frazee, son of Sarah Frazee (Inventory Specialist), is assisting with the Mission in Motion program this summer. He will be preparing Off-Site Event lines to go out to churches.



Lucas Greer is our IGRC Intern for the summer! He will be assisting with Communications, as well as with volunteer activities. Thanks for joining us, Lucas!


If you are at Midwest Mission this summer, be sure to say hi and get to know our summer staff!

United Methodist Annual Conferences

Every year, Midwest Mission staff members and volunteers travel to several United Methodist Conferences in May and June. This year, we will be at ten conferences!


At several of the conferences, we will have a truck for collections! We will accept any items listed in our Kits and Projects Brochure.


This past week, we were in Indiana, Iowa, Illinois Great Rivers, Missouri and Wisconsin. Next week, we will be in Northern Illinois and East Ohio. We look forward to seeing you there!


To see details on where we will be and when, visit midwestmission.org/annual-conferences.

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

Download

June 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 June Bulletin PDF

You can purchase these items at your local store 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.


Onesies

(We are in BIG need of Onesies!! Please purchase when you are out, or click the link below.)

Size 0 - 6 Months, New

click here to purchase online


Day and Night Pads

You can make them at home using our patterns — click here and scroll down to Feminine Hygiene Kit. Tips and tricks: Click here to visit the page


Or, you can purchase them online and have them sent to Midwest Mission — Click here!

Prayers to Lift Up

Please continue praying for our staff and volunteers who are driving to conferences this week!


"The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night."

Psalm 121:5-6

Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers


Work Done

  • 240 Layette Kits
  • 360 Personal Dignity Kits
  • Count items into inventory
  • Desk Shop
  • Poly Shop
  • Off-site pack prep
  • Cleaning
  • Bike Shop


Mission in Motion

  • 1,000 Personal Dignity Kits - Bethlehem UMC, Hutchinson, MN
  • 2,485 Ric Meals - Indiana Annual Conference
  • 1,052 Rice Meals - Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference


Disbursements

  • Harbor House, Superior, WI: 144 Hygiene Kits, 60 Menstrual Hygiene Kits Value: $2,568.00
  • Celebrate in the Park, Auburn, IL: 264 Hygiene Kits Value: $3,263.00




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

June 3-7, 2024

Volunteer Leaders

Mary Marty

Brownsburg, IN

Volunteer Teams

Illinois

First UMC

Plymouth, IN

Riverside UMC

Park Rapids, MN

Sandy Richardson

Cantrall, 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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