In late June, torrential rains in Central America caused intense flooding, landslides, and fast-flowing water in El Salvador. The waters began taking out hundreds of homes, destroying what people had called their own.

We worked with Food For The Poor to organize a shipment of supplies that were needed after the flood waters receded. The needs were clear: hygiene supplies, food, and cleaning supplies. So, that's what we sent.

On Thursday, July 18, a semi truck arrived at Midwest Mission, fitted with a 40ft container that would be going to El Salvador. Our operations team loaded 720 Home Care Kits, 5,320 Personal Dignity Kits, and 10,800 Rice Meals (that will feed 64,800 people) into the container.

The value of this shipment was $128,320.00!

Those on the receiving end are so grateful that people who they will never meet care enough to provide vital resources so they may begin to pick up the pieces of their life. Without your generosity, this shipment would not happen — so thank YOU!

Mombasa Relief Initiative (MRI) is an Education, Health, and Economic Enrichment initiative for the children of Mombasa, Kenya.  MRI was created to find a uniform way to provide help and assistance to the children in Mombasa. Midwest Mission has worked with MRI for several years. They have received desks and Kits, and computers through our partner Computer Banc. 

On Tuesday, July 2, Don Harris, MRI Board Member, and Troy Facen, long-time MRI volunteer, visited Midwest Mission to pick up Personal Dignity Kits and Student Kits for their next trip to Kenya. Each member of their team will pack an extra suitcase full of items that will bless the local community once they arrive. 

While at Midwest Mission, Don and Troy shared many stories with our staff about the impact that MRI makes in Mombasa. The organization began because of a man who asked if they would bring a pen for his child the next time they came to Kenya. Their eyes were opened to the deep need in the country. 

We are so thankful for the work that Mombassa Relief does, and we are proud to partner with them in their initiatives to make a way for children to live a better life. They gifted us a beautiful painting from a local Kenyan painter, and a beautiful painting of our prayer card.

Please be praying for MRI and the work they do!

Learn more about MRI at mombasarelief.org.

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.

Riverside UMC, Park Rapids, MN – Spike Wellman and his team were at Midwest Mission (Illinois) in June. He reported that they “Loved It”! They have collected several more treadle machines, walkers, wheelchairs and crutches. They will be taking these donations to our Jefferson, Iowa location. Keep up the great work!

Trinity UMC, Elk Mound, WI – Joel Certa-Werner brought a team to Midwest Mission in Illinois this week! After volunteering for a week, they will take back looms for area churches. So great to have you here!

Emmanuel UMC Noblesville, IN – Pat Baumer and his church have been collecting fabric, fire gear, and medical supplies. They are planning a Rice Meal Pack in September. Keep it coming!

Glenview UMC, Glenview, IL – Ethyl Doyle’s church has a Rice Meal Pack scheduled in October. They are planning to have 6 lines. That’s awesome!

Bethany UMC, Green Bay, WI – Ron Vinger wanted us to know that his church will be making 50 Home Care Kits on Mission Day for VBS. Teaching our kids about missions!

Gay Street UMC, Mt Vernon, OH – Beth Prince reported that word is getting out that they are a PCS. They are collecting treadle and electric machines. They have also redirected some items to The Closet and Royal Kids Camp. Thank you for taking the extra step to help others.

If your congregation is interested in becoming a New Permanent Collection Site, please contact teresa@midwestmission.org for more information.

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

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!

These items will help us replenish our disaster relief supply.

• 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
• Heavy-duty trash bags (33-45 gallon sizes)
• Kitchen gloves
• Work gloves

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

• 400 Layette Kits
• Poly Shop
• Desk Shop
• Count into inventory
• Cleaning
• Process Wood
• Bike Shop
• Sewing Machine Shop
• Landscaping
• Sewing
• Trace Patterns

Disbursements

• Central Illinois Christians in Mission, Decatur, IL: Furniture and furnishings Value: $644.00
• St. Martin de Porres, Springfield, IL: 72 Bikes Value: $6,480.00
• Chatham Micropantry, Chatham, IL: Hygiene Supplies Value: $176.00
• Grace Methodist Church, Decatur, IL: Hygiene Supplies Value: $162.00

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



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.

Rus and Tony DeBonis

Waterloo, IA

Mary Marty

Brownsburg, IN

Mighty Mission Team

Elk Mound, WI

DeBonis Family Tuesday

Illinois & Iowa

DeBonis Family Wednesday

Illinois & Iowa

DeBonis Family Thursday

Illinois & Iowa

Dave Marty

Brownsburg, IN

Centennial UMC

Roseville St. Anthony Park, MN

Lanark UMC

Lanark, IL

Grace UMC

Jacksonville, IL

St. John's UMC

Edwardsville, IL

Douglas Avenue UMC

Springfield, IL

St. Mark's UMC

Iowa City, IA