Guatemala, a country rich in culture and tradition, is located in Central America, bordered by Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, and Mexico. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, with a population of 17.9 million people — that’s like if 17.9 million people lived in the state of Tennessee!

Poverty is running rampant, with 59.3% of people living below the poverty line. Even worse, in the country’s indigenous groups that make up over 40% of the population, an average of 79% of people live below the poverty line.

Many people do not have access to basic resources, such as food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items. Education is a privilege, as many kids cannot attend school through their whole child life. 

We work alongside Food For The Poor to help stop the cycle of poverty by providing basic resources that can give people and hand up in life. 

Recently, in-country partners in Guatemala sent us a story of impact that Student Kits had in Guatemala. Here is their story:

“Alex, 16, lives at home with his mom and 3 younger brothers. The home in which the family lives is in a remote, rural area of Guatemala and was lent to them by a neighbor. It is made of wood and sheet metal. Alex’s mom earns a living by cleaning houses and washing clothes.

‘’We live with the basics, which is why my son Alex has always found odd jobs to help,’’ said Sandra, his mom. ‘’Unfortunately, the jobs have prevented him from continuing his education as he has only been able to complete the primary school level.’’

Alex works as a bricklayer’s assistant and at a local market to help his mom with expenses but has the desire to continue his education.

‘’The Student Kits have equipped him with the supplies needed to attend class,’’ his mom said. ‘’The donation has motivated my son to continue his education and has made him hopeful for a better future.’’

‘’We received over 1,000 kits with school supplies and It gave us great joy to be able to provide these to the youth who wish to further their education,’’ said Byron Paredes, Food For The Poor’s in-country partner representative. ‘’The look on their faces is one of joy and gratitude for the Student Kits.’’

Since education in Guatemala is mandatory only through the sixth grade, or between the ages of 7 and 14, many students choose not to continue their schooling after that for a variety of reasons.

Transportation and supplies are also an issue for many families, especially for those living in remote areas of the country. The education system in Guatemala is improving but still faces many challenges, particularly in rural areas.

We continue to work to provide the tools necessary for children to have opportunities as they grow. Thank you for being a part of the Mission!

May 6-9 was the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), held in Phoenix, AZ. Midwest Mission is an active member of the Illinois VOAD. Teresa Whitehouse, Midwest Mission Project Manager, attended and wrote about the experience:

“I (Teresa) attended as the Illinois VOAD SEOC Liaison as well as Midwest Mission staff, along with my husband, Jeff, who acts as a part-time Ambassador and volunteer for Midwest Mission.

Over 850 representatives from organizations across the U.S. along with corporate and private sponsors gathered together for this year’s United in Service event.

The week began in the Exhibit Hall where over 44 exhibitors shared the services their organizations can provide to help those in need, ranging from Winter Warm Up Kits, One Minute Emergency Shelters, Portable Solar Generators, Salt Water Powered Battery Packs to Recovery Resources for Children.

VOAD brings people from different cultures and faiths together for a common goal.

During meals, awards were presented for Innovative Programs, State/Territory VOAD of the Year, and other recognitions. It was also a time to hear heartfelt stories from the sponsor representatives. We were welcomed to dinner by the powwow drum music of the Pima Maricopa Indian Community River Boyz Drum Group and a blessing was requested of the Great Creator for all two-legged and four-legged creatures and the soil of the earth.

Throughout the week multiple workshops were offered such as Community Preparedness, Building Back Better, and When the Sidewalks Boil.

For me, this was a time to understand that disasters may not be the same in Illinois as they are in Arizona, Colorado, or Hawaii. While we may battle tornadoes and flooding, others are working to defend against wildfires, record lows, or a sweltering 110 degree summer where shade is hard to find and the homeless are in need of Cooling Stations.

It felt good to see people and organizations from different backgrounds and religions coming together for one goal – to help those in need.”

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

May 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 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!

One Gallon Bags

We are getting low on one gallon bags that we use for our Personal Dignity Kits. Purchase them when you are out shopping this weekend!

Or, click here to buy them online (scroll down the registry to gallon bags)

Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers

Work Done

• 70 Feminine Hygiene Kits
• 1,700 Personal Dignity Kits
• 10 Layette Kits

• Desk Shop
• Poly Shop
• Unload bleacher wood
• Groundskeeping
• Off-site pack prep
• Cleaning
• Bike Shop
• Stack Tarps
• Building wall in offices

Mission in Motion

• 200 Personal Dignity Kits — Panora UMC and Panora School, Panora, IA
• 1,000 Rice Meals — Petersburg UMC, Petersburg, IL
• 726 Rice Meals — Sturgeon Bay, WI

Disbursements

• CICIM, Decatur, IL: 20 mattresses, furniture Value: $2,736.00
• Urban Bicycle Food Ministry, Des Moines, IA: 40 Sleeping Mats Value: $1,000

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.

Mike and Jane Strayer

Valparaiso, IN

First UMC

Chelsea, MI

Simpson Group

Springfield, IL

Taylorville UMC

Taylorville, IL

Grace UMC

Jacksonville, IL

Chuck Porter

Brighton, IL

Brenda Turner

Tremont, IL

Kim Guymon

San Antonio, TX

Monticello UMC

Monticello, IL

Hope UMC

Marshalltown, IA

Aurora UMC Youth

Aurora, NE