Last week, Dan Holmes came to Midwest Mission to pick up a Loom that he had requested. Dan attends Belvidere First United Methodist Church in Belvidere, Illinois.

During a recent Sunday morning service, the pastor at Belvidere FUMC gave out $100 bills to members of the congregation. This was not to spend on themselves, but to use as a “Kingdom Assignment.” Each member could spend the $100 on something that would further the Kingdom of God in some way.

Shortly after he received the money, Dan was scrolling through Facebook and saw our recent post about making Sleeping Mats using a Loom. The Sleeping Mats are made out of plastic grocery bags and can be sent around the world or given out to local organizations. Churches can get a Loom for their congregation to make Sleeping Mats as a mission project.

Listed on the Facebook post was the suggested donation to get a Loom: $100. God moment! He immediately knew that was what he should use his money for. He called us right away to request the Loom. 

Dan told us his wife might use her $100 to purchase scissors, storage containers, and other items to assist in making Sleeping Mats as a congregation.

It is amazing to see how God encourages each one of us in doing his Kingdom work. The $100 that Dan used will allow people around the world to have a dry, dirt-free space to sleep on. The mats are easy to clean, dry, and carry around. 

Thank you, Belvidere FUMC and Dan for showing God’s love in a practical way!

Midwest Mission Iowa has been busy! Danille Curtis and volunteer leaders, Alaire Willits, Bill and Connie Ridgley, and Brett and Kristi Ahrens, have done an amazing job cultivating a new home for Midwest Mission. Volunteers have been busy at work, making Sleeping Mats using looms, packing Rice Meals, and assembling kits. There have been teams coming from Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

In September, Danille began transitioning to the new role of Midwest Mission’s Iowa Public Relations Specialist. Danille was integral in opening our second location. Now, she will be working to spread the word about Midwest Mission and coordinate efforts between Illinois and Iowa.

Danille will be available to speak at churches in the Iowa area! If your church is interested in hearing from her about Midwest Mission, you can email her at danille@midwestmission.org.

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We are looking for Volunteer Leaders who would work to support the Iowa Site Volunteer Coordinator for day-long periods. If interested, email barb@midwestmission.org. 

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Come and check out Midwest Mission Iowa! Visit midwestmission.org/iowa to learn how you can get involved in 2024.

Thank you, Bill!

Bill Walden has been a dedicated volunteer at Midwest Mission for over 5 years. This Monday was his last day serving with us.

We are sad to see him go, but we are thankful for the big impact he made while serving at Midwest Mission!

He is so passionate about the ministry, and helped in a variety of ways, always willing to do what was needed! Thank you, Bill!

October 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.

Day Pads

Patterns

Go to Feminine Hygiene Kit

Purchase

Select the first ones listed

Receiving Blankets

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

Diaper Pins

must have plastic closures — purchase here

Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers

Work Done

• Refurbish bikes
• Build desks
• Refurbish Sewing Machines
• 10 Layette Kits
• 410 UMCOR Menstrual Hygiene Kits
• 790 Personal Dignity Kits
• Make Sleeping Mats with Looms
• Make Plarn
• Sewing
• Bag wipes
• Count items into inventory

Rice Meal Packs

• 1,213 - Cicero UMC, Cicero, IN
• 1,200 - Gay Street UMC, Mt. Vernon, OH

Disbursements

• Children's Clothes Closet, Panora, IA: Redirect hygiene items Value: $4.00

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



Ready to Get Involved?

Volunteer at Midwest Mission

Dates are available in 2023, 2024, and 2025

Need a Saturday option for team volunteering

or assistance in booking? Contact Pat Wright at pat@midwestmission.org or 217-697-4063

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

Volunteer Reservation Calendar



2025 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. Beginning October 1, 2023 you will be able to reserve Volunteer Shifts for January of 2024.

Thank you for your patience as we try to improve the reservation experience for both local teams and those staying in the dorm.

Howard Orndorff

Nebraska City, NE

Meridian Street UMC

Indianapolis, IN

Grace UMC

Jacksonville, IL

Lighthouse

Rochester, IL

Taylorville UMC

Taylorville, IL

Johnson UMC

New Harmony, IN

Owen Family

Franklin, IN

UTG

Springfield, IL

Monticello UMC

Monticello, IL

Loda UMC

Loda, IL