Iowa has been hit over and over again with natural disasters this spring and summer.

A record number of tornadoes caused damage all over the state. Midwest Mission sent Tornado Kits and Cleaning Kits to assist with cleanup in Greenfield, Iowa back in May.

Most recently, Iowa has been struck by devastating flooding. Churches, homes, and businesses are under several feet of water in northwest Iowa. Torrential rains, overflowing rivers, and continuous storms made bad situations worse.

We are deeply saddened by the ongoing disaster — homes and businesses are destroyed, crops are at risk, and lives will never be the same. 

On Wednesday, June 26, Gene, Mission in Motion Manager, left Midwest Mission with a trailer full of 360 Cleaning Kits that would go to Spencer, IA.

But, unfortunately, while stopped for the evening, three trailer tires blew, and the trailer broke. Thankfully, he was close to a trailer repair shop. 

A volunteer from the Midwest Mission Iowa location was going to meet the trailer to take the supplies on to Spencer, but when he got in Midwest Mission’s box truck, the check engine light was on, and couldn’t go over 35 mph. So, he took a truck and trailer instead. 

But, the safety chains on the trailer broke, and the trailer popped off on the interstate and crossed the median. By the grace of God, no one was hurt, and only a couple holes were put in the trailer. The trailer was pullable, so he took it back to Jefferson.

It really seemed like something was preventing us from getting needed supplies to Spencer!

The decision was made that Ramon, Operations Specialist, would drive a truck from Midwest Mission's main location in Pawnee, IL, and meet Gene in Iowa to take the supplies to Spencer. 

In the way that God works, before Ramon left, we received another request for supplies from Catie Newman, the Iowa Disaster Relief Coordinator. She needed 360 more Cleaning Kits for Rock Valley, Iowa.

So, on Thursday, June 27, we added Cleaning Kits into the semi, and prayed over the truck as it left the building. 

We are thankful for God’s protection over our people, vehicles, and those on the road. And, we are thankful for His timing, creating good in the bad situation, as more relief will quickly get to those who need it. 

Southern Minnesota has also been greatly affected by flooding. Midwest Mission is working with the Minnesota Disaster Relief Coordinator, Lyndy Zabel (who is also on our board), to coordinate what supplies need to go to Minnesota. We anticipate shipping supplies in the next two weeks.

Because of the volume of supplies leaving the warehouse, our shelves are getting empty — this whole rack used to be full! We need your help replenishing supplies so we are prepared to send more disaster relief.

Here are three ways you can help:



1. Pray for those who are affected by the flooding, and for the first responders and disaster relief teams who are providing help.

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

3. Make a monetary donation towards Disaster Relief Supplies that allows 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

Midwest Mission always waits to send supplies until trusted partners tell us what is needed. In a disaster, ⅔ of supplies go to the garbage because people assume what is needed — but really, they are unnecessary items that just get in the way. We never want to cause more chaos in a crisis, so we only send what has been specifically requested.

Together, we can show God’s love in a practical way, by sending tangible resources that will bring hope to those who need it most.

On Wednesday, June 26, Midwest Mission sent out its 18th international shipment of the year. It is on its way to Georgetown, Guyana.

This shipment contained:

• 1,400 Personal Dignity Kits
• 230 Cover Them With Love Quilts
• 160 Layette Kits
• 16 Electric sewing machines
• 5 Treadle sewing machines
• 12 Bikes
• 10 Hospital beds
• 38 Tarps
• 30 Wheelchairs
• 62 Sleeping Mats
• Medical supplies
• Chairs

The value of this shipment was $170,275.50.

A big thank you to everyone who participated in our Annual Conference Collection! You brought a total of 44,185 lbs of supplies. Praise God!

Whether you brought a sewing machine, a Kit, medical supplies, or anything in between, each item is going to make a huge difference in the life of the person receiving it. We can't thank you enough! Each gift matters and will be soon sent with love and joy.

Keep your eyes out for information on next year's Conference Collections. You can start collecting items and making Kits now! We hope to return to every Conference we were at this year (and hopefully a few more!).

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

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!

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

The following items will help build Cleaning Kits

(We have an overabundance of other items in the Cleaning Kit. Please focus on purchasing these):

• 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



• 144 Hygiene Kits
• 540 Home Care Kits
• 740 Personal Dignity Kits
• 62 Bikes

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

Disbursements

• Wesley UMC, Charleston, IL: 125 One-Handled Bags Value: $750.00
• Chatham Micro Pantry, Chatham, IL: Hygiene supplies Value: $222.00
• Iowa Annual Conference, Des Moines, IA: 360 Cleaning Kits Value: $27,000
• Iowa Annual Conference, Des Moines, IA: 360 Cleaning Kits Value: $27,000
• Food For The Poor, Guyana: See story above

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.

Deb and Howard Orndorff

Nebraska City, Nebraska

Springfield First UMC Sewing Group

Springfield, IL

Northville First UMC

Northville, MI

Taylorville UMC

Taylorville, IL

Wesley Chapel UMC

Jacksonville, IL

Calvary UMC

Normal, IL

Athens UMC

Athens, IL

Douglas Avenue UMC

Springfield, IL

Wesley UMC Youth

Canton, IL

Centenary UMC

Mankato, MN

Lake View UWF

Lake View, IA

Toledo UMC

Toledo, IA