Midwest Mission was blessed to have 13 NOMADS (Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service) on campus from Aug. 22-Sept. 8 They worked six hours a day, four days a week, clocking in 939.45 hours for a value of $28,136.53 time donated. Seven home base states were represented - Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. Typically NOMADS travel from one state to another and live out of their RVs.

They provide volunteer labor for United Methodist organizations including new construction, remodeling and repairs for churches, children’s homes, camps, colleges, outreach missions and disaster rebuilding. That is simply the tip of the iceberg. They are prime examples of people reaching out in Christ to love and serve others. 

What did they do at Midwest Mission? 

Brad Walton, Operations Manager said, “The list is long. They come in and talk to us about our needs and what we hope they can accomplish. Then, because of their focus and strong work ethic, they add to the list as they look around campus and notice other projects they can tackle. They do so much in that concentrated time, and it is apparent and appreciated. We can’t get it all done on our own. We look forward to having them again next year. This year’s team was outstanding!” 

Lynn and George Dimock, from Tennessee were part of the team. Lynn said, of the NOMADS, “It is one thing to talk about helping others, but something else to actually do it. NOMADS don’t just talk, they do, and that is what is important."

Indeed, they do work. Brad said all the projects they worked on were important, big and small. “I was also impressed that there are not ‘men’s jobs vs. women’s jobs.’ Everyone steps up, no matter the project!” 

As Midwest Mission continues to expand there is always work to be done. George said “They are running out of storage space. To help with that they are getting some old shipping containers to put at the end of the warehouse, but they had no door for their forklift. So we built a door opening and rewired the building. In two more weeks, the overhead door contractor will install the door.”

Projects Completed

Ground Maintenance

The campus grounds were mowed, weeds were trimmed around trees and buildings, and new trees were planted.

Quonset Hut Siding and Door

Protection for supplies and equipment was completed as they added siding and doors to the Quonset Hut.

Bleacher Wood

Many hours were spent processing 7034 lbs. of bleacher wood delivered from Iowa. They scraped, drilled, plugged the wood, and cut it to make the desk components. Some of them sanded the planks and applied polyurethane, while others assembled school desks. This means students around the world will have desks where they can comfortably sit and learn. 

Bikes

A few team members spent time in the Bike Shop making repairs. The work done in the Bike Shop gives transportation and jobs to many who otherwise would not have a means for transport.

Painting

They painted parking blocks in the main parking lot and painted the handicap accessible areas at the dorm, which provides increased safety.

Both men and women work hard at all the projects. When you come to campus next time, you will notice the new entrance siding. They repaired garage doors and painted walls - interior and exterior. 

Loading Dock

NOMADS leveled and rocked the south area outside of the loading dock. They cleaned out front of the loading dock, repaired metal damage to the shed outside of the loading dock, added exit signs with emergency lights, and repaired/replaced metal wall trim on the loading dock. They also ran electricity and added a doorway to allow the forklifts to be driven in and out for easier mobilization of supplies.  

Adding a door from the loading dock to the concrete apron.

The finished door opening and the rocked area.

Entrance Siding

Before

They removed the old wood siding and prepared the entrance for new metal siding.

After

New, fresh siding was added to the front entrance of the building.

We are able to purchase hoodies in bulk for a great price. Our goal is to raise $6000 to buy 1000 hoodies. If you would like to give towards these hoodies instead of purchasing them yourself, go to www.midwestmission.org/donate and donate money towards the Ukraine fund.

MIDWEST MISSION WEEKLY PROJECTS

Work of the Mission Volunteers

Projects completed

• 20 Feminine Hygiene Kits
• 264 UMCOR Hygiene Kits
• 180 Home Care Kits

Other work done

• Student Desks - sand, poly, build
• Repaired bikes

• Sorted outfits
• Counted items into inventory
• Grounds keeping
• Repaired Sewing Machines
• Cleaned facilities
• Rolled trash bags
• Rice Meal Prep

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

Ron Monroe

Fairbury, IL

Chuck & Karen Porter

Brighton, IL

Sewing Group

Springfield, IL

Monticello UMC

Monticello, IL

St. Joseph UMC

St. Joseph , IL

Dalton City UMC & Long Creek UMC 

IL

Zion UMC

Batavia & Adell, WI

First UMC

St. Joseph, MI

Kelly Bagley

Brad Boucher

Dan Blank

Mike Childress

Louise Corder

Kathy Davis

Kent Douglas

Terry House

Marsha Johnson

Ron Kinner

Roger McClintock

Ray Ogden

John Richardson

Art Runge

Todd Shelly

Jim Stricker

Carol Swettman

Ron Miller