As an organization, our biggest area of growth in 2023 was our off-site opportunities. We believe this is because of the impact it makes in the churches and organizations hosting them. These opportunities allow us to bring the mission to you. Entire congregations serve alongside one another, new relationships are formed, discipleship happens over packing, and churches are revitalized with a renewed excitement for being the hands and feet of Jesus. Not to mention, so many resources are packed and quickly sent to people in need. 

As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, we want to invest our efforts in our areas of growth. So, we are starting the Midwest Mission Experience at Midwest Mission Iowa, and on select days at Midwest Mission Illinois.

Midwest Mission Iowa opened in June 2023. With every new project, there are always transitions that occur. As 2023 was winding down, Midwest Mission leadership reflected on the first several months of Midwest Mission Iowa’s operation. The new location was a success, but not without challenges. It became clear that this location could not operate like the main location in Pawnee, Illinois. As a result, leadership began to plan a new format for our Iowa location that would better suit the needs of Midwest Mission, the needs of those we serve, and the needs of the congregations we partner with.

With this in mind, as we enter into 2024, Midwest Mission Iowa will be a training ground for off-site and at-home opportunities. We are calling it the “Midwest Mission Experience.”

The Midwest Mission Experience

A team of people from a church or organization can come to Midwest Mission to experience several different hands-on, easy mission activities. They will learn about Midwest Mission, learn how they can make a greater impact in the world from right at home, and leave with the tools and knowledge to take this to share at their church or organization.

Maybe your church is excited about serving, but doesn’t know how exactly to get the community involved, or you have heard about Midwest Mission, but need to show others what exactly you’ve been talking about. Or, maybe COVID really separated your congregation, and you need something that would bring everyone together and back in the building. Maybe there are people that want to serve, but need something that is easy, accessible, and can be done in homes or in small groups. 

There are a lot of reasons you might be looking for a new mission opportunity, and there are ways for everyone to impact the world from right where they are. But, the problem is, many people just don’t know what to do! The Midwest Mission Experience allows people to try out several different hands-on opportunities with a group of volunteers, and learn for themselves what will be best for their community. The best part is, as you are trying out different stations, you are still being the hands and feet of Jesus! The items you pack at Midwest Mission will be shipped to a person in need around the world or around the corner.

On Martin Luther King Jr. day, students from four Springfield, IL high schools met for a day of Unity. This is the tenth year Springfield District 186 has hosted Unity Day, and we were honored to be a part this year. 

District 186 reached out to see if Midwest Mission would be one of three nonprofit speakers, and host an activity. We excitedly agreed — it would give us the opportunity to share our mission with almost 100 local high school students.

Chantel Corrie, our Executive Director, shared about who Midwest Mission is, and how serving together can bring people (and schools!) together. Teresa Whitehouse, our Project Manager, shared about our Sleeping Mat Project and how students could get involved.

Then, the students were able to participate in the Sleeping Mat Project. Each person cut grocery bags into strips, and together they wove their strips into the Sleeping Mat. When our time came to an end, they combined the leftover strips into a plarn ball that was over 150 ft long! The students were excited to do something hands-on that could benefit their homeless community.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to share with our local community. Everyone — whether you are a senior in high school or a senior citizen — can work together to make this world a better place. Serving together unifies us as humans, and God’s children. 

Our local news station covered Unity Day. You can find the article here.

Then, the students were able to participate in the Sleeping Mat Project. Each person cut grocery bags into strips, and together they wove their strips into the Sleeping Mat. When our time came to an end, they combined the leftover strips into a plarn ball that was over 150 ft long! The students were excited to do something hands-on that could benefit their homeless community.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to share with our local community. Everyone — whether you are a senior in high school or a senior citizen — can work together to make this world a better place. Serving together unifies us as humans, and God’s children. 

Our local news station covered Unity Day. You can find the article here.

God is doing great things at Midwest Mission! We combined some of our most recent "God Moments" into a publication called "God is On the Move."

Using the button below, you can download the stories and share with someone you know!

January 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.

Liquid Household Cleaner

56-80 oz total (no spray bottles)

purchase online here

Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers

Work Done

• 900 Student Kits Verified
• Bike Shop
• Sewing Machine Shop
• Desk Shop

Disbursements

• Urban Bicycle Food Ministries, Des Moines, IA: 54 Sleeping Mats Value: $1,350.00

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. For example, December 1, 2023 you will be able to reserve Volunteer Shifts for March 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.

Jeff and Jane Johnson

Glen Carbon, IL

Chase Family

Springfield, IL

Trish and Jennifer Ericson

Pawnee, IL

Taylorville UMC

Taylorville, IL

Clarence Harms

Brillion, WI

Rus and Tony Debonis

Waterloo, IA