Disaster Relief Distributed
Tornadoes Leave Paths of Destruction in Midwest
| |
The last week of March, deadly tornadoes ripped through most parts of the Midwestern United States, leaving paths of destruction, and tattered evidence of a life before the storms.
If you live in the Midwest, tornadoes are one of the things you know is a possibility, but never want to believe will upend your life.
| |
Photo from New York Times | |
Many of us have lived through tornadoes, and have seen the effects of the dangerous winds, but pray it will not be something we have to know the effects of personally.
But, that last week of March, many Midwesterners faced the grave reality of what that deadly twister of storms can do to a community.
On March 24, more than 20 tornadoes swept through parts of Mississippi, including an EF-4 tornado, that has sadly taken the lives of at least 26 people.
On March 31, more storms rolled into the Midwest, with tornadoes touching down in Iowa, Arkansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Indiana.
On April 4 and 5, another line of severe weather barreled in, affecting several of the areas that had previously been hit by the March 31 tornadoes.
So many people have lost homes, vehicles, and cherished items that carry sweet memories. Most heart breaking, they have lost loved ones.
We mourn with those who are mourning, and lift up prayers of comfort, peace, and protection.
Midwest Mission has the opportunity to assist in the relief process — YOU have the opportunity to partner with us in those efforts.
As we learn about the level of damage, we are preparing to respond. We anticipate sending Midwest Mission Tornado Kits, shovels, rakes, and tools. When called upon, we will work with local partners to distribute requested supplies.
In fact, we have already responded to multiple requests for relief.
| |
On Sunday, April 2, Brad Walton, Operations Manager, drove a box truck filled with bottled water, UMCOR Hygiene Kits, and storage totes to Robinson, IL. The Robinson area was hit with an EF-3 tornado that left many families without basic resources. Robinson FUMC received the disaster relief supplies and served as a distribution center for their community.
On Monday, April 10, we will be sending a semi-truck full of disaster relief supplies to Mississippi and Louisiana.
We anticipate more shipments to come as we continue supplying disaster relief items.
You can play a vital role in disaster relief — assisting in getting items to people in need.
1. Pray
Your prayer is needed. Pray for those affected by the tornadoes, for those responding to the disasters, and for the relief process. Pray that the right people will receive the resources they need.
2. Donate Monetary Gifts
Your monetary donations allow us to promptly respond with requested supplies. We anticipate totes being the number one request, and we will purchase in bulk to maximize shipping and storage.
Donating through Midwest Mission is a way for you to help in the right way. After a disaster, two-thirds of the items donated are not useful - that’s why we only send items that are specifically requested and only distribute relief when called upon for supplies.
Donate to Midwest Mission’s Tornado fund to help us prepare to respond with requested supplies. When you choose the “Tornado” Fund, your monetary gifts will solely fund disaster relief efforts for the recent tornadoes. Donate online at https://www.midwestmission.org/donate. Donate by sending a check to 1001 Mission Drive, Pawnee, IL 62558 with “Tornado Relief” in the memo.
Thank YOU for making an impact in the lives of those who are in crisis. Your prayers and donations send hope to those in need.
As we continue to mourn with, pray for, and send relief to those who have been affected, we are reminded of our mission - to show God’s love in a practical way - and we invite you to join us in our mission, so that more may know God’s love, even within a devastating situation.
| |
We are continuously sending Rice Meals on shipments to Ukraine and Turkey. When Rice Meals enter our warehouse, it is only a few weeks before they are sent off to a location in need.
This means, means we need more Rice Meals!
Our goal is to make 48,000 Rice Meals in ONE WEEK!
In order to accomplish this, we are hosting a week-long Rice Meal Pack at Midwest Mission!
This is a great opportunity to make a global impact from right in the Midwest.
Bring a friend or family member!
See more info and sign up at midwestmission.org/SpringRicePack
| |
A prayer for Good Friday from Christianity.com:
Jesus, our Lord and our God, you gave your cheek to those who struck you and for our sake you endured much mockery. Grant that following the example of your sufferings, we may be courageous in bearing our own, and learn from you, for you are meek and lowly in heart; you now reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. "
John 3:16-17
| |
Midwest Mission Weekly Projects
Work of the Mission Volunteers
Projects completed
- 1,500 Personal Dignity Kits
- 1,802 Rice Meals - Holy Spokes Cluster, Jacksonville, IL
Other work done
- Bikes repaired
- Sewing machines repaired
- Desks built, polyurethaned
- Truck decal removal
- Laundry Soap
- Counting into inventory
Disbursements
-
First UMC , Robinson, IL: 2,304 water bottles, 672 UMCOR Hygiene Kits, 384 18-gallon totes Value: $13,918.00
-
Sherman UMC, Sherman, IL: 144 UMCOR Hygiene Kits, 96 18-gallon totes Value: $2,579.00
-
Food For The Poor, Dominican Republic: Birthing Kits, Medical Supplies Value: $134,431.20
Midwest Mission is able to do this work because of your generous donations and willingness to volunteer. Thank you!
| |
Share some GOD news with those you love! | Do you have family or friends that need some GOOD News - GOD News - to uplift them? If so please click on the button below and share the link provided. The more we can spread the word about the work God is doing here, the more we can make the world a happier place. | |
Schedule Your Mission Journey
Dates are available in 2023 and 2024
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
| |
Volunteers at Work
April 3 - April 7, 2023
| |
Jeff and Jane Johnson
Glen Carbon, IL
| |
Fairview Center UMC
Monmouth, IL
| |
|
Union Reunion
St. Louis, MO
| |
Merlin and Edith Ray
Seaton, IL
| |
|
Centenary UMC
Jacksonville, IL
| |
|
Greenville First Christian Church
Greenville, IL
| |
We are so grateful for all our regular volunteers, and the time they give towards volunteering at Midwest Mission. We appreciate their passion and dedication to the ministry! | | | | |