August 2, 2024

Ukraine Military Delivers Personal Dignity Kits to the Front Lines

Recently, we received photos from John Kachelman who works with Ukraine Missions. Personal Dignity Kits they had received were delivered to vulnerable people on the frontlines of the war. Only the Ukraine military could transport them for the organization — that’s how dangerous the current situation in Ukraine is. 


They were very grateful to receive the needed hygiene items. When you live near the front lines of the war, access to basic necessities is very limited. It is crazy to think that the only way they can receive the items they need is through military delivery in tanks!

Around the same time, we got a message on Facebook from someone who had received a Personal Dignity Kit.


Along with the picture of the Kit, he said (translated):


Donna, thank you for your kind heart, love of God, and sacrificial service. Greetings from Ukraine. May the Lord keep you all safe and richly provide His mercy, salvation, healing, grace, care and love. May you all be well under His wings.”


He ended with Philippians 4:19 — “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” 


Although he is in such a desperate situation, he, and many others in Ukraine, are still thinking of others and their needs. We can learn a lot from him. No matter what circumstance we are in, God still provides, and is still in control. It is always better for us to continually seek to serve and care for others, rather than get caught up in the things that don’t go our way.

Cedar Falls UMC's One Day Mission Project

Cedar Falls First United Methodist Church’s mission team has been looking to find another “One Day Mission” project to keep their members active in the journey to be God’s hands and feet. 


We already have a very gifted quilters group who work on many projects,” Julie Fee, their Mission Chair, said. “But we got to thinking about an opportunity for not-so-gifted sewers. We call ourselves Sew What are We Going to Call This?’”


Fifteen women showed up to their first event, armed with scissors, fabric, a few sewing machines, and enthusiasm. Their goal was to facilitate a time of learning how to make reusable feminine hygiene pads for Midwest Mission. Starter kits with instructions and a few pre-cut pads were made available along with encouragement and tips.  They also discussed the importance of the items for the people that would receive them.

Most of the group made patterns and cut out various pieces needed to construct the pads, which is a great activity for anyone, even if you don’t have any sewing skills! Those with machines pieced them together and other sewers got a chance to see how the patterns work. Since many hands did the cutting, the prep work was done for all who wanted to take Kits home and continue to work on them. 


As a result of that morning’s work,” Julie said, “we have 50 day pads and 25 night pads completed so far and more in the works. There was great interest in meeting again. So we are looking forward to more fun, fellowship, and ‘fabrication!’”


This is such a community-building, hands-on way to serve people around the world. Whether you are a skilled seamstress, or have never touched a sewing machine, there is something for you to do to serve the Kingdom of God in a practical way.


Thank you, Cedar Falls First UMC, for sharing your story of serving!


If you’re interested in hosting a day like this at your church, and have questions about how Cedar Falls did it, you can reach out to Julie Fee (Cedar Falls UMC Mission Chair) by email: bjfee@cfu.net

Learn More

It's Back-To-School season, which means school supplies are on sale! While you're out shopping for your kiddos, or if you miss the days of buying school supplies, pick up a few items for Student Kits!


Visit midwestmission.org/kits to see what all is included in the Student Kit.


Right now, Walmart has these items at a great price:

- Boxes of 24 crayons  https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/152505497



- Boxes of 12 colored pencils  https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/225591124

- Boxes of 24 unsharpened wood pencils  https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/700001703

- Notebooks  https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/589943666

Prayers to Lift Up

This week, pray that every person who receives an item from Midwest Mission will know and feel that God is with them. Pray that they will feel strengthened and emboldened no matter what situation they may find themself in.


"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 

Isaiah 41:10

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

Download

August 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!

Download August Bulletin PDF

These items will help us replenish our disaster relief supply.


  • Receiving Blankets
  • Must be 28"x28" to 32" x 32" and made out of new flannel
  • Diaper Pins



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


  • 400 Layette Kits
  • 150 Feminine Hygiene Kits
  • 3,428 UMCOR Hygiene Kits
  • Poly Shop
  • Desk Shop
  • Count into inventory
  • Cleaning
  • Process Wood
  • Bike Shop
  • Sewing Machine Shop
  • Landscaping
  • Sewing




Disbursements


  • Central Illinois Christians in Mission, Decatur, IL: Furniture and furnishings Value: $644.00



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.

Link to Share the Midwest Mission Newsletter

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.

Volunteers at Work

July 29 - August 2, 2024

Volunteers Leaders

Mark and Mary Grant

Trenton, TX

Mike and Beth Biedenfeld

Brownsburg, IN

Illinois Teams

Christ UMC

Algonquin, IL

Howard Family and Friends

Winchester, IL

Baker Memorial UMC

St. Charles, IL

Blickensderfer Family Group

Washington, IL

We are so grateful for all our local and regular volunteers, and the time they give towards volunteering at Midwest Mission. We appreciate their passion and dedication to the ministry!

Click Here for the UMVIM NCJ Newsletter
Facebook  Instagram  Youtube
Visit our website