Midwest Mission a special place
Sometimes traveling locally, I learn about remarkable groups. I visited one wonderful group on December 8th, when I got the chance to tour Midwest Mission and see what they do. This is a true Christmas story of volunteers making a difference both locally, and around the world! I had heard about it and knew that our church at Trinity Lutheran in Auburn had teamed up with them to make rice meals, but I had no idea of all the things they do, and how many people they help. At the Midwest Mission, they focus on disaster relief, education, health and microbusiness.
I got the chance to visit with Chantel Corrie the Executive Director, and longtime friend Lisa Rigoni the Development Manager, and learn more about this Christian based ministry.
The Mission
Their mission statement is, “Bringing the hearts and hands of God’s people together to transform resources into humanitarian relief.”
At Midwest Mission they work as a supply center. They collect supplies from non-profit partners, then distribute them to other partners who share the items and, in some cases, teach the recipients how to use the supplies. Partners donate items like bleachers from schools. These are then turned into desks. Cloth turns into children’s clothing. Sewing machines, even the old treadle ones, become a way for someone to start a business. The same with bicycles that become delivery businesses, or a mode of transportation for adults in third world countries.
Chantel said. “We partner so we can be stewards and collect resources to the best of our ability. When we do what we do best, we do it more effectively. God’s presence is undeniable in this ministry. He shows up in big ways, bringing the right people and resources together, allowing us to share his hope and empowerment around the world and around the corner.”
In an upcoming issue of Senior News you will read more details about them as well as in my January story for the Village of Pawnee. But to give an idea of what they accomplish, in 2022 Midwest Mission sent out 591 desks, 17,450 student kits, 6,833 cleaning kits, 33,056 hygiene kits, 9,616 school kits, tornado bags and totes, over 200 sewing machines and bikes and 44 of those were treadle machines. What a wonderful way to serve. This doesn’t include rice meal bags, layette kits and feminine hygiene kits or medical supplies. Plus, they also use plastic bags to create sleeping mats for the homeless. Best of all, they have fun doing it!
Join them.
With the Christmas season upon us, if you are looking for a way to do something, here is a great opportunity. You can volunteer at the mission, you can host an offsite event, or even volunteer from home.
For more information about Midwest Mission, check them out online, or call them at 217-483-7911.
–
