100th Mat Completed by Bardoles

January 9th 2026, Newsletter

This fall, Midwest Mission celebrated a remarkable milestone thanks to the dedication of Dick and Jo Bardole of Rippey, Iowa. The couple recently completed their 100th woven sleeping mat — a labor of love that has blessed people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. and families in crisis around the world.

The Bardoles weave on a Midwest Mission loom at their home, and are known for their exceptionally tight weave, careful craftsmanship, and the vibrant colors and patterns that make each mat both durable and beautiful. Their work offers comfort, warmth, and dignity to those who receive them, often in some of life’s most difficult moments.

We are deeply grateful for their commitment and the countless hours they have invested in this ministry. Their 100th mat is not just a number — it’s a testament to compassion in action.

What an incredible way to serve. 

If you’re interested in weaving Sleeping Mats using plastic grocery bags, visit www.midwestmission.org/loom.

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Stitching Hope: Midwest Mission Iowa Hosts Its First Sewing Retreat

In November, something special happened at Midwest Mission Iowa. Thirteen talented sewists

— along with one treadle machine repairman — gathered for our first-ever Sewing Retreat, and together they turned fabric, thread, and fellowship into life-changing impact.

Over the three-day retreat, participants learned new techniques, sharpened old skills, and

poured their hearts into projects that will bless people across the globe. The group

created Cover Them with Love Quilts, feminine hygiene pads, cloth diapers, layette gowns, and cozy fleece baby jackets. They also practiced using a serger and explored the best methods for making receiving blankets and infant washcloths. Every stitch reflected compassion, care, and a desire to serve others.

The retreat wasn’t just about sewing — it was about community. Laughter came easily, new

friendships formed quickly, and, as always, there was plenty of good food to enjoy together. On the first morning, the group gathered for worship and communion at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. The next day began with a devotional, grounding everyone in the shared purpose behind their work.

Meanwhile, our treadle machine repairman kept busy restoring sewing machines that will soon find new life in the hands of people who need them most. These repaired machines, along with all the beautiful handmade items created during the retreat, will soon travel to communities around the world — offering dignity, comfort, and hope.

By the end of the weekend, everyone agreed: this was a retreat worth repeating. Plans are

already in motion for a spring gathering, and enthusiasm is high.

What a joy it is to see gifts and talents used in such meaningful ways. Through fellowship,

learning, and service, this group has touched countless lives, making a difference — one stitch at a time.

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Join us for the Bike Blitz! 

Do you have an interest in bikes and/or bike repair?  Then this workshop is for you! On Saturday, January 17th from 8:30am-3:00pm we are hosting our first Bike Blitz Workshop at Midwest Mission in Pawnee, IL. There are more bikes than our key volunteers are able to fix, so we are dedicating a Saturday to fixing as many bikes as possible!

You don’t have to know how to fix bikes — just have a willingness to learn and serve! Brad Boucher, Bike Shop Volunteer Leader, will guide participants through basic assessments, cleaning, adjustments, and necessary repairs to help make each bike safe, functional, and ready for use. 

The goal of the workshop is to efficiently evaluate donated bikes, determine needed fixes, and transform as many as possible into fully operational bicycles that can be put back into service for the community.

There are 10  volunteer spots left! If you are interested, please sign up here.

We do ask that participants bring their own lunch, or plan to eat out for lunch.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Jeremiah Miller, Reservations Coordinator, at jeremiah@midwestmission.org.

In 2026, Midwest Mission is launching Weekend Workshops — dedicated time for volunteers to use their specific skills to help with tasks such as bike repair, sewing machine repair, sewing, and more! These hands-on workshops will be led by volunteer shop leaders who will guide participants through the different tasks. Why? Midwest Mission receives more items than our local key volunteers can repair! These workshops will ensure more items will be available to send out, and we hope more people might be interested in becoming local key volunteers (volunteers who regularly come to Midwest Mission and volunteer in a specific area).