6,000 Bibles Sent to a Jamaican Prison because of YOU!

June 12th, 2026 Newsletter

As Midwest Mission’s 14th international shipment of 2026 traveled to Jamaica, it carried supplies destined for several different ministries, including a prison ministry that serves men with dignity, compassion, and the promise of a new beginning.

Prison ministry is about more than meeting physical needs. It is about reminding people they are not forgotten and that transformation is possible. Through a faithful partnership with Food For The Poor, Midwest Mission is able to support ministries that offer encouragement and practical care to individuals seeking a brighter future.

A few years ago, a few staff members traveled to Jamaica to visit with people who have received gifts from Midwest Mission. One of the places they visited was a prison where Food For The Poor does prison ministry.

“You could feel the presence of the Lord in that prison,” said Chantel Corrie, Executive Director, thinking back on her visit. “They were teaching the inmates different trades so that they had opportunities for work when they would get out of prison. You could tell that the ministry was making a big impact on not only the inmates, but the correctional officers as well.”

One of our favorite stories of their time at the prison was of a young man who was learning to be a tailor. The prison was using Midwest Mission sewing machines to teach the men how to sew so they could use these skills in the future. When someone got out of prison, they always wanted to give them a sewing machine to jump-start their business. The man they met was getting out of prison the next day (although he was supposed to leave that night … but they were having Chicken and Rice so he decided to stay until the next day!), but they didn’t have a sewing machine for him. Thankfully, the team had brought one single sewing machine with them on the trip, not knowing what they would do with it. God knew. The team was able to get the machine from the van and give it to the officers for the man when he was leaving prison. Hope for his future, in the form of a sewing machine, orchestrated by God. 

Earlier this year, we received the request for Bibles for a prison ministry in Jamaica. Immediately, we decided to make this happen, so more people would know the hope that they can have in Christ.

We put the call out for Bibles, and you responded with more than enough to meet the need. Extra Bibles will be sent to our partner Love Packages to be shipped around the world.

“It’s a beautiful full-circle moment,” said Chantel. “My prayer is that each inmate who receives a Bible will know that he has hope for the future, and that his life can be transformed by Christ. I pray that they know they are loved and cared for by God, and by all of you who sent the Bibles and other items so that their lives may be changed forever.”

Here’s a look at the contents of the shipment:

• 6,000 Bibles

• 144 Cases of Sponges

• 41 Tarps

• 15 Bicycles

• Hospital Linens

• Assorted towels, cloths, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and crocheted items

• 2 Power Tools

• 12 Wheelchairs

• 10 Shower Chairs

• 20 Electric Sewing Machines

• 29 Walkers

• 2 Home Care Beds

• 2 275-Gallon Containers

• 58 Folding Chairs

• 32 Rolls of Fabric

• 26 School Desks

The total value of this shipment is $123,016.98.

While the items inside the container meet practical needs, they also carry a deeper message — that every person is loved by God and worthy of compassion and hope. As this shipment reaches its destination, we pray it will strengthen those who minister and encourage those whose lives they touch.

PCS News

Midwest Mission has been blessed with volunteers across the Midwest who give of their time, energy and resources to assist us in carrying out God’s mission to help those in need.  

Some of these volunteers use the facilities God has blessed them with to provide a donation collection point for needed supplies. These are our Permanent Collection Sites!  

You can find their contact information at www.midwestmission.org/collection-sites.

What’s Happening @ Permanent Collection Sites?

Riverside UMC, Park Rapids, MN – Linda Bair at Riverside UMC has collected 12 treadle machines, bicycles, crutches, eight totes of used school supplies and other items. Wow, that’s wonderful!

University UMC, East Lansing, MI – Scott McRee at University UMC has collected 13 boxes of used school supplies and four treadle machines. Keep up the great work!

Robert Soltysik, McKinney, TX – Bob has collected 22 treadle machines as well as medical supplies.  How awesome for us to have a collection point near Dallas!  At this time, we are in need of a way to get these items to Midwest Mission. If you are traveling in the Dallas area, please reach out to Bob.  You can find his information under Texas at https://www.midwestmission.org/collection-sites .

Emmanuel UMC, Noblesville, IN – Pat and Sharon Baumer are working hard at conference locations for Midwest Mission.  Thanks for all you do!

Tremont UMC, Tremont, IL – Peg Ramsey at our newest PCS in Tremont, IL has already collected two pickup truck loads of used school supplies. Starting off with a BANG!  Thank you!

** If you would like to learn how to repair bikes, sewing machines or learn how to sew our patterns,

Please see our website for Weekend Workshops https://www.midwestmission.org/weekendworkshops  .

If your congregation is interested in becoming a New Permanent Collection Site, please contact Teresa@midwestmission.org for more information.