A New Partnership Bringing Hope: Midwest Mission Iowa Joins Hands with Owen’s

December 12th, 2025 Newsletter

When Midwest Mission Iowa opened its doors, we prayed that God would continue to expand our reach through meaningful partnerships. This fall, we witnessed that prayer answered in an unexpected — and incredible — way.

Thanks to Ron Dorsman from Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a new relationship has formed with Owen’s Outfitters, a project that provides gently used medical equipment to people in need. Ron made the introduction to Owen’s Outfitter’s Executive Director, Mike Turner, and before we knew it, our Iowa team was on the road to South Dakota to see how we might serve together.

What we found was nothing short of remarkable.

So far, Midwest Mission Iowa has received two large trailer loads of high-quality medical equipment — items that will soon change lives across the world. Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, orthopedic supports, boxes of adult diapers, assorted medical supplies, and even a dental chair are now ready to be sent to communities where access to care is limited and hope can sometimes feel far away.

The generosity didn’t end with the donation itself. On a bitterly cold October day, when we arrived to pick up the second load, a volunteer team from Missouri River Energy Services was volunteering onsite at Owen’s Outfitters. Without hesitation, they jumped in to help load the trailer, working side-by-side with our dedicated Iowa Volunteer Leaders, Brett and Kristi Ahrens. Their teamwork turned a daunting task into a joyful one.

This partnership is just beginning, and we are already in awe of what God is making possible. Plans are underway for another trip before the end of the year, and we look forward to continuing this connection for years to come.

To Ron, Mike Turner, and the crew at Owen’s Outfitters, and all our faithful supporters — thank you. Your commitment ensures that people in their most vulnerable moments receive dignity, comfort, and the tools they need to heal.

Because of you, lives are being transformed — one wheelchair, one walker, one act of kindness at a time.

Pictured from left to right: Missouri River Energy Services employees, Ron Dorsman, Mike Turner, Executive Director of Owen’s Outfitters, Danille Curtis, Midwest Mission Iowa Director, Kristi Ahrens, Missouri River Energy Services employees, Brett Ahrens.

How Did Midwest Mission Start?

As we near the end of 2025, we are reflecting on Midwest Mission’s 25 years of ministry, and all that God has accomplished. A big part of that reflection is recognizing how this all came to be - how God turned dreams into reality, and how “If you build it, they will come,” really came to fruition.

So how did Midwest Mission begin?

It all started with the Great Flood of 1993. Persistent rainfall throughout the Midwest during the spring and summer seasons of 1993 caused the Mississippi and Missouri rivers to flood, leading to tremendous amounts of destruction and loss. 

Churches who were close to the affected areas were called to respond, but there was no central disaster response facility to organize any type of response. Jack Travelstead, who was a district superintendent of the United Methodist Church, recognized this need and decided to do something about it.

Jack had always had a heart for missions—both internationally and here at home. Before Midwest Mission, he had traveled on several mission trips to Haiti, where he saw firsthand how simple supplies could restore dignity and hope to people facing hardship. 

Those experiences shaped his vision for a ministry that would bridge compassion with organization—a place where the Church could respond swiftly when disaster struck, not just overseas but across the United States.

Inspired by UMCOR Sager-Brown’s operations in Louisiana, Jack dreamed of creating a similar center in Illinois—a hub where volunteers could prepare supplies and send them wherever they were needed most.

In 1999, at the Illinois Great Rivers (IGRC) Annual Conference, he received approval for his idea and was granted $100,000 from IGRC and $50,000 from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to establish what would become Midwest Mission. This would allow him to proceed with forming a unique non-profit, separate from UMCOR, to respond to disasters so long as there was no indebtedness.

Over 25 years later, Midwest Mission is still here, and is growing rapidly—sending relief to those in need and making an intangible difference in their lives through hope and empowerment!