First Shipment of Relief Heads to Venezuela

August 7th, 2026 Newsletter

On June 24, two major earthquakes struck Venezuela, devastating communities across the country. Thousands of children and families were affected, losing homes, schools, medical facilities, and, most tragically, loved ones.

In the days that followed, Midwest Mission stayed in close contact with our partner, Food For The Poor, as they assessed the damage and identified the greatest needs.

Immediately after the disaster, emergency response organizations provided lifesaving aid such as food, clean water, and temporary shelter. But long after the rescue efforts end and the news cameras leave, families continue facing the difficult work of recovery.

That is where Midwest Mission comes in with disaster relief.

As Food For The Poor evaluated the ongoing needs, they requested medical supplies, hygiene items, bedding, food, mobility equipment, and resources for children. Over the next three weeks, Midwest Mission's Operations Team carefully assembled a shipment designed to meet those specific requests.

On Wednesday, August 5, the first shipment of relief left our warehouse.

It included:

• 560 Personal Dignity Kits

• 24 Wheelchairs

• 86 Sleeping Mats

• 180 Walkers

• 60 Bedding Kits

• 300 Crutches

• 10 Knee Scooters

• Orthopedic Supplies

• 5,406 Disposable Diapers

• Hospital Scrubs

• 560 Student Kits

• 1 pallet of shampoo and deodorant

• 2,400 Rice and Soy Blessing Bags

• 7 Cots

Disaster relief is not a sprint, it is a marathon. The response to a disaster continues days, months, and sometimes years after the devastation occurred. 

The people of Venezuela know what they need best. That is why Midwest Mission never sends supplies based on assumptions. One of the greatest challenges after a disaster can be receiving well-intentioned donations that aren't actually needed, creating additional work for communities already overwhelmed by loss.

Instead, we work through trusted partners who are serving on the ground. They tell us exactly what is needed, and together we respond with resources that will make the greatest difference.

More than a month after the earthquakes, the need remains significant. Many people are still recovering from injuries, hospitals continue rebuilding, and mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and orthopedic supplies is urgently needed.

We anticipate sending another shipment to Venezuela as additional requests are received.

Thank you for praying, giving, and volunteering so that, even after the headlines fade, hope continues to reach those who need it most.

To learn more about the response in Venezuela or how you can help, visit midwestmission.org/venezuela.

Welcome Teresa Auble to the Midwest Mission Team!

This week, we welcomed our newest staff member, Teresa Auble, to the Midwest Mission team! Teresa has joined us as our Reservations Coordinator, helping teams and individuals sign up to volunteer, and working with groups to book their Mission Events. We are so excited to have her joyful heart and kind spirit join this mission. The next time you’re here, be sure to say “hello!”

Here’s a little bit about Teresa:

Teresa and her husband, Jeremiah, live in Springfield and have two awesome children and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Their son, Nehemiah, and his wife, Grace, live in Florida, where he works in financial planning. Their daughter, Lydia, is studying elementary education and plays soccer for Lincoln Land Community College. Teresa enjoys reading, studying God's Word, spending time with her family, and watching sports, whether live or on television.

Teresa serves at Midwest Mission because, "I love being the hands and feet of Jesus and helping people use the gifts God has given them to make a difference in the lives of others."

Teresa's prayer for Midwest Mission is: "That every volunteer who walks through our doors would experience the joy of serving Christ and leave encouraged, knowing God can use ordinary people to make an extraordinary impact."

Feel free to send Teresa an email and welcome her to the Midwest Mission Family — auble@midwestmission.org.

Volunteer Opportunity: Bike Blitz on August 15

A bicycle can be much more than a way to get from one place to another. It can be the key to getting to work, attending school, reaching medical care, or starting a small business.

That's why Midwest Mission is inviting volunteers to join us for our Bike Blitz on Saturday, August 15 from 8:30am-3:30pm.

Whether you're an experienced bike mechanic or have never picked up a wrench, there's a place for you. Volunteers will work together to inspect, repair, and prepare donated bicycles that will soon be shipped to people around the world.

It's a fun, hands-on day of serving, and every bike completed has the potential to change someone's daily life.

Bring a friend, your family, or your small group, and help bring hope to people through bikes!

To learn more and to register, visit midwestmission.org/weekendworkshops.