Honoring a Legacy of Service: Brad Walton’s Retirement

December 19th, 2025 Newsletter

For many of us, Brad has been a constant presence at Midwest Mission. In a ministry shaped by growth, change, and ever-evolving needs, Brad remained steady. He was the familiar face in the warehouse, the voice on the phone answering questions about medical equipment, and the dependable presence people turned to when something needed to be figured out. No matter the season or the challenge, Brad showed up with consistency and care. Over the years, his faithfulness became part of the foundation on which Midwest Mission operates.

With all of this in mind, we announce Brad’s retirement with heavy hearts, yet deep appreciation for his dedication to the mission. His final day on staff will be December 31, just before the new year ushers in a new chapter for both Brad and Midwest Mission.

Brad has dedicated his life to Midwest Mission since joining staff in 2013. What began as regular volunteering grew into 12 years of full-time service as Operations Director, a role he approached with the same steady mindset that defined his years of service: see a need, fill a need.

When Brad first joined staff, Midwest Mission was young and full of potential. However, it needed someone to bring structure and clarity to its operations so that the mission could continue growing and serving more people. Brad was just the man for the job.

He saw the need, and he filled it.

As Brad reflected on his time at Midwest Mission, he shared what initially drew him to the organization and what has continued to motivate him throughout the years:

“When I started, I wanted to work here because I knew that Midwest Mission had a need I could fill: a need for operational organization. My motivation was getting Midwest Mission moving in the right direction: I could help take us to the next level. I’m so proud of how far Midwest Mission has come in its organization. Our order and structure as a mission are possible because we were willing to learn and adapt. That is something that must never end if we are to keep growing and helping more people. Now, as I reflect on the work I’ve done and the people I’ve helped,  it is incredibly meaningful. I’ve served people that I may never meet, see, or hear from. Which makes every day a good day, no matter what happens.”

Brad’s steady leadership helped shape the way the mission operates today. Since joining staff, Brad has helped send out 424 international shipments and nearly 12 million pounds of supplies, which is an impressive testament to his “Don’t tell me you can’t do something, let’s find a way to do it” mentality. This mindset not only drove tangible results but also left a lasting legacy within the organization.

That legacy is one of dedicated service to people he may never meet. Brad has seen Midwest Mission through many seasons, and with that experience comes wisdom that this ministry has been blessed to receive and build upon. He played a key role in shaping Midwest Mission into what it is today, and our staff, volunteers, donors, recipients, and the Kingdom itself feel the impact of his faithful work. Brad has been an integral piece of the puzzle in how Midwest Mission has become an influential ministry in the Midwest and around the world.

Brad plans to remain in the Springfield area, where he will begin consulting with organizations that want to grow but need guidance, structure, and operational support—much like Midwest Mission did years ago. This new chapter will also create opportunities for networking with organizations that could benefit from a partnership with Midwest Mission, allowing current partnerships to continue while opening doors to new ones.

Brad may be retiring from his role at Midwest Mission, but his commitment to Kingdom work remains as strong as ever.

Help Us Celebrate Brad!

If you would like to join us in honoring Brad’s commitment to Midwest Mission, we invite you to help us shower him with cards as he enters retirement. Your notes of gratitude, encouragement, and well-wishes would mean so much to him!

Please send cards to:

Midwest Mission

1001 Mission Dr.

Pawnee, IL 62558

The Final International Shipment of 2025!

This Tuesday marked the sending out of our final international shipment of 2025! What a meaningful milestone as we close out another year of serving communities around the world. Over the course of 2025, Midwest Mission sent 69 international shipments, surpassing our original goal by 19 shipments. Each one represents generosity in action and hope delivered to those facing crisis.

That’s why the destination of our final shipment makes it all the more meaningful. 

This container is headed to Jamaica through our trusted partner, Food For The Poor. There, families continue to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Since Melissa made landfall on October 28, Midwest Mission has responded with urgency and compassion, sending a total of four shipments of humanitarian relief and supplies.

These shipments have included Bed Packs, Rice and Soy Blessing Bags, Home Care Kits, and other essential resources to support individuals and families as they rebuild their lives, homes, and communities.

This fourth shipment to Jamaica and final shipment of 2025 carries a powerful load: 

• 720 Storm Cleanup Kits

• 19,600 Blessing Bags

The total value of this shipment is $62,960.00.

These supplies provide both practical tools and daily sustenance that is only possible through the generosity of donors, the dedication of volunteers, and the strength of partnerships that allow for rapid response!

As we reflect on this year, we are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in making these shipments possible. Together, we continue to bring hope and empowerment to those in need, one shipment at a time!

How Do We Know What To Send?

At Midwest Mission, we’re committed to sending supplies that are truly needed, not just what we have on hand or what we think might help. As our Director of Operations, Brad, often says, “No junk for Jesus!” That simple phrase keeps us grounded in our mission: to offer meaningful supplies that make a genuine difference in people’s lives.

What makes our impact unique is that it stretches both across the United States and around the world. From small rural towns recovering after natural disasters to international communities rebuilding after crises, our goal remains the same: to meet people right where they are with the resources they truly need.

To make that happen, we partner closely with trusted organizations, ministries, and individuals already on the ground in the areas we serve — both domestically and abroad. These partners have a direct relationship with those we serve, meaning they know what’s going on, what’s needed, and the opportunities to make a real impact. They help us identify exactly what supplies will bring the most help and hope.

This partnership-driven approach means we’re not guessing, we’re responding. Whether it’s hygiene kits, school supplies, medical equipment, or even a fire truck, we send what’s been asked for, not what’s convenient.

By staying focused on what people actually need, we’re able to provide more than just physical supplies. We’re helping offer dignity, hope, and encouragement to people who need it most. It’s a simple way to make a lasting impact — one request, one shipment, and one life at a time!