Midwest Mission Iowa Celebrates 2nd Anniversary!

Midwest Mission Iowa, Midwest Mission’s first satellite site, opened its doors two years ago on June 17, 2023 with an exciting grand opening celebration. The purpose of the site? To get more people involved in the western part of the Midwest, so that more supplies are cultivated, and therefore more people around the world and around the corner have what they need. 

It has been a huge success! The word has spread, and people are eager to get involved and learn how they can bring hands-on mission to their community.

The mission is the same: to bring the hearts and hands of God’s people together (that’s all of you!) to transform resources (donated items and funds) into humanitarian relief. 

Since Midwest Mission Iowa opened, more than 500 volunteers donated 7,400 hours of serving at this Jefferson location. Now, you are donating two semi-loads worth of items every single month! 

Danille Curtis, Iowa Public Relations Coordinator, reflected on this milestone:

“As we celebrate the second anniversary of Midwest Mission’s Iowa location, I’m filled with deep gratitude and reflection. I am so honored that God called me and placed me in a position to witness the work He is doing in Iowa and beyond through Midwest Mission. After my family first visited Midwest Mission in 2019, I knew God had placed this ministry on my path for a purpose. And what a blessing it has been!

The past two years have brought incredible growth. From increasing the number of volunteers walking through our doors to the huge rise of in-kind donations being generated—we are touching so many lives! People are coming together here with a shared purpose: to serve those in need around the world, starting right here in Iowa.

Each kit packed, each donation delivered, each story shared, and every volunteer who gives their time is a reminder of why we do this work. Looking ahead, I’m so excited about what’s to come—this is just the beginning! I truly believe the best is yet to come for Midwest Mission, and I’m so glad Iowa is a part of that journey. Together, we’re building something that is changing lives today AND inspiring hope for the future.”

Alaire Willits, Iowa Volunteer Coordinator, commented:

“It’s inspiring to reflect on a Saturday morning, just over two years ago, when a small group of people looked at an empty building in Jefferson and said, “Yes, this is it!” A few months later, Midwest Mission Iowa opened its doors, marking the beginning of an incredible adventure in faith. 

Iowans have kind and giving hearts. Donations have poured in from all across Iowa and surrounding states. Volunteers sign up to sort and box items. They come for the Experience to learn how to teach kits back in their church. At times, we need to carefully navigate our way through the pallets waiting to be loaded onto trucks bound for Illinois. The bike shop is bustling with activity every day. Quilters and seamstresses come in, often leaving with ideas they can easily work on at home and bring back. It’s amazing to see refreshed sewing machines, knowing how they will empower the recipients. 

Weaving has often served as a starting point for renewal through fellowship, laughter, and the joy of helping others. I frequently hear that coming together once a week is strengthening their congregation. It’s delightful to receive inquiries from those who’ve heard about us and want to know how they can get involved in the mission. Our reputation is growing, and the phone is busy! 

Being part of a mission that creates such meaningful impact is exhilarating. Our volunteer shifts are filling up quickly – a clear indication of our expanding influence, with multiple groups requesting the same days. It’s a wonderful dilemma to have. To see the joy of those who do the work here with tangible things fills me, to hear “I got it!” as they work, and talk about who they’ll ask to come with them next time – Ah, the Holy Spirit is at work!  

Thank you for your dedication over the past two years. We look forward to carrying this great mission on so that more people have what they need in Christ’s name. 

How to Support Midwest Mission Iowa:

1. Pray for the people we serve, the volunteers, and the donors.

2. Schedule a visit to Midwest Mission Iowa — you can come on a tour, or volunteer with your group!

3. Donate funds towards the Iowa Building Campaign. Purchasing the building we are currently leasing will allow us to expand and grow the ministry.

Iowa Building Campaign Update

There is still $54,000 left in the matching fund. For every $1 donated, the Endowment Fund will donate an additional $1 towards the campaign. 

You have already raised over $45,000! Thank you SO much for your generosity. By donating to this Campaign, you are ensuring that more work can be done, so that more people’s lives are changed.

Best Way to Celebrate 50 Years of Marriage? A Blessing Bag Pack! 

Mark and Mary Grant have been Volunteer Leaders for Midwest Mission for the past several years. After volunteering with the NOMADS on a several-week-long construction project, they decided they wanted to come back and serve every year.

Over the past two years, they’ve learned a lot about the ministry, ways people can get involved, and the great impact that is made in the world by people all over the Midwest.

So, when their 50th wedding anniversary was nearing, they knew how they wanted to spend it: with their family, helping people in need.

Their family of about 20 packed 320 Rice and Soy Blessing Bags that will feed 1,920 people who are in desperate need of a meal.

“When we explained to our family that we chose to provide 1,920 meals to people in need instead of taking them to a restaurant, they were totally on board. It was truly a bonding event and they had many questions about the meals and the mission. Several took small bags to prepare at home!”

What a beautiful picture of what being the hands and feet of Jesus looks like. Thank you, Mark and Mary, for sharing your love for serving with your family, and for sharing this great story with us! 

Congratulations on 50 years of marriage!