The Mission Around the Corner: Meeting Local Needs in Indianapolis

September 26th, 2025 Newsletter

Oftentimes, when we think of missions, we picture children and families in foreign countries with hungry stomachs and a lack of resources. Sadly, this is a reality in many places, but we often forget that there are also people in need of basic resources right here in the United States. The mission is right around the corner; we just have to open our eyes to it.

Recently, Midwest Mission was able to send kits and items to a ministry in Indianapolis, Indiana, that addresses the needs they see right in their community. The ministry is called Soup’s On. It was founded out of Roberts Park UMC twenty-six years ago when a member of the church took notice of a need right in the church’s vicinity: all of the nearby shelters were closed on Sundays, meaning homeless individuals in their community were going without food for a whole day, if not longer. This realization drove Soup’s On to become a ministry dedicated to feeding those in need every Sunday at noon.

Still today, it is a refuge where people can receive a warm, nourishing meal. However, it’s much more than just a place where the unhoused and unemployed can get a bite to eat. Soup’s On strives to meet guests' spiritual, emotional, and practical needs. Which is where Midwest Mission was able to enter the story, thanks to Mary Marty!

Mary, who is a volunteer at Midwest Mission and Soup’s On, arranged for Midwest Mission Kits and items to be delivered to the pantry, where they would be distributed to those in need of hygiene items like deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and more. Now, guests who visit Soup’s On for a filling meal get to leave with arms full of items that will bring dignity and empowerment. 

Because someone saw a need in their community and took steps to address it, lives are being transformed. This is possible no matter where you are. The need isn’t always an ocean away; it just might be around your corner. 

We Sent Our 50th International Shipment of the Year!

We have officially met our goal for 2025, and it's only September! On Thursday, September 25th, we sent out our 50th international shipment of the year!

The supplies are headed to Guatemala through our partner Food For The Poor.

This shipment included:

• 20 Bikes

• 50 Folding Chairs

• 6 Treadle Sewing Machines

• 13 Electric Sewing Machines

• 312 Layette Kits

• 1,680 Personal Dignity Kits

• 40 Twin Hospital Bed Mattresses

• 314 Scrubber Sponges

• Clothing

• Sewing Items

• Fabric

The value of this shipment was $191,921.10.

We are beyond excited to reach our goal of 50 international shipments! We recognize that accomplishments such as this wouldn't be possible without dedicated volunteers, partners, and givers. So, we just want to thank everyone who made these shipments possible!

As we look to the future, we grow even more excited knowing that more international shipments are possible. With this in mind, we ask for persistent prayers for more containers to be available so that we can continue to send hope and empowerment around the world and around the corner!

Teaching Beyond the Classroom - Roger's Story of Service

If you’ve volunteered at Midwest Mission or, more specifically, worked in the wood shop, you’ve most likely met Roger McClintock. 

Roger taught math at Jacksonville High School for 39 years before retiring. It was then that he realized he didn’t want to spend his retirement doing trivial activities. Instead, he wanted to use his skills and talents for the good of others, no matter what that looked like. When he started volunteering at Midwest Mission, Roger found a place where his main passions of teaching and helping others intersect: in the wood shop. He now spends about 3 days a week teaching volunteers how to build the school desks.

Both Roger and his wife, Ruth, have been serving at Midwest Mission for about 22 years now. Talk about long-term service and dedication! With such longevity in service comes many stories and much impact. So, watch Roger’s interview here as he shares about his life of teaching, in and outside of the classroom!