At the end of March 2023, three Midwest Mission staff members — Chantel Corrie (Executive Director), Barb Hedinger (Volunteer Coordinator), and Mallory Webster (Communications Manager) — traveled to Kingston, Jamaica to visit places that receive Midwest Mission items, and to witness the need first-hand. The trip was through Food For The Poor, Midwest Mission’s biggest international partner. Jamaica was the first country Food For The Poor served, so this was the perfect country to visit for the first trip.

As they walked the halls of an old hospital, ventured down the road of a campus for disabled children and adults, looked into the eyes of prisoners ready to turn their lives around, and walked hand-in-hand with children who have been given hope through a new family at a children’s home … the needs were evident. But so was God. 

God was near to those going through pain and heartache in the hospital. He could be felt in the chapel of the home for the disabled. You could see him in the eye of the prisoner who would receive a sewing machine upon being released. God was at the forefront of the minds of the directors of the homeless shelter, the “aunties” at the children’s homes, and the staff of Food For The Poor itself. These servants of God not only take care of the physical needs of those they encounter, but pay careful attention to their spiritual needs.

Whether at the hospital, care center for the homeless, or an infirmary for those “homeless, familyless, and friendless,” the need was evident — mattresses. 

Many times, one of the organizations might receive a bed and a mattress, but the mattress is used so much, and often soiled, that the mattress wears out, leaving nothing but a bed frame. Midwest Mission staff members witnessed people sleeping on cardboard laid on top of a hard bed frame, injured patients sitting in a crowded waiting room because of a lack of beds and mattresses, and desperate caretakers asking for mattresses because of what they see on a daily basis. 

The good news is, our God is a God who perfectly orchestrates His plan.

The three staff members returned to Midwest Mission with hearts broken for what breaks God’s heart, and a list of needs that they had witnessed, one of the top priorities being mattresses and medical supplies. 

On the first Monday back at Midwest Mission, Chantel and Mallory walked to the third warehouse for break time. As they turned the corner, they could see piles stacked 10 feet in the air. They peered around the pallet racking to get a better look. There, in the middle of the third warehouse, were stacks and stacks of mattresses. 

Little did they know, while they were in Jamaica seeing the vast need for mattresses, Ramon Ortiz, Operations Specialist, was traveling to Southern Illinois to pick up a load of donated mattresses. 

Our God works in mysteriously perfect ways. 

It was quickly decided that these mattresses would go to Jamaica to be distributed to some of the same organizations where they had seen the desperate need for mattresses. 

On Wednesday, May 3, that shipment came to life. The container backed into the loading dock, the fork lifts revved, and supplies were moved into the container. 

We always send what is asked for, but how much greater is it when we can hear the ask in-person, and make it happen just one month later. We were able to send exactly what they needed because God knew those needs.

This shipment contained 34 mattresses. It also included 25 bikes, 334 little girl outfits, 304 Cover Them With Love Quilts, 83 tarps from Lamar Advertising, medical supplies such as gauze, syringes, bandages, sanitary wipes, linens, gloves, masks, a phlebotomy chair, walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and so much more. 

Total weight: 19,165 lbs

Total value: $97,267.20

We are able to show God’s love in a practical way in Jamaica because YOU listen to the nudge to pray, donate, and serve. You are part of God’s plan at Midwest Mission.

It is an honor and a blessing to be a part of this ministry, and to see God at work.

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During the prayer circle for the shipment, Chantel shared a little more about the trip. You can watch her story here.

Helpful Links

• to donate: midwestmission.org/donate
• to see more info on collecting and donating: click here

Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers

Projects completed

• 15 Sewing Machines repaired
• 300 Student Kits

Other work done

• Desks - build, polyurethane
• Bike repair
• Cleaning
• Mowing and Groundskeeping
• Sewing
• Counting into inventory
• Rice Meal Prep
• Bottled Laundry Soap



Disbursements

• Iowa Annual Conference, Disaster Relief: 144 UMCOR Cleaning Kits Value: $10,800.00
• Chatham Micro Pantry, Chatham, IL: Redirect cleaning and hygiene supplies Value: $132.00
• Kingston, Jamaica, Food For The Poor: See above story

Midwest Mission is able to do this work because of your generous donations and willingness to volunteer. Thank you!



Ready to Get Involved?

Volunteer at Midwest Mission

Dates are available in 2023, 2024, and 2025

Need a Saturday option for team volunteering

or assistance in booking?

Contact Pat Wright at pat@midwestmission.org

or 217-697-4063

Click below to check calendar openings and to reserve your spots.

Volunteer Reservation Calendar



2025 Volunteer Calendar is now open for dorm reservations!

Go to our Reservation Calendar, log in, reserve your rooms, and submit payment for your Non-refundable Reservation Fee via credit card or electronic check. We will email you the Access Code to reserve Volunteer Shifts for your team. You must complete this step for your team to volunteer at Midwest Mission.

For local teams and individuals: Volunteer Shifts will only be available 3 months ahead of time. Beginning October 1, 2023 you will be able to reserve Volunteer Shifts for January of 2024.

Thank you for your patience as we try to improve the reservation experience for both local teams and those staying in the dorm.

Connie and Bill Ridgley

Panora, IA

Webster UMC

Webster Groves, MO

Alaire Willits

Stratford, IA

Jean Schneider and Carol Shipp

Springfield, IL

First UMC

Cedar Falls, IA