February 28th Newsletter
Midwest Mission sends supplies in response to disasters of all kinds. There are natural disasters like hurricanes, man-made disasters like war, and there are some disasters that are unexpected, but cause a great deal of destruction.
Southwest Detroit, Michigan recently experienced an unexpected disaster.
On February 17, a 54-inch water main broke, causing mass flooding in a large community of Detroit. Streets became rivers, and cars, trash cans, and anything else on the street floated by. About 400 basements were flooded before they could fix the break.
Even worse, it was so cold that the stagnant flood waters began to freeze on the street.
Eventually, the ice melted and waters receded, leaving families with the damage caused in their homes.
On Friday, February 21, UMC Michigan Conference’s Disaster Response Coordinator reached out to Brad Walton, Midwest Mission’s Director of Operations, and requested 250 Cleaning Kits to support cleanup efforts.
On Monday, February 24, a truck arrived at Midwest Mission, and the Operations Team loaded eight pallets of the requested Cleaning Kits. The Kits arrived in Detroit by morning the next day.
When a disaster like this occurs, it disrupts the lives of so many people. Please be praying for the families that are living in hotels and with family members until they can get back in their homes. Pray that the damage is minimal and they can soon begin their “normal” routines once again.
It’s because of YOU that supplies get shipped so quickly. Without your donations, time, and resources, the supplies wouldn’t be available to send out. Thank you!
Honduras Shipment Sent Right Before Team Leaves
On Tuesday, February 25, a shipment of supplies left the Midwest Mission warehouse, and is headed to San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
This shipment is extra special, because a team of Midwest Mission staff, board members, and volunteer leaders are traveling to San Pedro Sula on Monday.
Although the shipment will not arrive for a few weeks, the items will bless people that the team will be meeting throughout their trip.
The shipment included three farm implements (a planter, disc, and brush hog) for the tractor that is set to arrive in the next few weeks. Because of your generosity on Giving Tuesday, the tractor was purchased with enough money left to purchase all three farm implements! Thank you to everyone who donated to make this happen.
Because of the great response to the tractor initiative, while in Honduras, the team will be learning about more ways we can partner with their Agriculture Projects in the future.
Also included on the shipment was:
840 Personal Dignity Kits
320 Layette Kits
620 Birthing Kits (Updated based on the information we gleaned in Honduras last year!)
198 School Desks
560 Student Kits
21 Electric Sewing Machines
5 Sergers
11 Treadle Sewing Machines
6 Rolls of Fabric
350 Feminine Hygiene Kits
22 Bed Packs
20 Twin-Size Mattresses
180 Home Care Kits
39 Coolers (donated by Dometic)
The total value of this shipment is $197,370.00
Please be praying for the mission trip, for the 13 team members going, for the people they will encounter, for knowledge they hope to gain, and for eyes to see the needs of those around them.
We look forward to sharing about the trip! Follow our Facebook Page, and check in next week to see updates as the team shares their joy from serving.
Bikes
Our bike hut is completely empty!
“We are really in need of bikes,” said Sarah Frazee, Inventory Specialist. “Our bike shop volunteers have worked hard to get bikes ready to ship out … but now they need more to do.
“You might not have room for bikes in your garage, but we have room in the warehouse!” Sarah said with a laugh.
As you are spring cleaning, think about donating bikes you no longer use that are in working condition, with minimal rust (and no thin tires).
Both Midwest Mission Illinois (1001 Mission Dr, Pawnee, IL 62558) and Midwest Mission Iowa (219 N Chestnut St., Jefferson, IA 50129) are in need of bikes.