Mission Joplin has been blessed to host some temporary workers through a FEMA program. They come from all walks of life and for some of them, life has been very unkind. I had the joy of talking with a couple of people today who have had a very rough life. God has been using our volunteers to help them see that they can have a better life through Jesus Christ. The woman that I visited with is still thinking it all over. We have another appointment on Sunday.  The guy that I talked to has made a commitment to follow Jesus and I get to baptize him this Sunday! Both of them talked about how Misty inspired them to want…

We are fast approaching the anniversary of the tornado that claimed 160 lives and damaged or destroyed 8,000 homes/buildings in Joplin. For many of us, it has been the most challenging year of our lives.  We are so thankful for those of you who came to help us carry the burden of helping our neighbors in need. About 90% of our businesses are back, but hundreds remain in FEMA trailers without a place of their own to live. We have come a long way. We still have a long way to go.

Mission Joplin has helped about 18,000 people in the last 12 months. Our slogan is, “Hope for Joplin, Glory to God.” We are forever thankful for those of…

We got our shower seat (actually two of them!) We are so amazed at how God works through people like you to help with the exact needs we find in our community.  Thank you for praying and for giving. Thank you for caring for people who need hope, help, and healing.

Part of following Jesus is serving those in need. Most people at my church serve a couple of hours a week. Our Bible study teachers prepare and teach a lesson. Our Awana and Kid City volunteers, the members of our choir, orchestra, and band, those who serve on the tech team or first impression team:  most of these give from 1 to 4 hours a week so that God…

One year ago here in Joplin, we were getting ready for Mother’s Day just like everyone else. Those of us who needed to get cards in the mail were bumping elbows in the greeting card aisle at the store. Siblings were collaborating on gift ideas. Some were making plans for lunch.

This Mother’s Day will be different for many of us. We have people in my church who lost family members in the tornado. Others will not be able to gather in the same home. Still others are having to scale back the normal plans because of the financial hit created by the storm.

Not all is doom and gloom. Some families have gotten closer in the past…