I got a special box in the mail today. It was filled with homemade caps, lovingly made by Dixie Manning. They will be given to people who lost their belongings in the May 22 tornado.

I thought I’d do a little cap modeling to give an update on how things are going in my city. Mission Joplin is my church’s effort to help our community during this time of crisis.We served 203 families last week. Everything we do is free of charge and totally led by volunteers from my church.

Most of the clothes we give away are sorted and organized by a group of ladies…

Last week we had the joy of serving 126 families who were hit by the tornado and 77 other families in need. What is most important to me however, are the individual stories of changed lives. Not long ago I got this email: “My new husband has just joined the church and we just attended a Life Group for the first time yesterday. I am so grateful for all that God has done in our lives this year. He saved us in the tornado. Somehow we crawled out of the house without any real injuries. He helped us find a house. He has helped my husband get excited about Him again. The Forest Park family reached out to us after…

People who volunteer at Mission Joplin continue to inspire me. One of them wrote me and said, “My husband and I came to Joplin to help.  Your church family was so kind; everyone we came across tried to offer assistance. We were especially impressed with Lisa (I forgot her last name – young, dark curly hair). She always was upbeat and smiling. We saw God’s handprints on the members we met. Thank you!  In Christ, Dan & Kristi Harvey.”

We are thankful for you, Dan and Kristi, and for others who are joining with us to give healing, help, and hope to Joplin.  We are in need of nonperishable food, socks, underwear, long underwear, portable heaters, and dish soap. We…

“Dear Pastor Swadley, My name is Betty Alexander. I am the treasurer of the Belmay Green Sunday School Class. We voted to use some of our treasury to help the people of Joplin in their time of need. We were glad to have the name of a church where we could be sure it was put to good use. We are a class of oldsters 65 & up at Ellisville Baptist Church in Ellisville, MO. I am sending a check for you to use as you see where it is needed most. You have our heartfelt prayers at this tramautic time. In Christ’s love, Betty Alexander.”

Well, Betty, you have no idea how much your note and gift means to…

I got an amazing email from Lindsay Mattison who brought a load of quilts to Mission Joplin. She collected the quilts from all over the country and wrote this note to thank those who had donated them after she dropped them off at our mission.  Lindsay said, “First of all let me say THANK YOU to all who have donated quilts, pillowcases and baby goods to the good people of Joplin. Everything is so appreciated!  There were over 800 quilts received from ALL OVER the country, thru different venues on the internet all from very generous quilters! So THANK YOU to all who were a part of that.

This act of kindness and love really touched the people working…

Last week was awesome! Mission Joplin served 168 families that experienced loss in the tornado and 90 other families with various needs.  We are so thankful for the opportunity to serve our community. The high point for me was the Christmas giveaway event we held on Saturday for the families living in FEMA trailers.  307 families showed up (about 1000 people) and received Christmas trees, ornaments, a holiday photo, and snacks. While the kids did crafts the parents picked out presents and our volunteers gift wrapped them. Families also received nativity sets as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Several inquired about attending Christmas services at Forest Park!  Mission Joplin is open tomorrow from 10 a.m. until 3…