Last month Brentwood Christian Church in Springfield participated in the Relay of Kindness. Together with other churches and organizations across Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, they provided much needed supplies to Mission: Border Hope. This non-profit organization provides supplies, lodging, food, and prayers to asylum seekers as they travel.

The Relay of Kindness started in Gladstone, Missouri, where the first truck was loaded with supplies bound for Columbia. Waiting in Columbia was a replacement truck which was pre-loaded with all of the supplies collected locally, a team of volunteers ready to transfer the Gladstone truck’s contents onto the Columbia truck, and new drivers to continue the route to St. Louis. As runners in a relay race pass a baton, these hundreds of volunteers passed the growing collection of supplies along the 1500-mile route to Eagle Pass, Texas.

Brentwood CC contributed to the cause significantly. Members donated the hygiene products and other supplies that had been requested. The church also served as a location where other local organizations could bring their collected items. Brentwood youth packed 100 hygiene kits. Additional church volunteers packed other donated items including diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, and feminine hygiene products, filling another 20 boxes. When the truck arrived from Wappapello, a team was ready to unload its contents, reload them onto the new truck with all of the Springfield contributions, and send it off to Joplin.

A total of almost 400 boxes relayed their way to Mission: Border Hope. From there the supplies and kindness will be distributed to those who are in desperate need of both.

Thanks to Brentwood CC Associate Minister Rev. Emily Bowen-Marler
for this information and photos.