Our ministry
Uniting the local body of Christ
Uplift Mid-MO exists to create unity in the body of Christ and support local missions and outreach in Audrain County by providing valuable resources to those in need and effectively leading the lost to Jesus Christ.
Our story
Uniting local churches around the same mission
Uplift Mid-MO was founded in 2019 by Kate Shaw, a lifelong Mexico, MO resident, after God placed unity in the body of Christ on her heart. Seven board members from Audrain County churches joined her.
By the grace of God, Uplift obtained 501(c)(3) status in 2020, served over 500 people in its first five years, and hired Libby Landrum in 2021 to run its programs. Today Uplift is a lasting gap ministry, covering needs other organizations cannot.
Our programs
How we walk alongside our neighbors
Uplift Clearinghouse
The heart of our ministry. A benevolence referral service for Audrain County church and agency partners that builds Christ-centered relationships and works toward lasting stability.
Caring Connections
One-on-one, Christ-centered mentorship in career, budget, housing, and resources, plus financial help with rent, utilities, and other expenses.
Educating the Community
Bridges Out of Poverty workshops for organizations and 14-week Getting Ahead classes for neighbors building long-term stability.
Heating and Cooling Repairs
Funding support for heating and air conditioning repairs during the coldest and hottest months of the year.
Community Outreach
In partnership with local churches, Uplift places Blessing Boxes throughout the community, offering free food and hygiene items to anyone in need. Each month we also serve at the Vandalia Food Pantry, handing out hygiene items to families.
Our team
The people behind Uplift
Staff
Board of Directors
Kate Shaw
Board President
Bev Borgeson
Treasurer & Grants
Mary Rohrbach
Secretary
Wendy Lentz
Vice President
Dana Keller
Board Member
Interested in serving on the board? We meet quarterly, and the time commitment is as light or as full as you want it to be. Email office@upliftmidmo.org.
What we believe
Statement of Faith
We believe in one true God, who has a triune nature represented as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who dwelt among men and was fully man, and fully God, and fulfilled the law by living a sinless life in order to be a perfect sacrifice to pay for our sins.
We believe that man is broken and because sin entered the world, the consequence is death. God loved the world so much that he made a way for us to be able to have eternal life. God’s perfect plan of salvation is a free gift that is based solely on FAITH in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of all sins; past, present, and future, and is not something that can be earned, acquired, or lost based on any good works. (Eph. 2:8-9) (John 10:27-30)
We believe Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). God the son, the son of God, always existed, left glory, laid down his glory, was born of a virgin, wrapped in flesh, lived a sinless life, and shed his precious blood on the cross for the forgiveness of all sins, past, present and future. He died, was buried and on the third day he rose from the dead. (1 Cor. 15:3-4) The moment you repent (change of mind/heart) and believe, you are saved, sealed, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. (John 5:24)
Want to work with us?
Serve as a volunteer, bring your church or business alongside us, or support the ministry with a gift.