Mules on a Gospel Mission

Mike Toberer has packed mules for almost his whole life, but he never thought the Lord would direct him and his wife, Michele, to help in a disaster like Hurricane Helene. This changed the course of their lives forever as their ministry, Mission Mules, formed.

“Packing” refers to the use of mules to transport supplies into remote areas, a mode of transport most often used in combat. For years, Mike’s focus was training service members how to work with the animals. When a training with Marines got canceled, Mike and his crew were already loaded up and ready to pack. Because of this, they were able help in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

“It literally turned our mountain communities up there into third world countries as far as the roads were concerned.”—Michele Toberer

Mission Mules transported life-saving supplies to people, even Bibles. The Toberer’s daughters highlighted verses in each of the Bibles, hoping that those who received them after disaster would be encouraged and cling to a hope that never disappoints. Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (ESV).

“We don't know if they've lost Bibles. We don't know; maybe they don't even have one. But what else could bring more light in darkness? And so, we decided to include them, and people seemed to have such a positive response to that, that we just kept including that in what we are bringing.”—Michele Toberer

Amid the storm, God was faithful. Mission Mules could not keep up with the countless calls they received each day. So, they had to trust that the Lord would lead them to the right people who needed help at the right time. This was a time of constant prayer, as they humbly asked God for endurance and strength. Michele shared with Kristy about how she continued to walk in obedience, making decisions directed by the Lord.

“[My friend] said, ‘You know, Michelle, God only asks you to be obedient. Even if this isn't really what you're supposed to be doing, if you're doing it because you believe God's telling you to, that's going to please Him.’ And I'll never forget that because it let me just go forward with what we felt like was the right thing to do. And then it's been that way ever since.”—Michele Toberer

Mike talked about how he would’ve never imagined that the Lord would direct their paths in this way, but helping after the hurricane is the thing that he is most proud of in his life.

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