From Mentee to mentor
by Erick Flores, Ministry Apprentice
I have now completed my 20th year of life. I often think back and reminisce about the past, and Mission Adelante is always present in my memories. Mission Adelante has made a huge impact on my life—it changed me for the better. Mission Adelante is a home to me.
Many people don’t often realize the huge impact volunteers make on our participants. They’re not just volunteers; they’re friends. I was once a participant myself when I was younger. I attended our former Youth Club, Latino Teens Adelante. My older sister, Carla, and her now-husband (then boyfriend), Daniel, tried to get me involved in teens for a long time. They were apprentices at the time. It wasn’t until I got in trouble at school that my mom forced me to go to teens. Little did I know, it would be the best reward I ever received for getting in trouble.
When I arrived at Teens, I was greeted with love and friendship. Even the other participants gave me a warm welcome. Teens Adelante has never the biggest group, but it has been and is the most loving youth group. Our volunteers have always believed in meaningful discipleship—to help deepen our faith and to enjoy time together outside of Mission Adelante. Not only did I have great mentors at Mission, but I also gained best friends. This experience truly inspired me to do the same for the younger ones.
The same mentors I had as a teen continue to volunteer with our current Youth Club. That alone shows how meaningful and inspiring friendship and discipleship are at Mission Adelante. To Michael Pollock, Jessie Delay, Alexis Larson, and the Pastranas—thank you for pouring into me as a teen.
I now have the privilege and honor of becoming a mentor to many. Going from being a mentee to mentoring others is one of the most rewarding experiences of being an apprentice. This is what Mission Adelante is all about—loving one another. I encourage you all to get involved with Mission Adelante. Whether it’s for a trimester or 20 years of volunteering, you will make a difference and build meaningful friendships with those who need it most.
We Need You!
We need you to continue our mission of welcoming and loving people from all places here in Kansas City! These are our current ministry needs:
Arts Community (Mondays, 6:30pm): We’re looking for a music teacher who loves to share creativity and joy. No extensive skills necessary!
Kids Adelante and Latino ESL (Thursdays, 6:30pm): We need dedicated volunteers to teach English to students, young and old.
Youth Club (Wednesdays, 6:30pm): We’re seeking mentors who want to walk alongside teens, encourage them, and share life together.
Sign up here to be a part of what God is doing! ❤️