refugee

Shine!

Calling All sponsors for the “Shine” 20-year Celebration!

by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director

Twenty years of work in one community, the perseverance, the fruit, the hardships, and the grace of God; all of it together is worthy of a celebration!  And celebrate we will!  On September 18th, we’ll host our first ever gala event at Children’s Mercy Park to commemorate 20 years of loving people from all places.  We are currently seeking sponsors for the event, both individuals and businesses, who would like to help us celebrate well. By sponsoring this landmark event, you will help propel Mission Adelante into the coming years as a ministry that is loving individuals and families from places all over the world. In its first 20 years, Mission Adelante has grown into a vital part of the Kansas City community. God’s favor has been plentiful. Yet, there is so much more to be done. We invite you to be a significant part of celebrating our past and igniting our future!

We have designed several different sponsorship levels, each with its own set of included benefits. Whether you’re a business seeking to invest in the community or an individual who loves what Mission Adelante stands for, there is a spot for you! We invite you to learn more at www.shinegala.com!

Let me close by telling you why I’m so excited about this event!

  • Who? We’ll include EVERYONE! Donors, volunteers, partners, ministry participants. This party is for people from all places!

  • Where? The venue is AMAZING! We’ve reserved the two best event spaces at Sporting KC’s Stadium. One walks has access to player locker rooms, media room and walks out to the pitch!

  • Who (again)? We’ll have some very special guests at the event. Dan Deeble, who is a long-time friend of Mission Adelante and a dynamic speaker will serve as our Emcee. Brad Gregory and his jazz group will be playing for us. And, Daniel Salloi, starting forward and Team Captain for Sporting KC will be there to share his own immigration story and mingle with guests.

  • Why? Because God is faithful! There are times to put our heads down and work, and then there are times to stop, reflect, and celebrate what God has done. Twenty years is one of those times!

Tell Us Your Story!

As we prepared to commemorate two decades of service with Mission Adelante, we want to highlight our incredible community of partners who make our work possible. To help us do that, we’ve developed a handful of prompts below that we’d love for you to reply to. You can pick-and-choose what questions are most relevant to respond to, or feel free to share your own impact story in the final comment box. We appreciate your time and look forward to shining a light on Mission Adelante’s impact, together! 

Be part of our programs!

Summer is here! We’d love to include you in some of the excitement during our summer trimester!

  • Come and See Nights: July 14, 15, 16, 17

    • Visit one of our programs and get a first-hand look at how you could make an impact as a volunteer. Learn more at missionadelante.org/serve

  • Summer Arts Camp: July 21-24

Genuine Community

Genuine Community

by Kristen Maxwell, Associate Director

When I returned to Kansas City in 2010, I carried with me a desire to connect with the refugee community. During an internship at a church in Atlanta, I met families whose warmth and stories left a lasting impression on me, stirring in me a desire for meaningful relationships with people from other places.

Through a high school friend, I met David and was introduced to the early days of the Bhutanese Outreach at Mission Adelante. It was there that I found fertile ground to cultivate those connections. Together, we nurtured weekly programs that eventually engaged around 100 kids and teens, supported by more than 50 dedicated volunteers. One of my greatest joys during that time was weaving together the lives of children and volunteers, fostering a community where relationships could take root and flourish.

Just this past week, I had the privilege of attending the high school graduations of three young women I mentored in our Kids Club and  Leaders in Training (LIT) programs from 2011–2017. The moment became even more beautiful as I had the chance to reconnect with two longtime Kids Club and LIT volunteers who had faithfully walked alongside these same girls over the years. To witness those relationships continuing years later, as these young women crossed the graduation stage, reminded me again of the beauty and strength of genuine community.

When Jarrett called to ask if I would consider returning to Mission Adelante to help launch a refugee resettlement program in partnership with World Relief, I was working as an ESL teacher in the KCK school system. While I enjoyed aspects of that role—supporting teachers, ensuring compliance, and facilitating communication—I found myself missing the relational side of the work. I jumped at the chance to dive back into deeper connections and to nurture partnerships within and beyond the church.

Though our time actively resettling refugees was brief—just 359 days, not even a full calendar year, we welcomed 47 families, 171 individuals—or as I like to say, 171 new friends. More than 150 volunteers came alongside us, offering their time and resources to set up apartments, teach English classes, collect hygiene kits, go to doctors' appointments, help learn how to pay bills, and greet families at the airport. New friendships were sprouting everywhere.

Though we are no longer in the active resettlement phase, I continue to pray that those relationships grow. That birthdays are celebrated, prayers are shared, and roots deepen. I’ve often heard people say that what sets Mission Adelante apart is its relationships, and that’s held true through our refugee resettlement work. The relationships have truly embodied love.

I’m reminded of 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV):
"Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."

That’s exactly what our volunteers do, every single day—they show up and share their lives.

I feel like in so much of my life, Proverbs 16:9(NIV) holds true: 

“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

When I left Mission Adelante in 2017, I never would have planned for the Lord would bring me back, but with his guidance, my steps brought me back to this place to lead for this season in a beautiful way.  Just like coming back to Mission Adelante, only the Lord could have come up with the steps I will take next.  At the beginning of June, I will be joining the Kansas City Christian School team as the Elementary Principal.

As I prepare to wrap up this second season at Mission Adelante, I am filled with gratitude for the stories I’ve heard, the relationships that have been built, and the beauty of what we’ve accomplished together. And I pray that when some of our smallest arrivals walk across their graduation stages years from now, the people who first welcomed them to their new home will be there, celebrating alongside them—because in the end, it all comes down to relationships.

Be part of our programs!

We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?

May 27th- First week of Summer Trimester Programs- Please make note that the summer trimester will start on Tuesday after Memorial Day. 

July 14th - 17th - Come and See Nights - Come and see firsthand how our programs operate, and how you may be able to fit in.

Joy, Games, and Planning: What Happens Between Trimesters at Mission Adelante

Joy, Games, and Planning: What Happens Between Trimesters at Mission Adelante

by Erick Flores, Ministry Apprentice

Our programs are always bursting with joy, laughter, and energy, thanks to our amazing participants! From class time and activities to end-of-trimester parties, our building is constantly alive, often with plenty of messes left behind as proof. While our trimester breaks are more relaxed, they’re also an important time for us to prepare and reset for what’s next.

During the break, we take the opportunity to clean and reorganize our entire building. While our adult programs tend to leave things pretty tidy, our kids and youth programs definitely know how to use every square inch for fun, and the game closet is always the biggest challenge. Somehow, every trimester, it ends up in total disarray. I think the whole staff would agree it’s the hardest area to clean, but also one of the most important to keep ready for action.

In addition to cleaning, planning a new curriculum is a major part of our trimester break. We work hard to design educational, engaging, and meaningful programming that helps our participants grow each week. It always warms my heart to see them return week after week with smiles on their faces, a sign that they’re enjoying their time and learning something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers, and we’re so thankful for the way they pour into our community.

On a personal note, I’m especially excited for the upcoming summer trimester, particularly our annual Arts Camp, which I’m planning with my sister and teammate, Carla. Arts Camp is one of our favorite events of the year. Over four days, kids and teens choose a class based on their interests, work on a hands-on project, and present their creations on the final day. We aim to welcome over 100 participants, and it’s always such a joy to see their creativity and confidence grow.

We couldn’t do it without our incredible volunteers. Whether it’s teaching a class or simply showing up to support, every hour makes a difference. If you have a heart for investing in the next generation, we’d love for you to hang out with us this summer. Join us at our Volunteer Orientation this Saturday, May 17th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., to begin your volunteering journey!

Be part of our programs!

We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?

May 17th- New Volunteer Orientation- 9:00 am-12:30 pm-  This is a time for new volunteers to find out more about Mission Adelante and how they can serve, share life, and share Jesus with people from other places.  Please use this form to let us know you will be here, and which ministry areas you are most interested in. New Volunteer Orientation Sign Up

May 19th- All Volunteer Huddle and Dessert- 6:30-8:30 pm- Join volunteers from all ministry areas to pray and plan for the trimester ahead.  Feel free to bring a dessert to share during our social time at the beginning. Please let the leader of your ministry area know if you cannot attend. 

May 27th- First week of Summer Trimester Programs- Please make note that the summer trimester will start on Tuesday after Memorial Day. 

Helping Our Neighbors: Filling the Hygiene Gap

Helping Our Neighbors: Filling the Hygiene Gap

by Kristen Maxwell, Associate Director

 We all know how much our local food pantries do for our community. They're a lifeline for people struggling to put food on the table.  But when people face tough times, their needs go beyond just food. Think about the everyday hygiene stuff we all need: soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and things like pads and tampons are essential. These aren't luxuries – they're basics that affect people's health, how they feel about themselves, and their overall well-being.

For many who are trying to make ends meet, it's a tough choice between buying food and buying these hygiene items. That's a hard spot to be in. What started as supplying hygiene supplies for newly arrived refugees has grown into a small ministry of its own. With your generous partnership, we’ve been able to designate a place in our building where people can get the hygiene products they need. It's about ensuring everyone can maintain their dignity and meet their basic needs with kindness . Seeing the relief on someone's face when they can pick up something as simple as a bar of soap or a new toothbrush is eye-opening. It reminds us that caring for our community means looking at all the fundamental things people need.

But the need is always there; we can't do this alone.

To keep this important resource going, we ask for your help keeping our shelves stocked. Right now, our needs are:

  • For healthy smiles: Toothpaste, toothbrushes

  • For clean hair: Shampoo, conditioner

  • For healthy skin: Bar soap, body wash, lotion

  • For feminine care: Pads, tampons

  • To feel fresh: Deodorant


Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference in someone's life. When you contribute these basic items, you're not just giving a product; you're helping someone maintain their dignity, stay healthy, and feel more like themselves.

If you would like to support our “Hygiene Corner,” please drop off any of the above items at our building during normal business hours (M-Th 10:00 am-4:00 pm) or program hours. Your kindness will help us continue bridging this hygiene gap in our community and ensure everyone has access to the basic necessities they deserve.  Thank you for being part of the solution. We can build a stronger, healthier, and more caring community for everyone.  

Questions? Email me at: kristenm@missionadelante.org

Be part of our programs!

We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?

May 17th- New Volunteer Orientation- 9:00 am-12:30 pm-  This is a time for new volunteers to find out more about Mission Adelante and how they can serve, share life, and share Jesus with people from other places.  Please use this form to let us know you will be here, and which ministry areas you are most interested in. New Volunteer Orientation Sign Up

May 19th- All Volunteer Huddle and Dessert- 6:30-8:30 pm- Join volunteers from all ministry areas to pray and plan for the trimester ahead.  Feel free to bring a dessert to share during our social time at the beginning. Please let the leader of your ministry area know if you cannot attend. 

May 27th- First week of Summer Trimester Programs- Please make note that the summer trimester will start on Tuesday after Memorial Day. 

Year One of Refugee Resettlement - Celebration and Uncertainty

Year One of Refugee Resettlement - Celebration and Uncertainty

by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Education Director


What a year 2024 has been! When we began refugee resettlement back in January 2024, I could not have imagined where we would be today. As I write this, my heart is full of gratitude, though I also carry a strange sense of grief.

Let me take you back through the journey of 2024. Our first family arrived at the end of January. This couple holds a special place in my heart as our inaugural arrival, and they showed us so much grace as we navigated the complexities of the resettlement process for the first time.

Throughout the year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting families from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Venezuela, Guatemala, Colombia, Eritrea, and Burma. The friendships I’ve formed are invaluable. Being a "Teacher" in their lives has been an incredible opportunity to guide their language journeys and witness their growth from knowing little to no English to confidently introducing themselves in new scenarios—even outside of Mission Adelante.

Our Resettlement team has grown too. Initially, it was just Kristen and me, balancing my transition from the Ministry team. Now, we’re a team of nine. Welcoming families and supporting them through their first year here has drawn us closer, not just as teammates but as friends—almost like family. We’ve spent late nights together awaiting arrivals, set up countless apartments, prayed for families, shared meals, and worked tirelessly to welcome as many people as possible before the end of February.

As January comes to a close, the future of 2025 feels uncertain. Once we reach our allotted number of arrivals, what happens next is unclear. Most families should arrive by February, but it’s heartbreaking to hear our families ask about loved ones still waiting to come to the U.S. It’s even harder to admit that we know as little as they do. Life feels uncertain for them and for us, but we are doing everything we can to move forward.

I wish I could neatly wrap up our first year and say it was everything we dreamed of—and the majority of it was. But the journey is far from over. Please pray for us and the ministry team as we continue this important work for as long as we can.

We’re also in need of volunteers for all our ministry programs and refugee needs. If you feel a nudge to help, we would love to have you! I’m especially looking for English language partners to serve on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to me at veronicag@missionadelante.org.

Thank you for walking with us through this last year. Your support means the world.

Be part of our programs!

We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?

How can you help?

  • Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

  • Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

  • Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.

The Powerful Intersection of Ministry and Business: A Video From Adelante Thrift

 At Mission Adelante, as we've labored to make disciples by serving, sharing life, and sharing Jesus with people from all places, together we've seen individual transformation begin to move toward community transformation.  Adelante Thrift, our first community development initiative is nearing its one-year anniversary, and the ministry fruit is exciting!  Though the store is not yet profitable, we are seeing God use a thrift store as a light in the neighborhood and a training ground for emerging leaders from our community to grow and realize their potential.  We invite you, your family, your business, your church, school, or neighborhood group, to lock arms with Adelante Thrift as we work together toward sustainability in 2016!  Sign up to volunteer at www.adelantethrift.com/volunteer.  And, enjoy this video about how God is using Adelante Thrift to empower and equip people from all places to reach their potential at the exciting intersection between business and ministry. 

From Tajikistan to Mission Adelante: Introducing Elena Mamadnazarova

It's common to hear "Buenos días" or "Namaste" at the Mission Adelante office in the mornings.  However, if you stop by now, you are likely to hear "Dobrea utra" as well.  That's Russian for "good morning," and it's been brought by our newest staff member who comes all the way from Tajikistan!  Elena Mamadnazarova joined the Mission Adelante team in January to lead our community development ministry and is already making an impact.

"Lena" brings with her a Master's degree in International Development from Brandeis University, as well as over 10 years of international community development experience in Central Asia.  Her most recent role was managing the Central Asian office of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Kazakhstan.  Her educational background, along with her depth of experience and cross-cultural competency have raised the level of excellence on our leadership team almost overnight.

Beyond her professional qualifications, Lena's faith journey is deep and inspiring.  She experienced being a refugee during Tajikistan's civil war, having to flee to Russia when her father's race and culture made their family the target of ethnic cleansing.  During this time she prayed fervently to a God she did not yet know for her father's safety.  God answered her prayers.  Later, when they returned to Tajikistan, Lena received Christ with a friend who invited her to attend a church that had been started by Korean missionaries in her town.  She grew and served and began to feel a calling to live out her faith in practical ways that would help communities.  

Of course, a relationship brought Lena from the East coast to Kansas City.  Her husband, Ray Chan is a pediatrician with Children's Mercy and they have a daughter, Samila who is three.  Together they are members of Christ Community Church where they attend the Downtown campus.  Lena has served at Christ Community as a member of their Global Leadership Team.  

Mission Adelante is delighted to have Lena on board and excited for her leadership as she helps our team turn individual transformation into community transformation!






English Class at the Pharmacy

Written by Lauren Timberlake, Bhutanese ESL Director

Healthcare is right at the top of the list of immigrant needs. Imagine arriving here with no language skills and lots of medical issues. We want to help meet those needs at Mission Adelante. Bhutanese English classes emphasize practical topics like healthcare because basic English skills are essential to everyday life for refugee families.

Volunteers Joe and Judy Lemaster are skilled healthcare workers who love Nepali people enough to move to Kansas City to serve them better. Joe is a KU Med Center doctor who specializes in refugee health care. He is the primary care physician for a large number of the Bhutanese refugees in Kansas City. Judy is a nurse, and has spent many hours helping refugees make, keep and understand their medical appointments. Both the Lemasters speak fluent Nepali (the language of the Bhutanese refugees) from years spent as missionaries in Nepal.

The Lemasters are constantly helping refugees, but last month Judy taught a special unit on health care to our middle level English class. She covered basic first aid, doctor appointments, and over the counter medicine. To finish the unit, the class visited a local pharmacy.

Students and conversation partners scoured the aisles together, looking for healthcare and hygiene items. They read signs, discussed prices, and reviewed how to use various over the counter medications.

Field trips are an excellent way for us to help bridge the gap from classroom learning to real life applications. When students can practice looking for medicines with a conversation partner, they’re more likely to have the confidence to visit a pharmacy on their own. This helps each immigrant family, and it helps our community by avoiding emergency room visits. 

Our English students are blessed to have so many talented and committed volunteers giving their time to help them navigate life in Kansas City.

In other news:

  • Thanks so much for your prayers for our Hindu friends during this festival season. The biggest festival of the year is now past, and the Lord used it in many ways. Please continue to pray that our friendships with the Bhutanese community would continue to deepen and that the truth of Jesus would shine through them.
  • Ten Bhutanese ESL conversation partners met together this week to brainstorm ways to help students improve literacy skills. We are so thankful to have such talented and committed volunteers.
  • Our Leaders in Training are learning about WWI this year. We shared a very sweet time of prayer on Veteran’s Day, honoring those that have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy.

Prayer needs:

  • We have engaged a new Realtor to help us with our building search for Adelante Thrift. Please pray that this new partnership would lead us to the perfect space.

Current needs:

  • Our LIT students earn "Mission Adelante Money" for exemplary behavior and doing extra academic work, which they can spend at a Reward Store once each trimester. We're in need of items to stock that store! Ideas include sports equipment, craft supplies, room decorations, or any small item that would appeal to 8-14 year old students. If you would like to contribute, please contact Megan McDermott at meganm@missionadelante.org or Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@missionadelante.org.
  • The highlight of the year for each LIT student is our overnight trip to Great Wolf Lodge in December! How would you like to bless all of their hard work in a very practical way? We are looking for a small group or an individual to purchase pizza for our lunch (for 30 kids and 20 adults) on Saturday, December 7 and deliver/have it delivered to Great Wolf.  If you are interested, please email Megan at meganm@missionadellante.org.

Important dates:

  • Final Observation Day: Thursday, November 7 (Latino) 6:30-8:30  Have you wondered what all goes on around here on a typical evening of programming?  Here's your opportunity to come and see for yourself!
  • Kansas Bhutanese Concert: Saturday, November 16th from 4pm-10pm at Wyandotte High School (2501 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102)Everyone is invited to come and celebrate Nepali Culture at this exciting event sponsored by Mission Adelante and coordinated by our dear friend Ram Rai. It will feature comedians, cultural dances, and ethnic food. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the RG Asian Store (101 S 18th St, Kansas City, KS66102), or at the door of the event. Don’t miss this chance to learn about and celebrate the rich culture of the Bhutanese Refugee community!
  • Fall Break: No Programs Tuesday, November 26-Saturday, November 30.
  • Latino Christmas Party: Saturday, December 14 at 5:30.  Bethany Community Center (1120 Central Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102). Everyone is invited! Please invite anyone you know who is interested in learning more about Mission Adelante or possibly volunteering in the future!
  • Bhutanese Christmas Party: Saturday, December 14 from 4:00-8:00. First Baptist Church (2900 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102). Everyone is invited! Please invite anyone you know who is interested in learning more about Mission Adelante or possibly volunteering in the future!