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!






Igniting a Disciple-making Movement

by Jarrett Meek, Founder, Pastor/Executive Director

Few moments in Mission Adelante’s history have been more significant than the Leadership Community launch retreat we held last weekend.  It was, in many ways, the culmination of ten years of disciple-making and leadership development efforts, coming into bloom on a precious plant that has been often tossed and beaten by the wind and hail of the challenges that we face in our community on a daily basis.  

Forty-eight emerging leaders from our Latino, Bhutanese, and English-speaking communities came together to begin a year-long, multicultural training experience focused on learning to make disciples as Jesus did.  Using stories from the gospels to demonstrate that Jesus’ work on earth focused on equipping disciples who make disciples, we observed and expounded eight principles of his disciple-making ministry (also expounded in the classic book, “Master Plan of Evangelism” by Robert Coleman).  Each principle was introduced by a member of our team (Yanelis, David and Jarrett) with a short teaching segment, and participants were able to listen simultaneously with headphones to a translated, pre-recorded version of the segment in their own language (Nepali, English, or Spanish).  The concise teaching segments were followed by longer small group discussion times that moved from observing Jesus’ disciple-making ministry to putting it into practice in our own neighborhood and context.  What made this time especially effective was the years of disciple-making culture and values that are embedded deep within our ministry’s DNA.  Many expressed that we were putting words to concepts we had been living out, giving a clearer vision of what we’re all working toward.

While we covered a lot of content, the retreat was also full of fun and games.  The first night’s games of dominoes and Dutch Blitz were followed up by an afternoon of soccer, foosball, and ping-pong, and then dramatically eclipsed by a spontaneous two hours of karaoke in Spanish and English on the final night.  All I have to say is Mission Adelante’s got talent!!  

Many of us shared in open mic format, on the final morning, that the greatest highlight of the weekend was worshiping Jesus in three languages at different times during the retreat.  This aspect of our retreat was indeed a unique and profound experience.  Nepali songs led by AB, Ram and the Nepali band expressed praise for our Lord with voices and dancing.  Our Latino musicians passionately led us as we lifted up the name of Jesus.  And, our English speaking group guided us to that intimate place where Jesus is the center of everything.  It was a taste of heaven indeed.

As messy as multicultural endeavors can be, we are excited to continue experimenting, overcoming challenges, and experiencing the Lord together in the process.  And, as we press into making disciples like Jesus did, we are anxiously expecting and praying that the Lord will ignite a multiplying, multicultural movement in our neighborhood.  

“We envision a growing multicultural community of disciples making disciples, where immigrants and others are thriving and using our gifts together to transform our neighborhood and the world for the glory of Jesus Christ.”

I believe now that we are closer than ever to seeing what we’ve been envisioning for so long.  I invite you to pray that this vision will become reality at Mission Adelante.  

In other news:

  • The Bhutanese Teens Club launch could not have gone better! Last week, 14 high school and college-age students joined us to eat, play games, do homework and learn about Jesus in small group bible studies.  We've switched from Tuesday nights to Monday nights this trimester.

  • The Latino Leaders in Training are learning about the life of Jesus and the kind of leader He was as recorded by Matthew!  It is encouraging to see the kids growing in their pursuit of the Lord.

  • Last Thursday was "Superhero Night" at Kid’s Adelante.  It was a blast to see the well-known and made upcharacters the kids chose for their costumes!

Prayer requests:

  • Please pray that the Lord would draw closer to His heart the young mothers in our neighborhood that may feel isolated and that need love, support, and hope.  Pray that they'll find encouragement through community.

Upcoming dates:

Observation Nights: Each trimester we invite potential volunteers to come observe our ministry programs to get a better idea of what serving in our context looks like.  Come on up to 22 S. 18th Street, Kansas City, KS 66102 at 6:30 on any of the following evenings:

  • Tuesdays, March 1 and 8: Bhutanese ministry observations nights (Adult ESL, Kids Club, Middle School Club)
  • Thursdays, March 3 and 10: Latino ministry observation nights (Adult ESL, Kids Club)

Making our Bhutanese Programs "GO".

Written by Kristen Maxwell, Bhutanese Children and Youth Director

On any given Tuesday night at Mission Adelante, you will find a lot of volunteers. You will find volunteers hanging out with the smallest kids, watching Veggie Tales videos and eating goldfish crackers while their moms’ learn English. You will find some volunteers singing songs and playing crazy games with elementary school aged kids and sharing with them in small groups about the love of Jesus. You will find volunteers learning new games and building relationships as they hang out with our middle school aged kids. You will find volunteers going through flashcards, locating things on the United States maps, and discussing how government in America works while building Jesus centered relationships with ESL students.  You will even find a small group of students and volunteers upstairs, working hard and having fun while learning American sign language. There are a lot of volunteers that help out on Tuesday night, and there is NO way the Bhutanese outreach could function without them.  

We have one group of volunteers that is always moving, and they get to see all of the kids and adults and they know where LOTS of people live.  They do their job effectively and are very faithful to their position, these dedicated men are our bus drivers. For many of our program participants, there is no one at home to help transport them to English Class, Kids Club or Middle School Club on Tuesday night. If it weren't for our transportation team, they would not get to come learn about citizenship, socialize with their friends, and see Jesus in action through the love and service of our volunteers. Our transportation team is the stage crew that makes the show on Tuesday night happen. They are the behind the scenes, essential piece, that makes the game go; and we are so very grateful for their help.

When you drive a bus for the Bhutanese ministry, you get to see Tuesday night from a very unique perspective. You get to see our kids jump on the bus, so very excited to see you and see the bus pull up. You get greeted by grandmas who offer you tea, sodas and other treats. You get to hear stories, see families, and watch kids grow in a very special way. Each week, our bus drivers meet perhaps, the most practical need that Mission Adelante has.  

So, to our bus drivers, we thank you.  Thank you for loving and serving our community so well.  Thank you for literally making things “go” around here. We appreciate you. Also, if serving in this way seems interesting to you, contact Drew Hammond at drewh@missionadelante.org for more information.

Current Needs:

  • Are you looking for a fun and practical way to support the Kid’s Adelante Outreach? We are in need of some fun little prizes for girls and boys ages 5-12 to serve as rewards. Please contact Megan at meganm@missionadelante.org, if you are interested.  

Important Dates:

  • Saturday, February 20th  2-4 pm: We will be having a mandatory Child Protection Meeting for all volunteers that work with children and youth through Mission Adelante programs. Our children's and youth ministry leaders will be contacting you with further information.


Training Teens to be Leaders in our Community

Written by Edgar Soriano, Latino Ministry Apprentice

A new trimester launched last week at Mission Adelante and our Latino teens group is off to a great start with 30 people in attendance our first night. It was a high-energy night, with a lot of fun and a lot of learning.

This trimester we are starting to focus on building relationships through fellowship and walking alongside our teens.  We want to start discipling our youth; doing this allows us to enter the teens lives, and also allows the leaders and teens to build a relationship.  Our dreams and desires for the teens are that they will grow up and give back to the community.  Our vision is that they will one day disciple kids the way that their leaders are doing with them now. We would like the teens  to get involved with Kids Adelante and serve with the younger kids, we hope that the younger kids will see the teens as role models.  We hope that they grow up in Mission Adelante Latino programs and that one day they will disciple kids at Kids Adelante.    

Would you come alongside us and pray for our teens? This is a tough time in their lives with school, jobs, families and friends.  They are also under a lot of pressures from society, the community they live in, friends and family. Please pray for them and for the leaders that journey with the teens.  

Current Needs:

  • We are looking for someone to donate 10 gift cards of $5 or $10 for our Latino teens youth group. We are doing fun activities with them this trimester and we would like to reward them will something small. Please contact Edgar Soriano at edgars@missionadelate.org

How do you impact a community?

Written by Megan McDermott, Latino Children and Youth Director

When you think of the word community; what words come to your mind? Is it neighborhood, friendship, fellowship?  One of the most lasting fingerprints that Jesus left on our world today was the importance of community.  Jesus planted and nurtured strong followers that became the first church of believers.  When we reflect on the early church of Acts, we are reminded that the earliest Jesus followers, “...shared their lives together; they ate and prayed together. And everyone was amazed at what God was doing.” (Acts 2:42-43)

One of the core values at Mission Adelante is recognizing that the challenges in our community are God-sized and that meeting them requires partnerships that begin with relationships. How does this same idea of community show itself throughout the streets and neighborhoods of Kansas City, Kansas? Relationships! Relationships lead to community, and community is what impacts this city for God.  

This past Monday many of our volunteers from all of our different ministry outreaches at Mission Adelante gathered for our Volunteer Huddle. We worshiped, we prayed, we ate desserts, and we shared life.  We also met to “..stand amazed at what God is doing.”  We recognize that the partnerships that God has formed between Mission Adelante and the many churches of our city is an opportunity to share the heart of Jesus in Kansas City.


Spread the Word: Volunteers Needed to Serve at Mission Adelante

Mission Adelante needs you!  You are our biggest supporters and our best advertisers; we need you to spread the word to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and church members about volunteering at Mission Adelante.  If you know of someone who loves working with children, someone who has an interest in getting to know people from other places, someone who wants to mentor students, someone who wants to make an impact on others; we would love to introduce them to our volunteer opportunities at Mission Adelante this trimester.  

Our current needs are:  

  • 1 female volunteer for Bhutanese Teen’s Club - Monday’s 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Contact: Hannah Johnson at hannahh@missionadelante.org
  • 2 volunteers for Latino Leaders in Training Program - Mon/Tu. 4 pm - 7 pm; Wed. 3 pm - 6 pm.  Contact: Megan McDermott at meganm@missionadelante.org
  • 5 volunteers for Bhutanese Kids Club - Tuesday’s 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (We have a definite need  for 2 female volunteers to lead a group of older elementary girls, 1 male volunteer to help lead a group of older elementary boys). Contact: Dani Hammond at danih@missionadelante.org
  • 4 volunteers for Bhutanese Middle School Club - Tuesday’s 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. (2 female volunteers needed and 2 male volunteers needed).Contact: Drew Hammond at drewh@missionadelante.org
  • 4 volunteers for Latino Kids Adelante - Thursday’s 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Contact: Megan McDermott at meganm@missionadelante.org

Or visit our website at:   http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

Important Dates:

  • Mission Adelante is holding a Volunteer Training on Saturday, January 9 to familiarize and orient new volunteers to our whole ministry as well as the area in which they’ll serve. We ask that each volunteer attend this training once, preferably at the beginning of his or her first term serving.  The training will be at the Mission Adelante facility located at 22 S. 18th Street in Kansas City, KS 66102. We’ll begin with a continental breakfast at 9:00 a.m. and wrap-up at 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served from a local Mexican restaurant (a $5 contribution is suggested).
  • All volunteers that will serve with the Latino and Bhutanese outreach programs this spring are invited to attend our All Volunteer Huddle & Dessert on Monday, January 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Mission Adelante.  We want to get everyone on the same page for a great launch, as well as to give you a chance to connect with the rest of the volunteers before you disperse to the various programs.
  • Bhutanese programs launch Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Mission Adelante and other Kansas City, Kansas locations.
  • Latino programs launch Thursday, January 14th at 6:30 p.m. at Mission Adelante and other Kansas City, Kansas locations.



Crossing Cultures and Sharing Joy

IMG_5381.JPG

written by Dani Hammond, Bhutanese Kids Club Coordinator

Recently, we took the Bhutanese Leaders in Training students on a tour of our little neighborhood to sing Christmas Carols! We practiced singing some fun, traditional Christmas songs at LIT to prepare and also taught them about a fun cultural Christmas tradition. Last year, when our students learned for the first time that our culture has a similar tradition they were excited to give it a go. The Bhutanese have a similar tradition for one of their cultural festivals called Deusi Bhaile where they tour the homes of their friends and family and sing for them. Our Bhutanese friends take it to a whole new level though. They don’t just stand on the porch and sing, they go inside and also perform dances in living rooms and spend over an hour at each house performing and sharing time together with different families.

This year we took our largest group of LIT students, 14 Middle School students and 9 Elementary students, which means we caroled around our Mission Adelante neighborhood with 23 kids. It was really fun to see our kids all together having fun and getting along well as we celebrated the joy of Christmas together. We stopped at the homes of families who have been part of the Mission Adelante community for many years and at some who have just recently joined us. I loved seeing the faces of our friends that we sang for, since all of our 23 kids didn’t fit on porches most people invited us inside. I was usually the first one in the door, leading the kids and getting to watch faces of hosting families as our kids just kept coming and coming, it was amazing. Everyone enjoyed having the kids they know and love in their homes spreading Christmas cheer and singing loud for all to hear.

It was a wonderful night and I went home feeling very grateful. I am grateful for such an incredible group of students who are not only willing but also enjoy stepping into our cultural traditions, and who do so well together as a group. I am grateful for such a wonderful community of friends, family, and volunteers who love the students at Mission Adelante and are excited to share their lives with them.

Important Dates:

  • Mission Adelante is holding a Volunteer Training on Saturday, January 9 to familiarize and orient new volunteers to our whole ministry as well as the area in which they’ll serve. We ask that each volunteer attend this training once, preferably at the beginning of his or her first term serving.  The training will be at the Mission Adelante facility located at 22 S. 18th Street in Kansas City, KS 66102. We’ll begin with a continental breakfast at 9:00 a.m. and wrap-up at 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served from a local Mexican restaurant (a $5 contribution is suggested).

  • All volunteers that will serve with the Latino and Bhutanese outreach programs this spring are invited to attend our All Volunteer Huddle & Dessert on Monday, January 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Mission Adelante.  We want to get everyone on the same page for a great launch, as well as to give you a chance to connect with the rest of the volunteers before you disperse to the various programs.

  • Bhutanese programs launch Tuesday, January 12th at 6:30 p.m. at Mission Adelante and other Kansas City, Kansas locations.

  • Latino programs launch Thursday, January 14th at 6:30 p.m. at Mission Adelante and other Kansas City, Kansas locations.


Mission Adelante Christmas Wish List 2015

As 2015 draws to a close we at Mission Adelante would love to have you partner with us in a practical way.  Our ministry staff has been compiling a list of items that are needed to sustain our ministries in the coming year.  If you would like to ship an item to us you can send it to, Mission Adelante Inc. PO Box 172076 Kansas City, Kansas 66117  Someone will be in the office next Monday - Wednesday 9 am - 3 pm, if you would like to deliver it to us at Mission Adelante, our address is 22 S 18th St. Kansas City, Kansas. If you are able to purchase one or more items for our ministry we would be truly blessed by your generosity.

Using Legos to teach Leadership Development to our Bhutanese Middle School students.

lego express photo 1.jpg

written by, Drew Hammond Bhutanese Ministry Apprentice

One of our favorite activities in the Bhutanese Middle School Leaders In Training program is our participation in the Lego League. The students in this program are given a choice between participating in Lego League or dance class. This year 7 of our students chose Lego League.  Here is a brief description of what Lego League is “Tomorrow’s innovators practice imaginative thinking and teamwork. Guided by two or more adult Coaches, FIRST LEGO League* teams (up to 10 members, grades 4-8**) research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, and program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS®, then compete on a table-top playing field.” http://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll

The students are given a real world scientific problem and tasked with finding a tangible solution. The theme for this year was “Trash Trek.” The problem that our students saw was the difference in how trash and waste are handled in their home country of Nepal and how it is handled in the United States. Their solution was to create a video skit to teach their community members how handling trash is different here in Kansas City. This past weekend was the Kansas City area competition and our students received the judges award for their impressive project presentation and demonstration of this Lego League’s core values of Inspiration, Teamwork, and Gracious Professionalism.The judges were extremely impressed that these students decided to participate in Lego League in place of dance class during LIT. The judges personally wrote the following summary of why our team received the award: “This team found strength in their diversity and made it an asset. None of them chose to be dancers, but they all boogied through the competition with rhythmic leadership.”

Leadership Development is one of our core values at Mission Adelante. When our students received the Judges Award at the Lego League competition it was a  huge victory for them and for Mission Adelante as an organization. They displayed all the things they have learned in Leaders In Training. We are proud of our students and how they represented our programs and organization.

Other News:

  • Later today we will post a Mission Adelante Christmas Wish List here on our blog. Please stay tuned for more information...

Important Dates:

  • Mission Adelante is holding a Volunteer Training on Saturday, January 9 to familiarize and orient new volunteers to our whole ministry as well as the area in which they’ll serve. We ask that each volunteer attend this training once, preferably at the beginning of his or her first term serving.  The training will be at the Mission Adelante facility located at 22 S. 18th Street in Kansas City, KS 66102. We’ll begin with a continental breakfast at 9:00 a.m. and wrap-up at 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served from a local Mexican restaurant (a $5 contribution is suggested).
  • All volunteers that will serve with the Latino and Bhutanese outreach programs this spring are invited to attend our All Volunteer Huddle & Dessert on Monday, January 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Mission Adelante.  We want to get everyone on the same page for a great launch, as well as to give you a chance to connect with the rest of the volunteers before you disperse to the various programs.
  • Bhutanese programs launch Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Mission Adelante and other Kansas City, Kansas locations.
  • Latino programs launch Thursday, January 14th at 6:30 p.m. at Mission Adelante and other Kansas City, Kansas locations.


Sharing Thanksgiving in an American Home

by Yuri Alonso, Ministry Apprentice from Cuba (Translated from Spanish)

I want to share with everyone the joy and excitement a group of our ESL students and I experienced at being invited with our families to the home of one of the volunteers at Mission Adelante who shares her time with immigrants from different countries and cultures.  Without really understanding the reason we celebrate Thanksgiving, many of us accepted the invitation, thinking it would be a great opportunity to share our customs and talk a little bit about our roots.  It is, after all, very much a part of us Latinos to never tire of conversation.  We love to talk about why we came to this country, the challenges we face, the things we left behind in our own countries.  In other words, we just have a lot of reasons to carry on conversations for hours at a time, and even more so when American people are anxious to hear about our experiences!

After a time of shooting the breeze, we delighted ourselves until we were fully satisfied with an immense table full of delicious American dishes.  We gave honor to the lady of the house, because it all really surpassed our expectations.  There was no lack of humorous anecdotes or Spanish phrases to highlight the exquisite things and the goodness that this American family shared with us.

The biggest surprise was that this volunteer and her family began to tell us the story of Thanksgiving and why it is celebrated.  Up until then, we had not heard or understood the "why" behind this holiday.  It was interesting and powerful for us to understand a little more about American culture, and even more so when it is related to Christian traditions.  Until then, the Thanksgiving celebration only meant getting together with family and eating lots of turkey!  Today we understand the value of this special and worthy act of remembrance each year and that it means much more than simply sharing a meal with family or friends.  Today, as immigrants, we can also give thanks to God for His goodness and His blessings that make us feel loved in a land so far from our own.

We give thanks also to the community of Mission Adelante and especially to this special group of volunteers who help us feel loved and cared for as though we were in our own home.

Other News:

  • The Bhutanese English class visited Crown Center this week to see the lights and celebrate Christmas together. It’s such a joy to share the great things about Kansas City with them!

Current Needs:

  • New operations volunteer teams are forming for 2016!  Are you interested in putting your handy-man or technical skills to work for The Kingdom?  Please contact Sarah at sarahw@missionadelante.org for more information about our Facilities Service Team and our Technology Team.

Important Dates:

  • The Latino End of the Trimester Party will be held on Saturday December 12, 2015.  The Latino Party will be held at the Bethany Community Center, 1120 Central Ave. Kansas City, Kansas 66102.  Festivities will be begin at 4 pm with Dinner, followed by a Mexican Folklore Dance at 5 pm and ending with Awards and Recognition at 6 pm.  


Reflecting God’s Heart for our Immigrant and Refugee Friends

IMG_1032.JPG

written by Lauren Timberlake, Bhutanese ESL Director

At Mission Adelante, we believe that God’s heart is for immigrants to feel welcome in our city, be valued in our communities, be encouraged as they learn new language and culture, and be enjoyed for who they are. We are thankful that so many volunteers partner with us to do just that. It wouldn’t happen without them. Mission Adelante has more than one hundred volunteers from all over the Kansas City area. They come from different neighborhoods, different churches, different life stages, different skill sets. But they all come to serve, share life, and ultimately share Jesus with immigrants and refugees.

On any given night at English class, you will see evidence of that. Volunteers welcome students warmly, creatively teach material, encourage progress, and spark laughter. Students gain confidence with these positive interactions. They talk more, try more, laugh more. They invite volunteers into their home for tea, for birthdays, for weddings. True friendships begin. These budding relationships change people. They bring value and belonging to an immigrant family. They also bring understanding and clarity. People won’t understand traditions like Thanksgiving until someone explains it to them. But these relationships change our volunteers, too. Someone recently shared that spending time with Nepali families had given her a deeper understanding of her own culture and heritage. Inviting someone into her life brings learning and richness in many ways.

By entering into these relationships, volunteers reflect God’s heart for immigrants. Leviticus 19:33-34 says, “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”

Important Dates:

  • The Bhutanese End of the Trimester Party will be held on the last day of programs, Tuesday December 8th, 6:30-8:30 pm during regular program time.

  • The Latino End of the Trimester Party will be held on Saturday December 12, 2015.  The Latino Party will be held at the Bethany Community Center, 1120 Central Ave. Kansas City, Kansas 66102.  Festivities will be begin at 4 pm with Dinner, followed by a Mexican Folklore Dance at 5 pm and ending with Awards and Recognition at 6 pm.  

 

A Message from the Heart of Our Executive Director on the Syrian Refugee Crisis

189784_10151337153537975_658729861_n.jpg

The following is message from Jarrett Meek to a brother in Christ who respectfully and thoughtfully voiced his concerns about Jarrett’s sharp response to our state's decision not to accept Syrian refugees in Kansas. This message is shared with the permission of this brother in Christ.

Dear friend,

I appreciate your thoughtful email. Your concern for my reputation and that of Mission Adelante is also something I appreciate.  I'm not sure how to respond here, because, first, I'm tired.  I'm tired from loving and fighting.  It's not fun or in any way enjoyable.  And I am very aware of the impact that my advocacy may have on my own reputation and that of Mission Adelante, and it concerns me too.  That is the water I have been swimming in since the Lord called me to serve and share life and share Jesus with people who a lot of Americans hate.  

I see these issues from a very different angle than most of my Christian friends who live in other parts of our city.  The issues are personal and impact real people who I actually know: Muslim refugees who I know personally who are being referred to in a broad generalization as "ass wipes" by friends of friends on Facebook, another friend, whose father was a Muslim and fled Tajikstan during their civil war because of ethnic cleansing, and the general hateful rhetoric that comes from some Christians and politicians regarding undocumented immigrants, of whom I know many personally, and with whom I have wept, worshiped, prayed, and served our neighborhood and our Lord together.  In a real sense, woe is me if I don't speak strongly.  

Sometimes my words may be sharp, but they come from a place of passion and personal experience with things that really matter.  It is hard to have a strong opinion about political issues that go against what many of my suburban Christian friends hold.  My voice is small in the midst of a sea of conservative Christian voices that shout a message that I don't believe represents the heart of Christ.  I'm aware, and sad, that a challenging and strong voice of opposition on certain political issues means that my fellow conservative, Evangelical friends may write me off as divisive.    

Going with the flow and keeping the peace doesn't change the currents at all.  There are times in our nation's history and in the world's history when followers of Jesus (especially comfortable, safe, white Christians... and I don't mean any disrespect here, because I'm one also) have been silent when we should have been very vocal.  Those are not times any of us are proud of.  So, I wrestle with how to speak strongly according to my deep convictions against American cultural currents that are almost overwhelming.  How can I do this without risking my reputation?  How can I use my reputation to influence Christians to go in a different direction than the cultural current takes them?  How can this work NOT be divisive?  Is avoiding being divisive more important than speaking out on behalf victims of some of the most brutal persecution we’ve seen in the last 50 years?  If I'm quiet, gentle, and uncontroversial, will anyone even hear and be challenged?  There is a time for risking reputations for something that really matters, and I believe that this really matters to God.  

Was expressing my shame too strong a form of communication?  Maybe so...  I'm thankful for you telling me that you considered it to be too reckless.  It will help shape me.  As far as your analogy and your concern that I am forcing my willingness to engage in risky compassion on others, maybe others are willing also?  Maybe a majority of Americans or Kansans would be willing to take that kind of risk?  The President of France affirmed yesterday that France would still take 30,000 Syrian refugees, standing in stark moral contrast to the governors of more than half of our states, and all of our Republican presidential candidates.  This is a morally strong position and one that our nation and our states could follow as well.  I am in favor of it, and I feel that it is important enough to advocate for.  Maybe my small voice will influence others to think differently.  That is the way our democracy works.  I know I'm risking a lot in doing so, but what else is my life for if it's not to spend in on things that really matter.  I guess to close, I'm going to share this message with you that I received from a friend who has seen my Facebook posts recently and has been wrestling with these issues too.  It is copied here below.  Please keep praying for me.  I need it a lot.

In His Grace,

Jarrett

A message from a sister in Christ who has wrestled with these same issues...

"I woke up this morning wrestling in my mind over the subject of refugees.  I have been following <a certain candidate> closely as a presidential candidate and he is calling for American’s to sign a petition against allowing them in.  I respect you and your ministry and you are calling Christians to welcome them. I spent two very agitated hours this morning trying to educate myself, trying to see this issue from every angle. And finally a bedrock of my faith was where I landed, oh am I so thankful for solid foundations in my faith!  We serve a God of unity.  There is one God, and one Holy Spirit and disunity is against His nature.  My opinion doesn’t matter on this issue, my God’s does.

I went to prayer and in that place I knew that we are to be open to refugees.  The argument about safety is absolutely valid, but God doesn’t call us to be safe.  God may want our nation to be unsafe, that may be His will.  That decision made I was able to be at peace.  What happened next after the peace is why I am compelled to write this down.  The bigger lie of this whole issue just slapped me in the face and moved me to weeping for our country.  Satan has convinced many Christians in this country that we are safer out of God’s will than in it.   Lord have mercy.  
Jarrett  - thank you for taking a stand that cause me to go seek God’s counsel this morning.  I feel like my eyes have been opened.  Better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere."

Lament and Compassion for Our Most Vulnerable Neighbors

written by David Stetler, Associate Director

Last week the global refugee crisis reached a tragic peak with over four million people fleeing across borders with no other option but to risk their lives over and over again in search of peace. Mothers carry their babies to the boats because the ocean is more safe than the land they once called home. Families leave their memories of peace and walk dangerous journeys through foreign lands with no hope of their lives ever being the same.

Our hearts are in anguish during this time of world crisis and we lament the pain and suffering that so many innocent people bear upon their shoulders. The weight is too heavy, the pain is too great and the journey too difficult. With the most peaceful of refugees at the greatest risk of vulnerability, we cry out for them in their suffering. Their freedom stripped away, their voice stolen and sadly, for too many, their lives taken. And so, we cry out for the least of these...

“How long oh Lord...how long?

We don’t know how long, but as we continue lamenting we also place our hope in a different reality.  The reality that The One who holds it all together is making all things new and that someday He will make beauty from ashes, and swords will be turned into plows and captives will be set free.

Despite the horrific injustice, we see that God is still in control. From the beginning of time He has used the displacement of people all over this world to draw them to Himself and He will continue to do this until all who mourn will be comforted. Until then, we will open our hearts, our lives and our homes to welcome the stranger and proclaim freedom for the oppressed.  

At Mission Adelante we understand the complexity that our nation faces in such a crisis as this. We also know that it would not be right to ignore the plight of 4 million refugees who are fleeing persecution.

We recognize that compassion is often risky and that danger is real. As followers of Jesus, He calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and He even calls us to love our enemies. We love because He first loved us, and this love that He has given us, casts out all fear. We have been given faith and hope instead of fear. We have been given love instead of hatred. Will you stand with us as we stand for those who can’t? Will you speak up for the voiceless? Will you take a compassionate stand to welcome the least of these, our most vulnerable neighbors? Will you advocate for the safe screening and resettlement of Syrian Refugees?

And Jesus said to him, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Developing Leaders at Mission Adelante to be Champions

Written by Drew Hammond, Bhutanese Ministry Apprentice

This year something truly inspirational happened in our country, the Kansas City Royals won the 2015 World Series. The way that they won their games reminds me of the way that we think about leadership development at Mission Adelante.  One of our Core Values at Mission Adelante is, Developing Leaders. This Core Value states: “We believe that developing individuals to reach their potential as disciples and leaders is how ministry bears fruit. We will emphasize equipping and empowering emerging leaders from our community.”

Our programs and ministries are structured around new leaders growing and developing their skills. Often times this strategy can feel almost contradictory because we have the staff and resources to run our programs very well. Why take the time to invest in people? Why take the risk on someone who will surely make a mistake, when we know we have the potential to do it ourselves? In a recent New York Times article, Kansas City Royals manager, Ned Yost discussed why he would “allow untested pitchers” to finish games in which the Royals had the lead. He said: “I wanted to put those young players in a position to gain experience, so that when we could compete for a championship, they would know how.”

The Royals were an inspiration in how they used young, less experienced players to win the championship but our ultimate inspiration in leadership development is Jesus.  Jesus selected inexperienced men to be his disciples, He invested three years of his life training them and then went to be with God. He left most of the ground work to his new leaders, it was from these leaders that the Gospel spread to the farthest corners of the earth, developing leaders was Jesus’ strategy. We know that the participants of our programs are people of championship potential. We want to see them reach this potential, and work with them to rise to that challenge.

Other News:

  • Many staff and community members attended the parade celebrating the World Series Champions, the Kansas City Royals. Several of the staff brought Bhutanese friends with them to the parade. Baseball isn’t a well known sport in either Bhutan or Nepal but our friends had fun learning about baseball and feeling more a part of their new Kansas City home by participating in all of the celebration.

Current Needs:

  • Our after school leadership development and tutoring program Leaders in Training goes through around 75 individually wrapped snack items a week.  Our current supply is beginning to run low.  Some student favorites are Rice Krispie treats, trail-mix, granola bars, cereal bars, pretzels and snack crackers.  If you are able to help out, or are interested in learning more, contact Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@missionadelante.org

  • The resource Center is in need of some items to help it stay organized.  Milk Crates to organize the books and Rubbermaid Tubs to keep the food sacks dry. If you can help please contact Molly Merrick at mollym@missionadelante.org

Important Dates:

  • There will be no programs November 23-28.  The Mission Adelante office will be closed November 25-28.  Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Becoming a Leader in Latino Teen’s Ministry

Written By Edgar Soriano, Latino Ministry Apprentice

I started attending Mission Adelante as a participant in the Kid’s Adelante program, I was very active in the Latino Teen’s Ministry at Mission Adelante. At the end of high school I went through the Summer Internship Program at Mission Adelante and continued on as an intern through the next year, currently I am going through the Apprentice Program at Mission Adelante. God has provided a life changing opportunity for me through my involvement and  leadership roles in the Latino Kid’s and Teen’s Ministries at Mission Adelante.

When I received the challenge to become the coordinator of the Latino Teen’s Ministry at Mission Adelante it was a difficult decision to make because it was a new and unfamiliar experience.  I had been a part of the Latino Teen’s Ministry, I had even been in a leadership role in the ministry.  The thought of taking on the role of coordinator of the Teen’s Ministry that I had been a part of was daunting.  Through prayer, Bible reading, and wise counsel with trusted friends and leaders in my life I decided to take a step of faith and become the Coordinator of the Latino Teen’s Ministry at Mission Adelante.

Recently, I began journeying with three of the awesome teen guys from our community who are a part of the Latino Teens ministry at Mission Adelante.  While spending time with them; I have learned more about them, shared Jesus with them, and journeyed through life with them. It has been a great opportunity for me to see them grow up and take on leadership roles in our community. It is my desire to help them and the other Latino teen’s in our ministry to know more of who Jesus is and to know the life changing experience of becoming leaders in our community.

Prayer Needs:

  • Festival Season is here for our Bhutanese friends. This time of year presents great opportunities for staff and volunteers to engage in fun relational ways that celebrate culture with our friends. However, it's also a reminder of the dark spiritual powers that are working here in Kansas City, Kansas. Please pray for meaningful opportunities to share the light of Jesus into dark places as we celebrate with friends.

Current Needs:

  • The resource center is in need of some items to help organize. Milk Crates to organize the book and Rubbermaid Tubs to keep the food sacks from getting wet. If you can help please contact Molly Merrick: mollym@missionadelante.org.


With Faith Like a Child

written by, Dani Hammond, Bhutanese Kid's Club Coordinator

In Luke 18:17 Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, will never enter it.” Sometimes children can be our best example of love and faith. Their young hearts come to know Jesus in a natural way.  They believe that Jesus loves them and wants the best for them.  The nine students in our Bhutanese Elementary Leaders in Training program have become an example of child-like belief to me. I have been working closely at building deeper relationships with the Bhutanese Elementary Leaders in Training students during this trimester. Every week I have the opportunity to sit with each of them individually to ask them how they are doing, and to pray for them. Some of them already know and love Jesus, and some are still learning who He is and how He relates to them. I am grateful to walk through this journey with them.

Through their conversations and requests, I am able to pray for families and children whom I will probably never meet. One student shared that while he was riding his bike he met his neighborhood police officer. The neighborhood police officer who had built a relationship with this child, shared that he & his wife would be having another child. He wanted me to pray with him for the police officer and his family. Another student shared how a girl at school was being teased because of her asthma.  Other students shared about problems at recess with a fellow classmate who wouldn’t share, and a friend that was in the hospital after being in a car accident.  Along with being able to pray with the Bhutanese Elementary Leaders in Training students, I also get to hear the follow up stories.  The little girl who was being teased, now has a friend.  The classmate who wouldn’t share at recess is now sharing because his friend talked to him about Jesus, and the friend who was in the car accident miraculously walked into school a few days later.   

Spending time each week praying and talking with the Bhutanese Leaders in Training students, I am able to be a part of what God is doing with their child-like faith and love for others.

Other News:

  • Last week during Nepali festival time, many of the Bhutanese staff members were able to celebrate with some of our program participants. They enjoyed celebrating the Nepali holiday and traditions in the homes of many Nepali friends.

Prayer Need:

  • Pray for our high school seniors, many of them have a lot of school work and are feeling anxious about post high school plans. Pray that they would feel supported by the staff and volunteers at Mission Adelante, that they would learn to prioritize their lives well, and feel peace.

Current Needs:

  • Our Bhutanese Outreach has had a sudden influx of kids under 2 years old!  Our nursery needs more hands.  If you are interested in serving our smallest kids, please contact Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@Missionadelante.org

    Our teens have been working diligently to learn  how to be safe drivers.  We would like to reward them. We are looking for people who would be willing to donate gift cards in the amounts $10, $20 or $30 from one or two of these places: Cinemark movie theaters, legends shopping center, VIVA fashion mart, ITunes.  These will be given away as prizes for hard work. If you are interested in donating a gift card please contact Hannnah Johnson at hannahj@missionadelante.org

 




Mission Adelante’s Ministry Apprenticeship: A Simple Pattern that Leads to Life Transformation

MA apprenticeship huddle.JPG

written by: Drew Hammond, Bhutanese Ministry Apprentice

The book of Acts begins by showing us the first believers’ simple pattern of life, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42). The ministry apprenticeship at Mission Adelante, of which I’m a part, operates in much the same way. This first semester of the three-year apprenticeship has been an amazing experience with a great group of devoted participants. Led by Jarrett Meek and comprised of three apprentices and their three supervisors, we meet together for several hours each week to read passages of scripture, study a seminary-level training course, share meals and pray. Our desire is to see Gospel transformation occur in each others’ lives and to be challenged to listen for God’s voice. We have sacrificed other things in our schedules because of the intensity of the training, but we believe that being together frequently and intentionally will be worth the investment.

In the room where we meet there is list of people we are praying for, praying with, and inviting into relationship with Jesus.  Each one of us is asked this simple question: “Who are the people around you and how can you welcome them into a relationship with Jesus this week?” The people on our list are in our lives naturally: many of them are participants in the programs we lead, some of them are not, but all of them are people who respond favorably to us and to the message of the Gospel. Prayer is the main focus of our time together; we pray for one another and the people in whom we are investing. While our ‘breaking of the bread’ usually consists of coffee and candy, we do also share frequent meals. The fellowship that is fostered allows us to call out each other's shortcomings and celebrate each other's victories.

The ministry apprenticeship is reinforcing the firm foundation in each of our own lives as we seek to influence the lives of those around us for the Kingdom. The pattern is simple: we believe that our devotion to teaching and to one another, to the breaking of bread and to prayer for and with others will lead to transformation of individuals, and to continued breakthrough of the Kingdom of Heaven in Kansas City.

Other News:

  • The Leaders in Training kids have been working hard to earn their reward day. We went to Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline park, to celebrate their consistency in being organized, having great behavior, and being helpful.

Prayer Needs:

  • Please pray for staff as we delve into planning for 2016. Pray that we would clearly hear the Lord and make plans in accordance with his will.




Helping Immigrant Teens Learn to Drive

Written by Hannah Johnson, Bhutanese High School Coordinator

Serving and sharing life with the people in our community is central to our mission. This fall, we are applying this in a practical way by offering a new driver's education class for teenagers in our community. There are many reasons that our teenagers need this skill.  They need to drive themselves to sports practice and extracurricular activities.  Many teens need to drive to work so that they can pay for college or help with family expenses.  Others need to drive older family members or younger siblings to medical appointments.

The process to become a licensed driver is a big one to take on, especially if English isn’t your first language. Kansas no longer offers a pictorial test to get your driver’s permit; you now need to be able to read and write English with enough fluency to pass a written test.  Often, the vocabulary needed for the test is unfamiliar to people from other countries. Our class has an emphasis on learning the vocabulary needed for the permit test, memorizing driving facts, and recognizing road signs. Also, statistics show that auto accidents are the leading cause of death among U.S. teenagers, so we emphasize safe driving habits such as using proper safety restraints for adults and children, attentive driving, and the dangers of driving while intoxicated.

For 12 class periods this fall, students will sit across the table from conversation partners and discuss these important topics. It is our hope that as students participate in our class their overall English and reading will improve, that they will be able to pass their permit tests, and that they will become safe drivers. Join us in praying that our class this trimester would be successful and that a new world of independence would open to our students as they learn how to drive.

Prayer needs:

  • Pray for the high school seniors in our community. Many of them are swimming in homework and the stress of decisions about post-secondary plans. Pray that they would have peace, feel supported by us and be able to prioritize their lives well.

Current needs:

  • Our Bhutanese Outreach has had a sudden influx of kids under 2 years old!  Our nursery needs more caring hands.  If you are interested in serving our smallest kids, please contact Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@Missionadelante.org.

Important dates:

  • October 15 & 22 (Latino outreach), October 20 (Bhutanese outreach): Bring A Friend/Observation nights.  If you or someone you know wonders what goes on around here on a typical night of programming, come on up/bring him or her up to find out!  Come to 22 S. 18th Street, Kansas City, KS 66102 at 6:30 on any of the dates listed.

Training Young Leaders in Servanthood

Written By Megan McDermott, Latino Children and Youth Director

When I think about powerful examples of servanthood in the Bible, my mind reflects back to the occasion when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet.  When Peter rose and protested, “No, you will never wash my feet,”  Jesus replied both gently and with truth.  Jesus said, “I have given you an example. You should do as I have done for you. What I’m about to tell you is true. A servant is not more important than his master. And a messenger is not more important than the one who sends him.”

We believe that developing children to reach their potential as disciples and leaders is one of the ways ministry bears fruit.  God has called us to develop the young leaders of our community, which includes giving them opportunities to serve as Jesus did, with humility.   

Recently, our Leaders in Training kids served for the first time in a fun, new way.  In an effort to give these young leaders a practical opportunity to serve others, we will volunteer together each month in production at Adelante Thrift, preparing donations for the sales floor.  Serving in their own backyard gives the kids a sense of ownership and investment in their community.  When the kids feel that pride and love for their own neighborhood, there is no limit to what God can do through their hearts of service.

Current Needs:

  • The number of babies coming with their grandmas, moms, or big sisters to our Bhutanese English class has increased!  We are in need of 1 or 2 more people to love the babies on a regular basis.  If you would like to learn more about serving on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm contact Dani Hammond at danih@missionadelante.org.

Important Dates:

  • October 13 & 20 (Bhutanese outreach), October 15 & 22 (Latino outreach): Bring A Friend/Observation nights.  If you or someone you know wonders what goes on around here on a typical night of programming, come on up/bring him or her up to find out!  Come to 22 S. 18th Street, Kansas City, KS 66102 at 6:30 on any of the dates listed.

God Uses People

Written by Kristen Maxwell, Bhutanese Youth & Kids Ministry Director

I have recently been reading “Creating a Lead Small Culture”  from the Orange Group.  I encountered in the first chapter a quote that struck me as particularly descriptive of the work the Lord is doing at Mission Adelante.

“God uses people.  That’s the point.  He always has.  Sometimes we forget that the God of the Bible is the God of the people of the Bible.  God has always used people to demonstrate His story of redemption.”

So many times I think we forget that God tends to use the most ordinary--sometimes even the most dysfunctional--people to expand His Kingdom; to share about His marvelous story of redemption. The people He uses often don’t have any special skills or special training, but they do just two simple things: they say yes and they show up.   

Any given trimester, we have over one-hundred volunteers that say yes and show up to share with our program participants who this God of the Bible is and how He loves them through love and friendships.  The programs at Mission Adelante wouldn't be possible without normal, ordinary people, whom we are grateful have said "yes." As we are getting our new trimester underway, join us in praying that the God of the Bible shows up through His people.

CURRENT NEEDS:

  • The Bhutanese teens ministry is hosting our first English class this fall and is looking for donated gift cards to use as rewards for students who demonstrate hard work in class. If you would be willing to donate a gift card please contact Hannah Johnson at hannahj@missionadelante.org.
  • We are in need of a volunteer driver to take Bhutanese ministry participants home from programming on Tuesday nights in our shuttle bus (no CDL required.) This is a great opportunity to pray over our neighborhood and have personal interactions with our participants, who love our bus drivers!  This volunteer role is from 7:45 pm to 9:15 pm weekly on Tuesday nights starting immediately. If you or anyone you know is interested in serving in this role, please contact Drew Hammond at drewh@missionadelante.org or 913-710-9953.