An Opportunity to Grow

Written by Elena Chan, Director of Community Development

At Mission Adelante, we believe that developing individuals to reach their potential in the workplace is a critical part of community transformation. Adelante Thrift is on an exciting journey of doing exactly that, developing people through employment at the our store. The emphasis is to equip and empower people from our community. We hoped that some staff would grow with the store, moving up and taking on new leadership roles. We also knew that some would use Adelante Thrift as a stepping stone to gain confidence and learn valuable skills, applying them as they pursue other careers. Kasey Her is one of our employees who is growing at Adelante Thrift.

Kasey has been working for Adelante Thrift as a cashier for the past year and a half. Recently she has been given more responsibilities related to social media and marketing. When first asked if she would be interested in taking over some of the social media responsibilities, she was a bit hesitant. However, after lining up coaching and training, she agreed to take the step to learn new things. Besides Kasey’s eagerness to learn new skills, she shared that she loves the store for its mission in helping people from all places to find affordable things for daily life. She knows first hand how it can be difficult for people who moved into the area to get what they need at affordable prices. Although Kasey was born in the United States, her parents moved here from Laos. It took time for them to adjust and learn the language. Yet, regardless of those challenges, she is thankful to be able to pursue her dreams. She also loves to use her passion for helping people and to talk to people who come to shop. Kasey is a shopper herself, and she loves to shop at Adelante Thrift too. “It’s hard not to buy stuff here, and I can’t seem to leave the store without buying something at times,” shares Kasey.

Kasey will be receiving additional mentoring this semester. A business student from William Jewell College will be interning at the store to assist with marketing and social media and will give Kasey advice and new ideas. Kasey is beyond excited to have a resource to help her with her new responsibilities. We are eager to see how Kasey will continue to grow at Adelante Thrift!

CURRENT NEEDS:

• Do you want to make a difference in a kid's life? Mission Adelante's Leaders In Training (LIT) program needs volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit their website at www.missionadelante.org/kids.

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Adelante Arts Community Launches Its Second Year!

Written by Gissell Vazquez, Assistant Ministry Director

A new year, a new beginning. For me personally, it has been a season of challenges, new steps of faith, and celebrations of 2018 victories.

I remember last year in January as I planned for the Launch of Adelante Arts Community there were many questions without clear answers. It was the first time that Mission Adelante was launching an Arts program; excitement and doubts invaded my mind. Who is going to come? Would people be interested? I specifically remember the launch day, January 22, 2018. It was a cold, stormy day, and a few minutes before six it started to snow. I really don’t know how, but I was calm and curious about what God was going to do. I remember very well who the first ones to register were; they were Nir Gurung and her girls. How would I forget their happy and excited faces? After her, many others started to show up, and at that moment I knew that what started with a dream was becoming a reality.

From that day on and for the past year, I’ve been writing and sharing with you many stories of how God has used the volunteers and Arts Community to bless our kids and teens in the community. This is not an article to repeat them. These are just words of gratitude to God and to everybody who has been part of it. There will be more stories to tell this 2019. I’m very excited to see what God is going to do next. Arts Community is now launching its second year! The registration night is this coming Monday, January 21. We’ll have keyboard and guitar classes for kids and teens from 7 to 15 years old. We will also have dance and arts and crafts for kids and teens from 5 to 15 years old.

At 6:00 pm the doors of Mission Adelante will be open for our community! Come and enjoy the warmth of human relationships, the arts that you love, and God’s love for everyone!

CURRENT NEEDS:

• Do you want to make a difference in a kid's life? Mission Adelante's Leaders In Training (LIT) program needs volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit their website at www.missionadelante.org/kids.

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Becoming A Part of God's Family

Written by Kids Adelante Volunteer Katie Woodard

Just over a year ago I had my first interaction with the Mission Adelante family.  I quickly realized that this family I'm now privileged to be a part of is a beautifully unique one.  Mission Adelante truly is a place where everyone is welcome, no one is excluded, and differences are celebrated. Although my assigned "role" is serving the children at Kids Adelante, I continually find that they also serve and bless me! As we study God's word and seek to become more like Jesus, we're all finding a sense of belonging.  This sense of belonging is characteristic of the Body of Christ. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

My husband and I moved to the Mission Adelante neighborhood 6 months ago and I currently work part-time as a substitute teacher in the district. A few weeks before Christmas, I was subbing in a kindergarten classroom.  Near the end of the day, students were packing their bags and preparing to go home. One student saw my wedding ring and asked where I got it. I told him that my husband, Josh, gave it to me. "Josh?" he replied with great curiosity, "Like Joshua!?" I said, "Yes, like Joshua!" Immediately, his eyes lit up and he boldly proclaimed "Joshua 1, dot dot, 9..." A huge smile spread on my face because, you see, memorizing God's Word is a key part of our kids' programs at Mission Adelante.  Whenever we recite verses, we use our hands to make dots to represent the colon in the Scripture reference. (Joshua 1: ← dot dot) I knew this little boy didn't come on Thursday nights or I would have known him, so I gathered that he must be part of Refugee Kids Club. I asked him if he knew my friend Miss Laxmi. With shock and delight, he said "YES!!! Do YOU know her!?" He then pulled out his medal he'd just received from awards night and told me all about his beloved friend, Miss Laxmi, and we were instant friends. You see, even outside the four walls of Mission Adelante, a family is growing and people of all different nationalities and backgrounds are finding belonging because of Jesus.  He is the great unifier, the perfect Father and our constant hope.

• Do you want to make a difference in a kid's life? Mission Adelante's Leaders In Training (LIT) program needs volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit their website at www.missionadelante.org/kids.

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Loving My Neighbor

Written By: Dayton Yarrow, ESL Volunteer

The Level 3 English Class that I volunteer with every Thursday night at Mission Adelante is a room full of smiling faces, vibrant personalities, and inquisitive minds.  It is a place where language learning happens and relationships are built. The time I spend engaging with the students often encourages and inspires me. It also reminds me that every person is made in God’s image with unique gifts and talents, no matter what country they are from or what language they speak. Against the backdrop of the challenges that our country is facing now and the various perceptions of the role of immigration in the United States, this classroom is a refreshing reminder that immigrants are people with unique stories, challenges, joys, and struggles. They are people that I can relate to and learn from.

    Two years ago, I began working in Kansas City as an immigration law legal assistant. During that period I have watched the immigration debate in our country shift. It started as an undercurrent and has become a polarizing dispute that often runs on heated emotions and opinions. Personally, this can be difficult for me to navigate as it sometimes seems that people either have completely opposing views with no way to begin to see the other side of things or they are conflict averse (like myself) and would prefer not to engage in a debate at all.

    It is easy to see only anger and irreconcilable differences. This can cause us to become discouraged or to be tempted to look the other way and decide it is easier to not engage. However,  taking Christ’s command to “love our neighbor” means choosing to work toward understanding and reconciliation. Mission Adelante has modeled this by creating a place that loves and cares for immigrants who have found themselves here with us in the United States. They put faith into practice by reaching out and caring for immigrants and refugees and have helped me process the church’s role in participating in these challenges. The national debate is important, and it is worth engaging thoughtfully, strategically, and empathetically. In the meantime, we cannot neglect the opportunity that we have to love and care for our immigrant neighbors, to connect with and learn from them. What an opportunity to participate in what God is doing in our world!

CURRENT NEEDS:

• Do you want to make a difference in a kid's life? Mission Adelante's Leaders In Training (LIT) program needs volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit their website at www.missionadelante.org/kids.

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What Are You Thankful For?

Written by Paul Kienzle, Director of ESL Latino

Did you know that God fashioned our bodies in such a way that they benefit from having an attitude of thankfulness? Practicing gratitude affects the brain by producing dopamine which can decrease pain levels, improve sleep, and relieve stress and depression.  It can even help lessen negative emotions like guilt or anxiety. God wants us to be thankful people not only to honor Him but also to bless us. He asks us to be thankful always. This command is one that takes discipline and courage, especially when walking through a difficult situation. I’d like to share with you what I am thankful for within the Mission Adelante family.

I am deeply indebted to God for placing me at Mission Adelante the last three years, and what this organization has taught me. I have learned to love better, to relate more deeply, to celebrate the uniqueness of worshipping Jesus in different cultural contexts, and to empower emerging leaders from our community. I am thankful for the Adelante staff I work alongside, and the encouragement they’ve given me. I am also grateful to our ESL students for allowing me to share life with them. I have grown by getting a glimpse into their life experiences outside the classroom, understanding their unique joys and pains, and seeing their resilience and perseverance. I lack words to describe my respect for our volunteer team, who come Thursday after Thursday and give with open hearts. They are a unified bunch who understand what God is doing through Mission Adelante in our community and have become a vital part of it. I thank God for the people who come to our house church two Sunday evenings a month to study the word of God, share a meal, laugh together and support one another. They have become true friends and blessings to my family and me.

I encourage you to take a moment, on your own or with your family, and recall what you have been thankful for this year!  Whatever the physiological or emotional benefits of thankfulness, know this, that it’s a habit of the heart that God wants us to continually practice.

 “...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (ESV, 1 Thess. 5:18)

CURRENT NEEDS:

• Mission Adelante's Arts Community needs a few more volunteers to teach guitar and keyboard to kids! No need to be an expert. If you enjoy playing a few chords/notes on either instrument and would like to share that ability with others, fill out an interest form at www.missionadelante.org/arts.

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Learning God's Love

Written by Michael Pollock, LIT and Teens Volunteer

When I started volunteering with Teens Adelante 7 years ago, I did not have experience in teaching or mentoring and I felt a bit inadequate to do the job I had signed up for. Thankfully, the staff and fellow volunteers showed me how to lead as we served the youth of KCK. One of the first teens I met was Daniel Garcia. He was quiet and didn’t give off a very welcoming vibe to those he didn’t know, but I could tell he was a deep thinker and took his faith seriously. As our friendship developed, I saw Daniel grow into a hard working young man with love and loyalty for his community and ambition for his future. So, when I found out that he was joining the staff in August I was very excited to work side by side with a guy I once tried to teach. These last few months have been a pleasure as I get to see Daniel help lead Leaders in Training and Teens (even bailing me out when I was struggling during a lesson).

Recently on the LIT reward trip to Great Wolf Lodge, Daniel led the devotional time. It was an ambitious topic: Job and the problem of evil. One of the most memorable moments was when Daniel straight up questioned his ability to teach the lesson. As he struggled to find to words to continue he never gave up and we ended up having some of the greatest discussions I’ve seen with the kids. One of the kids asked the theological bomb “Did Jesus die for Satan’s sins?” Later I remembered how Jesus told us to love our enemies and I realized there was more love in her question than in any of our answers. Many of the kids thanked Daniel for pushing through his discomfort and his example was a microcosm of the greater discussion which helped me form a take-away from the night: God allows us to go through difficult times not so we can earn God’s love, but so we can learn God’s love!

My understanding and experience of God’s love has been deepened by my time at Mission Adelante; not just by the fun times with good friends, but through the difficult times as well. Even in the many uncomfortable moments I’ve had trying to lead the youth, (an experience I can now share with Daniel) God’s love gives us the grace to lift each other up. In this world we will have trouble, but we, united as the body of Christ, can overcome it.  Just as Daniel was always patient with me, the young Leaders in Training helped Daniel overcome his self doubt.

CURRENT NEEDS:

• Mission Adelante's Arts Community needs a few more volunteers to teach guitar and keyboard to kids! No need to be an expert. If you enjoy playing a few chords/notes on either instrument and would like to share that ability with others, fill out an interest form at www.missionadelante.org/arts.

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Kids' Fun Day

Written by Elena Chan, Community Development Director

Kids’ Fun Day at Adelante Thrift has become an annual tradition during the holiday season. This year, it will be this Saturday, December 8, from 1:00 to 3:00, and everyone is invited! This celebration takes place each December thanks to the initiative of nine-and-a-half year old Livia Viall with Crafty Girl Creations.

Livia’s love to create became apparent at a very young age, when she began to follow her dad around his home workshop, learning from him how to build. She began learning how to use power tools and made a few home décor pieces to give as gifts.  This quickly expanded into an enterprise as people began to order her creations. Livia loves to be generous and wanted to give a portion of her earnings to help Adelante Thrift. She also wanted to give other kids in the community an opportunity to be “crafty.” Livia’s idea for Kids’ Fun Day was inspired by her enjoyment of workshops for kids at The Home Depot.

Please bring your kids to celebrate the holidays with Livia at Adelante Thrift this Saturday from 1:00-3:00. There will be games, crafts and cookie decorating for kids, while moms and dads are shopping.  Everyone is welcome!

CURRENT NEEDS:

• Mission Adelante's Arts Community needs a few more volunteers to teach guitar and keyboard to kids! No need to be an expert. If you enjoy playing a few chords/notes on either instrument and would like to share that ability with others, fill out an interest form at www.missionadelante.org/arts.

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2018 CCDA Experience With Friends

By Laxmi Gurung, Ministry Apprentice (Refugee Kids Ministries)

This year was my third time attending the annual National Conference put on by the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). Mission Adelante has belonged to this network of Christians committed to seeing people and communities restored for the past decade. National Conference is our chance to be with like-minded people from around the country. I have learned many things and had different experiences every year. This year was a little different because we invited some people from the community to go with us. I was really excited that two of my close friends that have been volunteering in Refugee Kid’s Club since the beginning came along. They are very close to me and I’m thankful to God for their friendship in my life because they were the first friends that introduced me to Jesus. I love their serving hearts and each of them is very inspiring and wonderful in their own way. They love Jesus with all their heart and serve in their church all the time. I asked them to share a little about their experience at CCDA.

Anjana: I really like the theme of CCDA 2018, “ROOTED”. Believing and trusting in God is like we are trees planted by the water. We are not driven by fear or overcome by despair, but we stay rooted in Christ so we may produce the lasting fruits of love, equity, and peace. I learned that we are the body of Christ, and each and every one is included; it doesn’t matter if we are white, black, brown etc. In order to bring everyone together, we need to develop ourselves, family, and most importantly our community. I had a great time with awesome friends of Mission Adelante with lots of good learning experiences.

Phul Maya: I had an Amazing time at CCDA. It was my first time so it was a little overwhelming but I took it one thing at a time. I really like the multicultural worship which I was missing for a long time. I also got motivated by all the speakers because they were really positive and encouraging. It gave me the sense that there are still people who care about the poor and lower class. I enjoy all the group sessions, especially the one where they talked about refugees. In that session, I related to the topic because I myself am a Nepali speaking Bhutanese refugee. Overall, I had one of the most beautiful times of my life.

CURRENT NEEDS:

• Do you want to make a difference in a kid's life? Mission Adelante's Leaders In Training (LIT) program needs volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our website at www.missionadelante.org/kids.

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A Year to Be Thankful For, and a Prayer for the Next One

By Gissell Vazquez, Assistant Ministry Director

As I reflect on the year that is ending, I have a sense of joy and gratitude for all the experiences lived. Leading Adelante Arts Community has given me the satisfaction of seeing a dream come true. With the hard work of a great group of volunteers and the commitment of parents that bring their kids every Monday night, Adelante Arts Community is now a well-established program. We are looking forward to to growing more next year. I’m thankful for the community of faith that meets together in our house church: “Casa de Fe”. It is composed of an enthusiastic and mixed group of believers from Mexico, Honduras, Cuba and the U.S. We meet with the purposes of listening the word of God, worshiping, praying and sharing our life’s experiences and challenges. I’m also thankful for spending time with our worship group. For someone that loves music, having the opportunity to play with a group of friends is one of the best things in life.

Some of my prayers for next year are that God continues to bless our beautiful community, that He continues to open doors, and that He enables us to accomplish the dreams that He is giving us.

There are many other things to mention but as I am writing I feel curious to see and read what God has done in your life this year. That’s why I invite you to co-write this article with me by adding comments. I’m sure you have things to be grateful for and you have prayers for the next year. Share your thoughts with us. What are your prayer requests for next year, what are you thankful for?

CURRENT NEEDS:

• Do you have a gently-used keyboard or guitar that you're not using? Adelante Arts Community needs it! Mission Adelante is in need of 3 portable keyboards and 5 acoustic guitars for their expanding Arts Community. Please email Gissell Vazquez at gissellv@missionadelante.org if you have an instrument you’d like to donate.

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Volunteer Journey: A Primer on U.S. Immigration

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The Adelante Volunteer Journey Serving and growing together! Sara Forsythe shares about volunteering in Adelante Arts Community. Volunteer Journey: A Primer on U.S. Immigration Dear friends, With the midterm elections last week and the approaching caravan from Central America, it's not surprising that immigration has been in the news a lot the last few weeks. There was talk of an invasion; troops were sent to the border; an executive order was signed changing the legal process for seeking asylum, and the President suggested that he may use an executive order to end "birthright citizenship."  Our study of Soerens' and Yang's book, Welcoming the Stranger comes at a perfect time!  This edition of the Volunteer Journey will contain highlights and a summary of chapters 2-4, which provide a critical base of knowledge about immigration that can help us build a well-informed understanding of the issues facing us today. The authors continue in Chapter 2 by addressing the question, "who are undocumented immigrants?".  In doing so, they differentiate between naturalized citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and undocumented immigrants.  Using the stories of Pedro and Martha and Francisco and Allison, they paint a picture of the everyday struggles and decisions that undocumented immigrants face.  They describe some of the many reasons immigrants come to the U.S., why some may come illegally and why others may overstay their visas.  The authors reveal some of the struggles of "mixed-status families" and talk through a common misconception that suggests that undocumented immigrants don't pay taxes.  And what about young people who came to the U.S. illegally with their parents and grew up here?  Soerens and Yang give us a picture into the unique situation of the approximately 800,000 young immigrants known as "Dreamers", who qualified for President Obama's program called "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals."  "Understanding the history of immigration to the United States will help us have a perspective on how to view and act toward newer immigrants entering the United States." (p.65) The overview presented in Chapter 3 of our book is a fascinating look at our history as it relates to immigration.  The authors organize the thoughts chronologically, highlighting key legislative markers along the way.  I'll list them here as a reference, but you'll have to read the book to get the details!    "Immigration has always been and will remain a defining issue for the United States of America." (p.65)  The Early Days The first great European wave: 1820-1860 Indian Removal Act: 1830 The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: 1848 Chinese Immigration and Exclusion: 1848-1890 The Second Great European wave: 1880-1920 The Quota System: 1924-1965 The Bracero Program: 1942-1964 The 1965 Reforms Immigration from the 1970's to today The Refugee Act of 1980 The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 Over my years at Mission Adelante I've heard countless people ask, "why don't they just come legally?"  In chapter 4 the authors discuss our current immigration system and the pathways to legal status in the U.S.  To summarize, there are four basic categories of immigrant visas.  Employment-based: Available by petition by a U.S. employer, there is a numerical limit and "the majority of these visas are reserved for individuals who have extraordinary or exceptional ability." Family-based: Based on close family relationships with the intention of reuniting families. Diversity Visas: A set number visas distributed by a random lottery of qualifying entrants from underrepresented countries. Refugees and Asylees: Immigration status granted based on a "well-founded fear of being persecuted" for a handful of specific factors. With the basic foundation of knowledge presented in these chapters, you will be much better equipped to filter through and process most of the information that is talked about so often these days. If you'd like to jump in on this study, here's the plan.  It's not too late! Purchase the book and read it at your own pace through the trimester. Follow along as I process the book through regular Volunteer Journey emails during the trimester. Join me for a lunch and learn discussion at Mission Adelante on December 6th, 11:30-1:00 Please feel free to participate in as little or as much as you would like! In His Grace, Jarrett Buy "Welcoming the Stranger" Volunteer Journey Lunch-And-Learn  Thursday, December 6th, 11:30-1:00 Please mark your calendars!  For those who would like to discuss what you're learning on your journey and/or through your reading of Welcoming the Stranger, we will be hosting a "lunch and learn" for all volunteers.  Lunch will be brought in from a local restaurant, so we will need to get an accurate count.  Please RSVP to jarrettm@missionadelante.org to let us know you're coming!   Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*

Heroes and Champions: Part of the Fabric

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Heroes and Champions "Every story needs a hero who overcomes, and every hero needs a champion who helps them succeed." As a donor, you are a champion for the Lord's work in and through the lives of heroes from all places.  Heroes and Champions: On Becoming Part of the Fabric of the Community Dear Friends, My first thoughts as I write to you all are thoughts of gratitude for the important role you play as donors (champions) to the cause of "making disciples with people from all places."  You are such an important part of the ministry the Lord has given us in this community.  We couldn't do this without you!  Lately, we've been processing what long-term impact looks like for a ministry like ours.  I wanted to share a few thoughts with you here that give you a glimpse into an important part of our ministry philosophy and values. How can a ministry make a sustainable, long-term impact?  One if the keys is to become part of the fabric of a community.  Mission Adelante has been approaching ministry through this lens since our inception.  From our commitment to living in the community to the high value we place on partnership and developing community leaders, we believe that community transformation happens from within, in collaboration with partners from all over the city.  Our very first community partnership was formed with M.E. Pearson Elementary School, in September 2005.  In the first month after the ministry was founded, we joined forces with M.E. Pearson to offer an English class for the parents of their students.  Partnership is paramount in the recipe for long-term community impact.  It fosters the development of a network of resources and entities that care about the community and seeks ways to support one another and work together collaboratively for the common good.  In our case, this network takes many shapes and includes individuals, churches, businesses, schools, local government entities, and non-profits, from our own community and across the city.  It's becoming part of the fabric of a community on every level.    The launch of Adelante Thrift has accelerated and expanded our partnership capacity in ways we never imagined.  When Lena Chan, our Community Development Director, first shared that Adelante Thrift had partnered with over 75 organizations and entities over its first three years, I was surprised.  Some of these organizations include Kansas School for the Blind, Workforce Partnership, Laminate Works Inc., O-Ring Sales, Urban Scholastic Center, The Hope Center, Samaritan's Feet, SM East and Schlagle High Schools.  Urban schools such as Eugene Ware Elementary and private suburban schools like Whitfield Academy have found a common connecting point in Adelante Thrift.  And, church groups from across the city and from states like Tennessee, Iowa, and Arkansas have participated. Adelante Thrift is not only helping us become part of the fabric of the community, it is also creating fabric in places where none existed before.  After 13 years in this community and having seen such an explosion of partner connections through Adelante Thrift, we have a sense that our ministry is truly becoming part of the fabric of our city.  As we look ahead to 2019 and beyond, we are excited to see how the Lord will lead us to press into our partnerships and maximize these important relationships for deeper Kingdom impact and community transformation. Again, thank you for your very important part in this work.  You also form part of this fabric with us! In His Grace, Jarrett Meek, MDiv Pastor/Executive Director, Founder Donate Now Year-End Funding Needs: $65,000 We're investing in emerging leaders from our community and mobilizing gifted immigrant leaders to serve on our staff.  This is all part of transforming our community from within.  This year we're praying the Lord would provide $65,000 to help support compensation for our staff and apprentices "from all places." Would you pray about making a special gift this year-end?  Our ministry needs champions like you who believe in what the Lord is doing in our community! Giving by check or online is easy: Mission Adelante, PO Box 172076, Kansas City, KS  66117 www.missionadelante.org/give Donate Now Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*

Why Would HE Love ME?

By Carla Flores, Ministry Apprentice

Believing in God has always been something difficult for me. Perhaps it was because I lacked faith or maybe because I was simply not exercising it. My mind always wandered off to existential questions, all demanding concrete answers. If God is perfect why would He love ME? Much less why, but HOW? How could a perfect, merciful, gentle God love a broken, selfish, hypocritical me? I came to Mission Adelante with an encyclopedia full of these questions expecting each and every one to be answered magically. Instead, I received something even better.  I received a family and a community with people like me who speak to God about their doubts and their failures. Mission Adelante breaks the norm and accepts me for who I am, broken pieces and all.

Everyone knows what it’s like to be new and afraid. Maybe you felt this in third grade when you moved schools and had to present yourself to the class. Or perhaps you felt this when the coach asked you to get on the field after a long season of being on the bench. The first time I felt this was in kindergarten when my family migrated to the U.S. from Mexico. I felt this again in 6th grade when I joined the robotics club, and again each time I had a job interview. This emotion filled me again the first Sunday I attended house church at Mission Adelante. The same questions from before lingered in my head until they had achieved what they wanted. I felt scared, timid and nervous. I knew I wanted God in my life but what if God did not want me?

Mission Adelante opened its doors for me and transformed my thoughts about church and God. I was no longer scared or uncertain because Mission had made me part of a community that shared the same uncertainties. Through the Bible I learned that God not only loved me from the second I was created, but yearned to have a relationship with me too. I had been so desperate to feel his love for me that I was blind to the love I was already being shown. He showed me His presence when I volunteered at Teens Adelante, the love was so raw and honest. Volunteers had created a relationship with the teens like no other I had seen before. In any moment of fear, doubt, or darkness, a volunteer was there to listen and to pray. At this time, I was still not sure if God was in my life but now I was sure He existed. How could He not, if these volunteers loved each of these teens in such a profound way? How could He not, if the teens loved and cherished each of the volunteers?

God’s love was and continues to be what amazes me the most about our Creator. The infinite amount of love it must have taken to be humiliated, tortured and crucified for lost and broken people. That same love that He has planted deep within His people. The same love that the volunteers water each Wednesday evening with the teens. The same love that begins growing in them until stretching its limbs out to the heavens. I believe this is exactly what God wanted us to do with His love. How beautiful is it that God loves us so much that He has given us a gift to share with everyone around us too!

Today, I feel new in Christ. I feel renovated, restored, cleansed. Through Mission Adelante, I have learned that God has given me a new beginning. I no longer have to be scared of being unworthy because He has cleaned off my slate and filled it with His righteousness. By doing this, He shows me He is merciful and gracious. I am still sometimes doubtful and at times untrusting, and I know that this journey I have begun will not be an easy one. It will be full of new challenges, new teachings, but also so, so much love.

IN OTHER NEWS:

• Have you ever wondered what goes on at a typical night of programming at Mission Adelante? Adelante Arts Community, Refugee Kids Club, Latino ESL, and Kids Adelante have Observation Nights coming up: Monday, November 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm; Tuesday, November 13, 6:30 - 8:30 pm; and Thursdays, November 8 and 15, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Visit  www.missionadelante.org/observe to sign up!

CURRENT NEEDS:

• Do you have a gently-used keyboard or guitar that you're not using? Adelante Arts Community needs it! Mission Adelante is in need of 3 portable keyboards and 5 acoustic guitars for their expanding Arts Community. Please email Gissell Vazquez at gissellv@missionadelante.org if you have an instrument you’d like to donate.

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Believing Truth

The 2018-2019 Leaders In Training

By Megan McDermott, Director of Latino Kids Ministries

Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough or maybe a little too much?  I know I have, and I would venture to say that that’s true of most people. Starting during childhood, we receive so many different messages about who we should be, how we should act, and where our value lies.  These messages may or may not be true. Many of us, perhaps in an effort to fit into a group that we want to belong to, begin to believe lies about who we are.

In Leaders in Training, our after school character and leadership development program, we are diving into a deep topic this year: the armor of God.  The Bible lists for us the protective garments that are available to us, that make us “able to stand against the schemes of the devil,” including his attempts to corrupt our grasp of our true identity.   Though it is a profoundly spiritual topic, the LIT kids are practicing using the spiritual armor that is available to them, and embracing the truth of who God says they are.

Last week, we asked the question, “What is a lie you believe about yourself?” The kids shared their struggle with feeling unworthy of love.  They expressed their frustration with believing the lie that they aren’t smart. Many of them feel like they aren’t good enough; failures in all they try to do.  These are CHILDREN that feel this shame, worthlessness, and pain.

On the spur of the moment, led by the Lord, we had each of the kids change the lie they were believing into a truth statement. Instead of saying, “I don’t have anything to offer,” we had them affirm the truth to themselves that they do!  It was a deep and healing time for all of us involved, reminding us that we are all children of God!

Interested in learning a little bit more how to volunteer with these amazing kids?  Email meganm@missionadelante.org for more info.

IN OTHER NEWS:

• Have you ever wondered what goes on at a typical night of programming at Mission Adelante? Adelante Arts Community, Refugee Kids Club, Latino ESL, and Kids Adelante have Observation Nights coming up: Mondays, November 5 and 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm; Tuesdays, November 6 and 13, 6:30 - 8:30 pm; and Thursdays, November 8 and 15, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Visit  www.missionadelante.org/observe to sign up!

CURRENT NEEDS:

• Do you have a gently-used keyboard or guitar that you're not using? Adelante Arts Community needs it! Mission Adelante is in need of 3 portable keyboards and 5 acoustic guitars for their expanding Arts Community. Please email Gissell Vazquez at gissellv@missionadelante.org if you have an instrument you’d like to donate.

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When Immigration Has a Name

Andy and Valente during English class

By Andy Marso, Latino ESL Volunteer Conversation Partner

The word “immigration” is enmeshed in a national debate that has become so politicized it feels overwhelming. But being at Mission Adelante every week is a reminder that when all the politics are stripped away, immigration is fundamentally about individual people ­– people created in the image of God.

My Mission Adelante ESL student’s name is Valente. He’s from Mexico. When I was his age I was still trying to figure out how to be an adult, but Valente already has a career in construction, a wife, two kids and a third arriving any day now. His positive energy makes him a joy to work with. He’s learning fast, and I’m learning from him as well.

Organizations like Mission Adelante are vital to their cities because they knit together people from different backgrounds into a more cohesive community. They remind us that no matter where we come from, we are companions on a journey and we need each other to reach the potential God has given us.

IN OTHER NEWS:

• Have you ever wondered what goes on at a typical night of programming at Mission Adelante? Adelante Arts Community, Refugee Kids Club, Latino ESL, and Kids Adelante have Observation Nights coming up: Mondays, November 5 and 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm; Tuesdays, November 6 and 13, 6:30 - 8:30 pm; and Thursdays, November 8 and 15, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Visit  www.missionadelante.org/observe to sign up!

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Adelante Thrift Partner Spotlight: Kansas State School for the Blind

Written by Elena Chan, Community Development Director

One of Adelante Thrift’s values is generosity. We strongly believe that generosity has the power to transform individual lives as well as the entire community. For the past three years, the store has been blessed by the outpouring of the generosity by people and organizations who have served alongside us in our community. One of them is Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB), located right here in Kansas City, Kansas, less than two miles from Adelante Thrift.  Each week during the academic year for almost three years, the store has hosted a group of teachers and students that come to serve. They are very familiar with our staff; they know exactly what needs to be done; they learn new things about the store’s operations; they get to meet other groups of volunteers.

As stated in their mission statement, KSSB has a very clear aim: “We build local capacity throughout the state via strategic partnerships to ensure learners with visual impairments are able to assume responsible roles in society and lead fulfilling lives.” The school teachers seek project sites that are able and willing to accommodate their students with visual impairments and allow them to learn and improve their social and physical skills at a pace and manner suitable for them. Another consideration is the site location, which, because of the store’s proximity to the school, allowed it to be considered as a potential site. After visiting the store with the students for the first time, the decision was made to approve the store for the group’s regular service.

Besides serving on a weekly basis, the school has also become a donor of goods. Earlier this month when the school underwent a major facility renovation, they donated 30 beds and dressers to Adelante Thrift that all sold within two weeks!

It’s truly a blessing to have partners within the community that are generous and with whom Adelante Thrift can enjoy a reciprocal relationship.  Thank you, Kansas State School for the Blind, for your hard work making your vision a reality in our community, and for fostering your students’ ability to assume responsible roles in society and lead fulfilling lives.

Visit www.adelantethrift.com/volunteer to learn more about serving at Adelante Thrift!

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Crossing the Bridge

Members of Paul’s house church on a recent trip to the Kansas City Zoo.

By Paul Kienzle, Director of Latino ESL

On any given Thursday night at Mission Adelante, there is a whole lot of relationship going on! That’s the night we hold our five-level ESL classes for Latinos, as well as Kids Adelante. Our facility and several neighborhood homes are packed with a crowd of lively participants, volunteers and staff.  We believe that effective ministry is relational at its core. Sometimes, the interaction between the students and volunteers in our ESL program is so focused that it’s hard to get their attention for English instruction!  Our intent in fostering all this interaction is for it to inspire mutual learning, a reciprocity to serve one another, and friendship that is life-giving. And beyond our ESL program, there is a bridge some of our ESL students cross that leads to another context to cultivate life-giving friendship: house church.

The members of our faith community gather weekly on Sunday in three house churches.  We routinely extend an invitation to our ESL students to gather with us. Crossing over from ESL into a house church setting has been a great way our ESL students, past and present have gotten further involved and experienced even greater community.  They cross over from studying English to examining the life of Jesus, from sitting in a classroom to gathering in the more intimate setting of a living room, and from reciting responses to English material to sharing a meal and good conversation around a table.  Our house churches are a place where everyone is on level ground, in a safe environment for sharing life’s burdens in prayer and growing together in Jesus.

A couple of young Honduran men, Jairo and Carlos, enrolled in our ESL classes several years ago.  I was quickly drawn to them because of their friendly, outgoing, animated personalities. Both men are painters and work long days.  However, they committed themselves to not missing class, and oftentimes, they would come to class directly from work. Over time, our natural affinity for one another and my respect for their dedication to class led to the start of a friendship.  It was natural to invite them to come to the house church that meets in my home. They accepted, and they’ve continued to come with their families, occasionally bringing along a neighbor or cousin to take part in studying God’s Word and growing together in Christ.  Jairo and Carlos are just two of a number of students who have crossed over to become part of our house church community.

Indeed, there is a bridge that links our Latino ESL program to our house church community. That bridge is built upon the sturdy trusses of interdependent relationship; life-giving friendship, mutual learning and reciprocated service   It leads to a place where the student and his family can grow in Christ together with others. It may even mean sharing the joy of a birthday, ice skating, a cook-out, a meal shared at a restaurant, or a day spent together at the zoo.  The possibilities for sharing life are endless!

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A Fun Summer of Refugee Kids Club

Written by Laxmi Gurung, Ministry Apprentice (Refugee Kids Ministries)

The summer trimester of Refugee Kids Club was full of fun activities and a great turnout of kids. Before the trimester began I worked on how I could invite kids. I went to different churches, stores, and some kids’ houses to give them invitations. I also posted on Facebook and shared with many people from the community.

After that, I worked on what I could do to make kids want to come and enjoy their time being here. I thought of fun activities and trying new things because I wanted the kids to have fun while they were out of school and also to learn a lesson from the Bible. In the beginning, I was kind of nervous trying new things because I was worried that they might not work. But having an amazing leader like Megan McDermott makes everything easier for me because she is always there to help. Megan supported my ideas and she helped me to improve them. So each week I planned to do a different activity like playing games outside and another week, learning from the Bible.

The activities we did included tie-dye, water balloons, outdoor games and movie night. I could see the kids having fun and enjoying everything we were doing. Some of the kids even invited their friends. It was cool to see kids inviting their friends and bringing them along. Every week we had a kid there for the first time. The average attendance was 18 kids: the highest we’ve had in the history of Refugee Kids Club. It was amazing for me because we used to have only a few kids and the big group of volunteers. In the summer I had seven volunteers, the perfect number for me. Each of them helped to me lead the activities and teach the lesson. It was very helpful and everyone was committed to come. Three of them returned to volunteering with us this fall, and a lot of kids that came during the summertime also came back. We started our fall trimester about two weeks ago and it is going great.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

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A Story Worth Telling

By Gissell Vazquez, Assistant Ministry Director

When she began attending Arts Community, you could tell that she was one of those charming and shy girls that would not answer a question if not asked directly. Not only did she never miss a class, she was the first to arrive. The improvement of her skill was evidence that she practiced with her guitar at home. It wasn’t until our second trimester of the program that I got the chance to interact more with her because Pastor Bizu, our volunteer guitar instructor from the spring, couldn’t help during the summer.

I had many good experiences during the trimester, but one that stood out to me was the Monday when I had to teach without the usual help of my friend José Tellez. That night, as I was helping the students one by one to remember the names of the guitar strings and naming the new chords we were practicing, this girl stepped in and said to me, “Do want me to help you? I can work with my partner while you are doing it with the rest.” It was a surprise and a joy for me having her offer to help. Immediately I said, “Yes of course, go for it!” That night and for the rest of the trimester she became not only a student but a helper. She is becoming an artist with a potential to be developed beyond our program and she is turning into a young leader with the most important leadership skill: a servant heart.

You may think I forgot to mention her name, but that’s not the case. I just wanted you to feel, as you read this article, the same awe that I felt. The excitement of discovering simple but important things that have always been in front of our eyes, but that we might not have seen yet. I’m glad Arts Community is not only a place where the opportunity to enjoy the arts is given, but the opportunity for young leaders from our community to be developed as well.  

The young woman’s name is Prishmila and she is one among many kids that are thriving in the community. I’m blessed to have such an amazing group of students that come every Monday night to enjoy the arts, to share life together, and to learn about Jesus.

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Beginning Again

New volunteers receiving training last Saturday on our Latino ESL program.

By Yanelis Lopez, Ministry Director

We’re excited to be beginning a new trimester at Mission Adelante. During the breaks we have between trimesters, the moment always comes that we miss the activity of program nights and the ability to interact with everyone from the community. Of course, nothing we do at Mission Adelante would be possible without the contribution of so many volunteers that get involved and become part of our family for a few months, and some that stay around for many years.

This trimester we’re adding 22 new volunteers, all full of energy and with the desire to be a part of the lives of the kids, youth, and adults that participate in Mission Adelante. One thing that stands out about this group is that it includes two of our former Latino ESL students. Olga is preparing to be part of the ESL level 2 volunteer team and Yamilka, who passed her citizenship exam a few weeks ago, will support others from the community to study for their exams as they navigate the citizenship process.

What a great blessing to be part of this multicultural group of friends and brothers and sisters in the faith, who each want to contribute their grain of sand to help pave the road for those of us that have come to this country with a deep desire to keep moving forward.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Volunteer teams meeting together to plan for the trimester at Volunteer Training on Saturday and Volunteer Huddle on Monday evening

CURRENT NEEDS:

• We’re looking for a volunteer photographer! Adelante Thrift is giving its website a new look and would like a photographer to help take high-quality photos. If you are interested, please contact Elena at elenam@missionadelante.org.

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Battle Boutique: More Than Just a Store

Written by Merah Wright, Adelante Thrift Volunteer Coordinator

At Adelante Thrift, we have many amazing volunteers come through our doors - generously giving of their time, energy, and resources! And every volunteer comes with his or her own story, which, many times, we have the privilege of hearing. The most recent story that came along is about perseverance and passion and trust in God.

Charlene Kimmel and her daughter Jalen have been volunteering at the store since its opening in 2015. Charlene loves shopping at thrift stores, so when three years ago her church started partnering with Adelante Thrift, she was compelled by the mission of the store in the community and immediately signed on.

A few months ago, Charlene shared with us her vision for a very unique thrift store that she was about to open. In January of 2016 at the age of 38, Charlene was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer which came as a total shock for her and her family, and completely changed her life. While in the fight of her life against cancer, Charlene discovered the great need for affordable apparel for those battling cancer. She found herself needing very specific apparel and accessories.  However, availability was limited either to items sold by hospital boutiques that were too expensive to afford, or items that were free of charge but didn’t come with choices for the wearer. As a clinical researcher, Charlene had never before considered starting her own thrift store. But at that stage of her life and desperately wanting others who were newly diagnosed with cancer to have a more uplifting experience, she founded Battle Boutique. She believes God gave her the name for her store, “Battle Boutique”, based on Ephesians 6:16-17: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”. What a powerful battle cry!

Battle Boutique is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created for cancer patients, survivors, family, and friends to provide affordable apparel and supplies needed during treatment, recovery and cancer awareness. It’s a place to donate apparel and supplies that are no longer needed. And it’s a community to provide encouragement, reinforcements, and solace.

Battle Boutique opened its doors on July 7, 2018 at 11716 W. 95th Street in Overland Park, Kansas. We had the privilege of visiting Charlene at the new store about a month after its official opening. Upon entering, you immediately sense an atmosphere of peace and comfort. It is more than just your typical store - it is a place to get quality “battle gear,” both used and new, at affordable prices. It is a place to pass along the items that helped carry you or someone you know through the battle, and it’s a place to find support and connection during a difficult season. If you have items that are not being used, please consider donating them!  Some of the things in highest demand are camisoles with a front zipper, bras with pockets to insert forms, button-up pajamas and shirts, and turbans, scarves and headbands made of soft material.

Charlene has many hopes and goals for the future of Battle Boutique. One, in addition to being able to continue providing for women battling all types of cancer, is to help meet the needs of children who have been diagnosed with cancer. The hope is to be a place where children and their parents can find new and used items at affordable prices, and a place to connect and find support. This store and ministry is very necessary and has already blessed numerous people! You can find out more about Charlene’s story and her amazing ministry at Battle Boutique’s website: https://www.battle.boutique/.

CURRENT NEEDS:

• We need volunteers for the Fall Trimester! Our next trimester launches in September and we're looking for volunteers for many of our programs. Please use the link next to the program that interests you to learn more and to sign up!
        -Latino ESL: www.missionadelante.org/ESL 
        -Leaders in Training (LIT): www.missionadelante.org/kids
        -Arts Community Guitar Class: www.missionadelante.org/arts
        -Refugee Kids Club: www.missionadelante.org/kids
        -Citizenship Class: www.missionadelante.org/ESL 

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