We’ve seen beautiful things as we’ve resettled refugees during the past year .
Video Update: We Will Continue to Love Mercy and Do Justice
Dear Friends of Mission Adelante,
On January 21st, the new administration suspended all new arrivals through the refugee resettlement program, canceling travel for scores of people who had “waited their turn” and been thoroughly vetted after fleeing violence in their own countries. On January 24, 2025, the U.S. government went further and abruptly mandated a suspension of all services within the Reception and Placement (R&P) program for refugees already in the country, ending all federal support for newly arrived refugees. Having given assurances that this year’s contracts for R&P services would be honored through September 30th, the government made this sudden suspension effective immediately, without warning. Under the R&P program, refugees received support for 90 days with rent, food, transportation, cultural orientation, and other basic needs as they worked quickly toward self-sufficiency. This sudden suspension of funding and services leaves hundreds of newly arrived refugee families without support for basic needs, such as food and housing.
Mission Adelante currently has 22 families/cases that are within the initial 90-day period with the R&P program. The suspension of R&P has immediately removed the funding needed to provide basic services for these precious families and to continue to support the 2+ staff members whose roles were funded through R&P.
Mission Adelante has been serving immigrants and refugees for nearly 20 years, because we believe that the biblical command to “love your neighbor as yourself” has a special expression in the way we welcome and show hospitality to “people from all places”. We are not alone in our conviction. Indeed, over the years, thousands of volunteers and donors and dozens of churches, businesses and other organizations have joined us in serving, sharing life, and sharing Jesus with people from all places. With the support from our partners, we will continue to carry out our mission. Children and youth from all places will continue to gather in a safe place to learn and grow. Adults from diverse backgrounds and nationalities will continue to learn English and prepare to become citizens through Mission Adelante. And the Mission Adelante church community will continue to gather for worship, prayer and to study the Word of God together.
“He has shown you, oh man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you– to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Many of our friends have asked what they can do to help in this challenging time. To meet the need left by the government’s abrupt suspension of R&P, we are launching the “Love Mercy Initiative”. Through “Love Mercy” we will endeavor to raise $70,000 to meet the basic needs of newly arrived refugee families over the next 3 months and provide compensation and severance pay for our initial resettlement staff as we wrap up this program. In the coming days we will be sharing volunteer opportunities and prayer needs. When the government abandons its commitment to the vulnerable, the church must step in to fill the gap.
Sincerely,
Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director
Mission Adelante, Inc.
Year One of Refugee Resettlement - Celebration and Uncertainty
Year One of Refugee Resettlement - Celebration and Uncertainty
by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Education Director
What a year 2024 has been! When we began refugee resettlement back in January 2024, I could not have imagined where we would be today. As I write this, my heart is full of gratitude, though I also carry a strange sense of grief.
Let me take you back through the journey of 2024. Our first family arrived at the end of January. This couple holds a special place in my heart as our inaugural arrival, and they showed us so much grace as we navigated the complexities of the resettlement process for the first time.
Throughout the year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting families from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Venezuela, Guatemala, Colombia, Eritrea, and Burma. The friendships I’ve formed are invaluable. Being a "Teacher" in their lives has been an incredible opportunity to guide their language journeys and witness their growth from knowing little to no English to confidently introducing themselves in new scenarios—even outside of Mission Adelante.
Our Resettlement team has grown too. Initially, it was just Kristen and me, balancing my transition from the Ministry team. Now, we’re a team of nine. Welcoming families and supporting them through their first year here has drawn us closer, not just as teammates but as friends—almost like family. We’ve spent late nights together awaiting arrivals, set up countless apartments, prayed for families, shared meals, and worked tirelessly to welcome as many people as possible before the end of February.
As January comes to a close, the future of 2025 feels uncertain. Once we reach our allotted number of arrivals, what happens next is unclear. Most families should arrive by February, but it’s heartbreaking to hear our families ask about loved ones still waiting to come to the U.S. It’s even harder to admit that we know as little as they do. Life feels uncertain for them and for us, but we are doing everything we can to move forward.
I wish I could neatly wrap up our first year and say it was everything we dreamed of—and the majority of it was. But the journey is far from over. Please pray for us and the ministry team as we continue this important work for as long as we can.
We’re also in need of volunteers for all our ministry programs and refugee needs. If you feel a nudge to help, we would love to have you! I’m especially looking for English language partners to serve on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to me at veronicag@missionadelante.org.
Thank you for walking with us through this last year. Your support means the world.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
Loving People from All Places
Loving People From All Places
by Patrique Harris, Ministry Community Director
If you’ve been around Mission Adelante for any length of time, you’ve likely heard our slogan: loving people from all places. Over the past couple of years, I’ve learned firsthand why and how we’re called to show hospitality, compassion, and friendship to our immigrant neighbors. Initially, I viewed our slogan through the lens of showing love to those who are vulnerable around us. But as I reflect on 2024, I see it through a broader lens.
This year has been a whirlwind for our ministry, full of change, challenges, and increased need. Yet, through it all, I can’t help but see God’s goodness and providence reflected in the loving and generous people from all walks of life who are passionately and humbly living out the gospel by supporting our work at Mission Adelante.
““Loving People from all places is more than a slogan””
From dedicated volunteers who mentor teens in our Youth Club, to the family who gives monthly to keep our lights on, to the small group that prays for our community, to the Good Neighbor Team that helps newly arrived refugee families navigate their first grocery trip, to the mom who cooks a meal for our afterschool kids, to the family who cleans out their closet to keep Adelante Thrift stocked for the winter—these actions, big and small, reflect the heart of our mission. I could go on and on, but it truly takes loving people from all places to do the work of loving people from all places.
To every single person who supports Mission Adelante, whether in big or small ways, seen or unseen, thank you from the bottom of my heart. We could not do any of this work without you.
As our community grows with new families arriving each week, it’s critical that we continue to expand our circle of support. Let’s celebrate the hope a new year brings by praying for, and inviting, new, loving people into our mission. Consider boldly sharing your experience with Mission Adelante with friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members.
Someone you know might be moved to join in. As a resource, you can direct them to missionadelante.org/serve to learn more about opportunities to serve.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us this trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Serve – Invite people from your workplace, school, or church small group to host a resource drive for refugees or volunteer at Adelante Thrift. We are happy to share more about occasional service opportunities for all ages.
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
English Language Classes: Nights of laughter and learning
english language classes: nights of laughter and learning
by Elaine Reimers, Adult Ministry Director
At Mission Adelante, one of our core programs is providing English Language classes. Groups meet for 11 weeks and begin at level 1 and can progress up to level 5 or join English Club to have an informal space to speak conversational English. Towards the end of the trimester, students are tested to make sure they are ready to move on to the next level.
Volunteers often go beyond to help students because of the relationships they have developed over many weeks. Due to a work conflict, a student was struggling to keep up with lessons. The volunteer who had met with him consistently asked if he could meet outside the class to practice English to accommodate his schedule. Over dinner they continued conversations together so the student could continue to make progress in speaking English. Sometimes our volunteers also get to practice Spanish, but not in the classroom! To help our students focus on learning English, it is forbidden to speak Spanish during class. A current volunteer meets his students outside of class to practice English and to allow him to practice Spanish.
One of the few rules for ESL volunteers that I was handed down from my predecessor is “Don't tell your student you won’t be in class if you have to miss”. Why shouldn’t our volunteers tell their students that they will miss class? We have found that students tend to skip class when they know their conversation partner will be absent. It's obvious that students value the open communication, reliability, empathy, and opportunities for vulnerability that develop over the first few classes with their conversation partner. At Mission Adelante, our hope is that the relationships built during class would continue to exist, grow, and thrive long after the student graduates from the program!
There is a LOT of humor when you are learning a new language! On Monday and Thursday nights, Mission Adelante is filled with boisterous laughter during our Latino English Language classes and conversational English Club about the silly parts of the English language that just don’t make sense, or about how something translates (or doesn’t!). For example, an “EXIT ONLY” sign could easily be mistranslated as “SOLAMENTE ÉXITO” which translates literally to “ONLY SUCCESS”. Please tell me which door I need to walk through for THAT! Then, there is the infamous, hilariously awkward moment when a volunteer tries to express embarrassment by saying: “Estoy embarazada” (“I’m pregnant.”) when attempting to say “I am embarrassed.” For someone who is already embarrassed (especially if you’re a dude!), it is a hilarious moment of class laughing together as they are learning. That one will never get old!
There is a huge need for English classes! People often wait in line for 2 hours to register for Level 1 English class because the class cap is 24 people, and there is typically at least 10 people put on the waitlist who have to wait another 4 months for an English class unless a spot opens up during our next trimester. Students pay $40 for the class which includes a workbook that they use each week for practice and a Mission Adelante T-Shirt. We want them to have an investment in the class! Beyond the laughter and learning, this is what a typical night looks like for students and conversation partners:
Before Class:
After registration, students and conversation volunteers are put in groups in groups with 1 conversation partner for two students and meet together each week for 11 weeks.
During Class:
Students sit in groups with their conversation partners and each have a workbook they are going through. The workbook focuses on how to use action words and vocabulary correctly, such as “to cook” and practicing using the phrase “I am cooking dinner.”
A teacher facilitates the classes from up front each week and leads the students and volunteers in progressing through the workbook together. It is a combination of reading the English words and speaking them outloud.
After Class:
Students must pass a test to advance to each level of English classes. If a student doesn't pass or feel comfortable moving on, they can choose to take level 1 again.
Level 2-5 classes are smaller than Level 1. The same group of students and volunteers often continues to advance together through each level, though this is not required for volunteers or students.
During one of the test days at Mission Adelante, many of the students were somewhat nervous to put the English they had been learning for the past 11 weeks to the test. After wiping the sweat from their brows and turning their tests in to the teachers, the results were in! One of the students did much better on the test than the other four people; however, after the students talked about it, all five students agreed they could use more instruction on understanding how to speak in the past tense and did not feel comfortable moving to level 5 just yet. They decided- “WE STAY TOGETHER!” and moved backwards TOGETHER to the level 3 of a brand new curriculum we were rolling out that focuses on the past tense. Though one of the students could have progressed, the bonds and friendships that are forming between students and volunteers, sharing meals together and lots of laughter is just as important as language proficiency.
In a little less than two weeks, students will take their tests to see if they will progress to the next level of English Language classes. There will be laughter, nervousness and celebration as both students and volunteers progress in cheering each other on. If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about the Level 1 English Language class, our new volunteer orientation is coming up on Saturday May 17th. We would love to have you join us for these nights of laughter and learning.
Support English Language classes by becoming a monthly partner!
Our work is only possible through the prayerful generosity of our partners. We are currently inviting 50 people to give $100/month to strengthen our ability to provide classes like these. Would you consider joining our partnership team? If you’re interested give at: www.missionadelante.org/give
Hello!
HELLO!
by Jessica Fick, Partner Engagement Director
Hi, I’m Jessica Fick I’m thrilled to serve as the new Partner Engagement Director for Mission Adelante and to connect with many of you this year. This past November, I transitioned into this role from being the Outreach Pastor at Hillcrest Covenant Church in Prairie Village. In mobilizing our congregation to serve with Mission Adelante and Adelante Thrift, Jesus began to deepen my commitment to serve refugees and immigrants.
Last December I spent time with members from my denomination at the border of San Diego and Tijuana. We learned from world class theologians what scripture says about immigrants, heard stories from a deported U.S. veteran and saw the community where Pastor Alexandria ministered to people separated from family members at the border. After the trip, I sensed the Holy Spirit inviting me to use my voice, love of connecting with others and doing justice in a more significant way.
As someone whose background is in mobilizing people from all ages to share their faith, Jesus and justice outreaches on college campuses, and collaboration across differences for the greater good it seemed that the Lord had provided an ideal place to respond to his invitation to use my voice.
Whatever stage of life you are in, I believe Jesus wants to use each of us to make a difference in our community and demonstrate his love to others. I’ve loved that my husband Dave and our two teenage sons have had opportunities to see the world at our doorstep as we’ve volunteered with Mission Adelante. As I learn the ropes of this new role, I am eager to work alongside you, our amazing community and celebrate how Jesus is moving as we learn to love people from all places.
This is our time!
This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: www.missionadelante.org/give
The Image of God
The Image of God
by Kristen Maxwell, Refugee Resettlement Director
It’s hard to comprehend the number of displaced people in the world. Right now, there are 43.7 million refugees. Behind the statistics and images are real people—parents, children, brothers, and sisters—each carrying their stories, struggles, and hopes. And as people of faith, we’re called to remember that every single one of them is made in the image of God.
The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27 that God made humanity in His image. This isn’t about physical resemblance—it’s about the imprint of God’s likeness on each of us. That truth doesn’t change based on someone’s circumstances, nationality, or immigration status.
When we look into the eyes of a refugee, we’re looking at someone who reflects the heart of God. Their courage to seek safety and a better future echoes God’s desire for justice and abundant life. Jesus himself experienced displacement as a child. When His family fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s violence, He became, in a very real sense, a refugee (Matthew 2:13-15). This shared experience connects us to Him even more deeply as we seek to walk alongside those fleeing danger today.
Last week, in our staff meeting, one of our team members shared how grateful they were that we had the opportunity to pause and acknowledge the image of God in the clients we serve and that we had the opportunity to get to know the person. That often looks like listening to someone’s story, sharing a meal, or simply offering a warm smile. Even small acts of connection can be profound reminders that they are seen, valued, and loved—not just by us, but by God.
In December, we have had the opportunity to welcome 21 individuals fleeing their homes thus far and will welcome 21 more over the rest of the month. The average case we are receiving has been waiting for resettlement for over 10 years, some much less, but some much more. One of the most beautiful aspects of welcoming refugees is how it enriches our lives. Refugees bring with them incredible strength, resilience, and cultural beauty. When we take the time to connect, we see that their presence is a gift—not just to them but to us as well. God’s kingdom is gloriously diverse, and embracing that diversity here on earth gives us a glimpse of what’s to come. Building bridges of understanding and friendship honors the Creator who made us all.
This is our time!
This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: www.missionadelante.org/give
From Immigrant to Advocate: A Journey of Hope and Service
From Immigrant to Advocate: A Journey of Hope and Service
By Geraldin Olaya Crisanto, Refugee Resettlement Case Aid
At Mission Adelante, the work we do goes far beyond simply providing aid. Every day, we have the privilege of helping families rebuild their lives in a new country. As a Refugee Resettlement Case Aid, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with assisting refugees as they navigate their new lives in the United States. But for me, this work holds a special place in my heart because it is deeply personal.
I grew up in a family that made the courageous decision to leave everything behind in search of a better future. My parents migrated to the U.S. in pursuit of the American Dream, bringing my sisters and me along to give us the opportunities they never had. I’ll never forget the sacrifices they made, leaving behind their home, family, and everything familiar to build a life from scratch. In many ways, their journey mirrors the experience of the refugee families we serve at Mission Adelante.
As someone who has walked the path of immigration, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new country, a new culture, and a new language. The feelings of uncertainty and homesickness are all too familiar. Yet, amidst these struggles, I also experienced a deep sense of hope, the hope that comes with the chance for a better future. That hope, though it may flicker at times, is what keeps families pushing forward, even when the path seems uncertain.
This is why working in refugee resettlement feels like more than just a job to me. It feels like a calling, an opportunity to use my God-given gifts to help others on similar journeys.
One of the most meaningful moments for me came when my sister and her college club at K-State volunteered their time to support newly arrived refugee children. They assembled small “welcome kits” filled with colored pencils, coloring books, and activities. Something simple, but incredibly powerful. These kits will give the children something to enjoy and occupy their time while they wait for their permanent homes to be ready. To see my sister and her peers giving of their time and resources for these kids reminded me that no act is too small; each gesture has the potential to bring joy and comfort during a time of transition and uncertainty.
I am reminded daily of the importance of hope, compassion, and the gift of community. It’s truly amazing to be part of the refugee resettlement process and to witness the transformation that takes place in these families’ lives. From the relief of receiving a permanent home to the joy of children starting school and making new friends, each small victory reminds me of why this work is so important.
I feel so blessed to have found friends through my job at Mission Adelante. People who share the same passion for justice, kindness, and serving others. In these friendships, I find strength and encouragement, knowing that we are all part of a greater purpose.
Through it all, I’m reminded of the words from my favorite Psalm- Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” This work is a reflection of my own heart’s desire to serve, to help others, and to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. I am grateful every day for the opportunity to walk alongside these incredible families and to play a small part in their journey toward new beginnings.
As we continue to walk alongside these families and support their transition into a new life, we invite you to be a part of this important work. Whether through direct support, prayer, volunteering to help, or simply by being an advocate for refugees in your community. Together, we can continue to welcome and empower those who need it most.
This is our time!
This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: www.missionadelante.org/give
The Courage to Welcome: Building Bridges in a Divided Nation
The Courage to Welcome: Building Bridges in a Divided Nation
By Amy Herman, Reception and Placement Director
As I sit here writing this post on Election Day, 2024, I am saddened by how the world seems more divided than ever. The very people—our friends, our refugees, our neighbors—that we are biblically mandated to care for, are hiding in the shadows, wondering what tomorrow will bring and who they can trust.
I think of the 110 refugees we received this year, displaced and scattered from their homes by war, famine, or persecution. They are often the first to bear the weight of a divided world, waiting anxiously in camps or cities far from their homeland, hoping for a future where they are seen as people, not problems. What will today's election mean for them? Will their hopes for safety and opportunity be dashed, or will their voices be heard?
As all of this is heavy on my heart and mind, I have seen a glimmer of hope from the local church and a call for unity in an era of division.
Friday night, we hosted folks from two local churches in a training session, who are committed to joining in unity the seven other Good Neighbor Teams coming alongside our Afghan, Congolese, Eritrean, Guatemalan, Venezuelan and Burmese families. A Good Neighbor Team is a small group of people from a church or friend group who have said yes to walking alongside a newly arriving immigrant family for 6-12 months, providing tangible care, friendship, and community connection.
The Bible is clear about how we are to treat the stranger, the sojourner, and the foreigner. In the book of Leviticus, we are instructed to "love the foreigner as yourself" (Leviticus 19:34). Jesus Himself, when speaking of the final judgment, tells us that when we welcome the stranger, we welcome Him (Matthew 25:35).
In these scriptures, we see that hospitality is not a mere suggestion—it’s a divine command. But it’s also a powerful way to bridge the gap between people of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It’s a way to turn division into connection, fear into understanding, and suspicion into friendship.
Welcoming immigrants and refugees means offering not just a physical place but also a place of dignity, respect, and belonging. It means taking time to hear their stories, to recognize their humanity, and to walk with them through the challenges they face. It’s about seeing people as individuals, not as labels or stereotypes.
The negative portrayal of refugees in the media doesn't reflect my personal experience. This year alone, I’ve had the privilege of meeting 110 new refugees, building meaningful friendships, and being welcomed into the lives of hundreds of immigrants over the past 12 years. My journey has been one of connection, compassion, and mutual respect—experiences far removed from the fear-driven narratives often seen in the media.
So today, as I distract myself and focus on the beauty of my relationships with many immigrants from all corners of the world, our staff is busy moving a recently arrived family from Afghanistan into their new apartment. Free from the constant fear of the Taliban, they now have a chance to rebuild their lives in safety, surrounded by new opportunities and a community that welcomes them with open arms. It's a reminder of how fragile freedom can be, and how transformative a simple act of kindness can be in the lives of those who have endured unimaginable hardship.
Would you and your church or friend group or business join us in personally welcoming and discovering friendships with people from all places? I can assure you and the lives of the new friends you welcome will be mutually impacted.
If you are interested in forming a Good Neighbor Team or learning more about it, please reach out to me at resettlement@missionadelante.org.
This is our time!
This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: www.missionadelante.org/give
Gracias a Dios!
Gracias a Dios!
By Caleb Miller, Refugee Empowerment Director
I’ve always loved learning. Since childhood, I’ve been a big reader. I liked going to school, unless the homework started to pile up too high, and I’ve always been interested in trying new things or going to new places. So when I joined Mission Adelante back in April, I was excited at the prospect of working with people from all over the world and the learning opportunities this would bring.
Over the course of seven months or so, there have been plenty of touchpoints with other cultures. Food, culture, body language, traditions, you name it. These are all ways that we teach each other about who we are and where we come from. But how we most tangibly communicate these things on a daily basis through language. On a weekly basis, I text (with the help of Google Translate) in Spanish, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, and Dari – maybe even some Tigrinya or Hahka Chin thrown in there as well. I grew up around other languages, having lived in the Czech Republic for most of my childhood, where I played on a Czech hockey team and attended international schools. I studied German throughout high school and college. I love languages, and I consider myself pretty decent at picking them up.
As you can probably imagine, Google Translate can only do so much. It’s almost a daily occurrence for one of our staff to receive a message from one of our clients that either makes no sense or is translated so clunkily that we can’t help but laugh. And I’m absolutely positive that this happens on the other side as well, leaving our clients more confused than ever about what exactly these crazy Americans are trying to say. But over time, there are some words that become familiar and recognizable to us from these other languages, and I’d like to share a few words I’ve learned with you today along with my best attempts at their pronunciations:
Thank you:
Kinyarwanda, mainly spoken in Rwanda - “Murakoze” (mu-ra-KOH-zeh)
Dari, Afghanistan - “Tashakor” (tash-a-KOR)
Thank you, bye!:
Spanish - “Gracias adios!”
For a while after I would hear this phrase, I was confused because our clients would say “gracias adios” and then not go anywhere. I was unsure if they had a similar culture to Midwesterners, where goodbyes often rebound back into other conversations that require further attempts at goodbyes once the new topic is fully discussed. Eventually I found out that I’d been mishearing the phrase all along.
Thanks to God:
Spanish - “Gracias a Dios!”
Makes a lot more sense, doesn’t it?
Good bye:
Dari - “Khoda hafez” (HODO-fez)
This also means “may God protect you.”
Yep, ok, alright, sure, gotcha:
Dari - “Bale” (BA-le)
Spanish - “Vale” (VA-le)
Kinyarwanda - “Ego” (EH-go)
It’s kind of cool how Afghans and Spanish speakers have an almost identical sounding word with the same exact meaning despite living on opposite sides of the world and in vastly different contexts.
Cool, fabulous, amazing:
Spanish - “Chevere” (SHEH-ve-re)
Basically this is what this word means →😎
I look forward to this list of words expanding as we welcome more new individuals and families into our city and our community. I’m sure the learning will continue in equal measure to the laughs I receive when I incorrectly pronounce these words in front of my clients. Though there may be language barriers, there are so many other ways to meaningfully communicate. And I’ve come to find that even knowing one or two words in someone else’s language can break down barriers. A multilingual author I like once talked about how when he spoke in someone else’s language, he found that they began to see him as “one of them.” I love this idea that learning from each other brings unity and connection. Thank you for living this out by following or being a part of our organization and I look forward to continuing to learn together!
This is our time!
This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: www.missionadelante.org/give
Video Post: A Critical Moment at Mission Adelante
Friends,
Over the next two months, we have two major initiatives happening simultaneously that will require the participation and support of all of our friends and partners.
Refugee Resettlement Surge: Because of dynamics related to the recent election, we are preparing to receive around 100 refugees by mid-January. Many of these are people who have been waiting in refugee camps for a decade or more. All of them have already been vetted and approved for travel to the U.S. This will be a herculean undertaking that will change the lives of those new arrivals forever. We need your help!
2. Property Expansion Project: We are raising $600,000 to build out our new Refugee Welcome Center with classrooms and office space to house our refugee programs. As of November 14, we have raised $204,000 in lead gifts toward this need! This is a game-changing opportunity for Mission Adelante. Would you consider giving to support this need?
Donate Here: https://www.missionadelante.org/give
Please watch this update video for more information and details.
This is Our Time
This is Our Time
by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director
Mission Adelante, like the rest of the world, is digesting the results of the U.S. presidential election. Given our experiences during the previous Trump presidency and the rhetoric and policy statements that have been made regarding immigrants and refugees during the recent campaign, we are anticipating a challenging season for our community and a disruption in the government programs for refugee resettlement and support.
Nevertheless, Mission Adelante is resolute in our commitment to serve the immigrant and refugee communities in Kansas City. We have been swimming against the cultural current for 19 years and we have been forged in the fire of unfavorable political policies and harsh public rhetoric for much of our history as a ministry. And yet, our passion for “loving people from all places” grows only stronger when those we are called to serve are marginalized. The ears of our hearts become even more attentive when we hear Jesus say, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”. Mission Adelante exists, in part, to stand in the gap for vulnerable people whose worth others may not recognize.
We are not alone in our conviction and commitment to compassionate action. We have seen churches, schools, businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the metro area and the region rise to the occasion and join us in serving, sharing life, and sharing Jesus with our neighbors from all places. When our resilient and courageous community of immigrants and refugees is joined by Americans who are serious about “loving our neighbor as ourselves”, a powerful “new we” emerges that challenges the “us vs. them” narrative.
Friends, this is our time. And when I say “our time”, I mean a collective “OUR” that includes YOU. This is our collective time to shine and we need YOU to be part of the WE. Over the coming weeks, we will be rolling out some new and timely ways for you to engage. Please stay tuned! Whether through praying, serving, or giving, we invite you to join us in loving people from all places.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
Autumn: America’s Favorite Season
Autumn: America’s Favorite Season
by Patrique Harris, Youth Ministry Director
In a 2022 Morning Consult survey of 2,120 U.S. adults, 41% identified fall as their favorite season, while 24% preferred spring and summer, and just 11% chose winter. By a landslide, fall seems to be America’s favorite season! However, I must admit that after ten years of living in the United States, I’ve never fully understood its appeal. The crisp weather and falling leaves typically remind me that winter is fast approaching. This autumn, though, has been different. The lingering summer warmth and a few delightful moments have shifted my perspective on the season. Here are some of my fall favorites so far!
CCDA Conference in Portland, Oregon
In early October, eight members of our Mission Adelante team journeyed to Portland, Oregon, for the Christian Community Development Association’s (CCDA) National Conference. This annual gathering brings together community development practitioners from across the country. This was my third conference experience, but my very first time in Portland—and on the West Coast, for that matter! The 2024 theme, 'Home,' drew inspiration from Jeremiah 29:5: 'Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens and eat the food they produce.' As always, the conference included vibrant worship, networking, and thought-provoking plenaries and workshops. Most speakers reflected on what home means to them—not just in a physical sense, but also in terms of belonging and connection.
As I navigated the conference, I pondered various facets of my home(s). I’ve had several addresses—St. Catherine, Jamaica; Middletown, CT; New York, NY; and now Kansas City, KS—which have shaped my complex experience with belonging. While I’ve been privileged to move to new, welcoming homes voluntarily, it often feels like pieces of my belonging are scattered across the places I’ve lived and the people I’ve shared life with, never feeling fully woven into any one community.
The conference beautifully allowed me to process these challenging realities while refreshing myself in a new place—and Oregon did not disappoint! A few of us rented a minivan and traveled from downtown Portland to Cannon Beach (I learned that parts of the Twilight film were shot there). The beach was a stark contrast to the tropical shores I was used to—definitely too cold for a swim—but the misty air and massive sea stack rock formations rising from the water were spectacular! On our way back, I convinced Carla to pull over so we could hug one of the majestic pine trees together!
Apple Picking at Cider Hill Family Orchard
This fall, I also participated in a quintessential autumn activity: apple picking! One beautiful Sunday afternoon, my mom and I visited Cider Hill Family Orchard, a lovely property on the edge of Wyandotte County. As you can imagine, it was bustling with friends and families that had the same idea as my mom and I. The last time I went apple picking was in 2019, and it was my mom’s first time picking American apples, so we were both excited! The highlight was discovering the delicious Evercrisp variety—a cross between Fuji and Honeycrisp apples. It is the perfect mix of sweetness and crunch, and I honestly think it’s the best apple I’ve ever tasted! I enjoyed the experience so much that I did it again, this time with our Mission Adelante Leadership Training Project students!"
Celebrating My 29th Birthday
Another highlight of October was turning 29! A small downside was realizing I probably can no longer refer to myself as a young adult. Still, this birthday felt special because it marked the first time in several years that I could celebrate with the woman who gave me life! On the eve of my birthday, my mom prepared a traditional Jamaican meal—Stew Peas—for our staff at Mission Adelante. Contrary to what the name suggests, it's a stew made with red kidney beans, not green peas. I wish I had taken photos of the meal, but it was gone before I had the chance! Sharing this traditional dish with my work family while enjoying my mother’s company was beautiful. To top off the celebrations, Carla and Veronica took me out for an authentic Kansas City jazz experience at Lonnie’s Reno Club, curated by trumpeter Lonnie McFadden. While I sometimes get the birthday jitters, this year I was filled with gratitude for the wonderful people God has placed in my life.
In many ways, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for autumn as a season of gathering. The warmth of my relationships and the fresh experiences I’ve enjoyed have made fall a serious contender for my favorite season. As I step into this new year of my life, I will cherish these moments and embrace the joy of these connections.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
Wrestling with the Wind
Wrestling with the Wind
by Elaine Reimers, Adult Ministry Director
In 2 Corinthians chapter 12 verses 1-10, the apostle Paul wrote about where his strength in hardship and weakness came from. He recognized, although he wrestled with God as he cried out three times pleading with Him to remove the thorn from his flesh, that God’s grace was sufficient for him because His power is made perfect in weakness (verses 8-9). I am sure many of us can relate to that feeling of a thorn in our flesh. Your thorn could be a chronic illness, a toxic relationship, a living arrangement, or maybe even a painful memory. There are many things that can be considered a thorn in the flesh that seemingly keep us from progressing and can put a damper on achieving our goals and seeing dreams come true. I know I am not the only one who has dreams, goals, and aspirations. There are many things I want to accomplish and see come to fruition before my time on this Earth is up. I (probably selfishly) would like to be able to choose how I spend my time, who I spend my time with, and who I help and how I help them. Of course, there are many other things I would like to be able to control when it comes to what my life is and what it will become; there is nothing easy about surrendering our will for ourselves and voluntarily accepting God’s will for our lives. Although this exchange of wills will probably never be a cut and dried operation, it is important to realize that in our wrestling with God between His and our will, we can discover freedom, joy, and peace about the future that, in all reality, only He knows.
I was not born with a clue of what I wanted to be when I grew up, but as I have matured into the slightly intellectual person I am today, it has become very clear to me that I still absolutely do not have the slightest clue of what I want to be when I grow up! I could, however, list a myriad of things I do not want to be… Is it really necessary to know, without a doubt, what I want to do for the balance of my life? Do I have to have it all together and know what I’ll be doing a year from now? Ten years from now? So much of what we see and hear today tries its best to make us think that without a plan we will be left behind, and our life will be meaningless and worthless. We unknowingly search for guidance and comfort when we scroll through posts and blogs on social media as we also struggle with the fear of missing out. But, wait, what happens when a quiet and subtle voice says “My child, you don’t have to do all that- you’re doing too much. You’re worrying too much. You’re looking in the wrong places. Don’t you see? You’re making your plans without even considering my plans for you..!” Many times, His voice will contradict our false and fleshly sense of autonomy; and it has the invisible power to uproot everything we thought we knew just as a tree is plucked out of the ground by a tornado.
Unfortunately, our flesh and His will are and will almost never be in agreement. Fortunately, He is the All-Powerful, All-Sovereign, and All-Knowing God and I believe that we can trust Him just as Jeremiah trusted Him when God said to him in Jeremiah 29:11: “‘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.’”
Some of you may, or may not, know that I am currently walking through something of a windstorm. I have been wrestling with this wind of God now for soon-to-be three months and did not recognize it for what it is until about a month ago- I am wrestling with my Creator and the Author of my life! I have been unconsciously (okay, also sometimes consciously) plugging both my ears and singing “fa-la-la-la-la-la-la” as loud as I can to drown out the wind swirling around me that just won’t let up. I feel it pushing and pulling me in all directions out of nowhere. I have tried to hold my tree to the ground and keep those roots covered, safe, and undisturbed because, (and I shout to the wind, crying and in deep despair): “before this all happened I was just fine! My tree was growing strong and steady! I was nurturing it daily. It had the perfect amount of branches and flowers. I laid under it daily, mesmerized with its growing beauty, and it protected me.” I have verbalized my feelings of discomfort, loss, anger, and disappointment to a few people in my circle who have listened to and encouraged me so graciously as I have experienced all of the new branches that are pushing through the surface of my tree’s trunk. They have been witnesses to my wrestling with God as He begins to replace my discomfort with calmness, my loss with gain, my anger with delight, and my disappointment with enjoyment. Praise Jesus for the joy that comes in the morning! I am not all the way there but I know with all my heart that He is the only One who could have pulled me out of the pit I was in just a short while ago- He makes beauty from ashes!
It has been challenging to take life as it has been inevitably coming at me and to make the best of it regardless of the type of flowers that bloom on my tree’s new branches, but I am a witness to the power of God and His unending love for each of us and I trust that when I finally decide to allow Him to yank the roots out and plant a new thing that it will be wonderful and beautiful and beyond what I could ever think, dream, or imagine! Is it scary to just have that blind faith and allow things to happen to you even amidst all the doubts and questions? Yes! Of course it is! Have I pleaded with God to hurry up and get me past this situation so my life can go back to normal? One hundred percent! Have I told Him what my plans were before this and how I will never be able to fulfill my dreams and reach my goals if I have to stay in this for even one more day? Yes… and that sweet, small, subtle voice replies: “My daughter, what if you can do both? What if you do this for Me and you can fulfill your dreams also? I will help you. Trust me. Can’t you just trust Me?” I cannot truthfully say that when I look up at my tree from my place of repose beneath it that I don’t see branches I would like to prune (or to just completely cut off), but I am choosing to trust that God knows what is best for me and that, although I feel weak and weakened by the unexpected calamities around me, that His grace is sufficient for me; and I echo Paul when he wrote: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV)
I would like to encourage each one of you reading this to consider that maybe our wrestlings with God don’t have to be a time to compare His will against ours. Maybe it’s a time to allow God to wrestle with our flesh on our behalf and conform it to Him. Maybe your wrestling with Him looks and feels nothing like mine. I believe what is most important is that we are wrestling because that is when we are the most connected to Him and the most open to hearing what He has to say. Let’s unplug our ears and suit up for the matches to come. It’s worth it! You are worth it! He is worth it. God bless you, in Jesus’ name. Amen and amen.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
Breaking Down Language Barriers: Empowering Immigrants Through Communication
Breaking Down Language Barriers: Empowering Immigrants Through Communication
by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Education Director
Language is one of the biggest challenges faced by immigrants and refugees when they arrive in a new country. It affects almost every aspect of their lives, from finding employment to accessing healthcare, forming social connections, and even completing basic tasks like grocery shopping or understanding public transportation. At Mission Adelante, we recognize that breaking down these language barriers is crucial to helping newcomers thrive in their new communities.
Our ESL classes are more than just an educational program; they are a place where immigrants and refugees can build community. Learning a new language in a supportive environment allows them to connect with others who are facing similar challenges, creating a sense of belonging. Friendships are formed, support systems are built, and students encourage one another to keep pushing forward, even when the lessons feel difficult.
The Role of Volunteers in Breaking Down Language Barriers
Our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in this process. Many of them come from the greater Kansas City area and work one-on-one with students, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical language. The connections formed between students and volunteers often go beyond the classroom, fostering a deeper sense of community integration. Thankful is an understatement when I think about the impact of our ESL volunteers, past and present!
Volunteers help personalize the learning experience, addressing individual challenges students may face and ensuring that each person has the support they need to succeed.
Mission Adelante is continuing to expand our ESL programs and offering accessible language support. We aim to equip every immigrant and refugee in our community with the tools they need to flourish.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
One Year of Welcoming Refugees
ONE YEAR OF Welcoming Refugees
by Kristen Maxwell, Refugee Resettlement Director
Let me tell you a story of a remarkable journey—the journey of our first year of Refugee Resettlement at Mission Adelante. If you didn't know, refugee resettlement programs run on the government's fiscal year, meaning we opened our doors to the possibility of welcoming refugees on October 1, 2023. However, we didn't see our first case arrive until the end of January 2024; from January through June, we received a steady flow of cases, with 40 clients over five months. We were just over halfway to meeting our goal of welcoming 75 individuals in the year. We had seen clients from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan, Nicaragua, The Congo, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Then, we received a call from the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), requesting organizations to increase their numbers to meet the overwhelming need for resettlement. After discussion and prayer, we received permission from our State Refugee Coordinator to increase our resettlement goal for the year to 100 individuals. We welcomed 60 new Americans to Kansas City from early July to mid-September. We began to see our first clients settling in, establishing themselves in our community, calling this new place their home, and turning around to welcome other newcomers.
One thing we didn't account for was how, in our agreement with PRM, they are allowed to send us up to an additional 10% of our designated goal, so we ended up rounding out the year welcoming an additional ten people in the last few days of September, with 9 of them arriving on the very last day of Fiscal Year 2024, wrapping up our year with 110 new Kansas Citians!
When we welcomed our first couple on January 25, 2024, none of us could have predicted the growth our team would undergo. We’ve expanded from 1.5 staff members to 8 full-time team members. This growth is a testament to our dedication and the success of our program, the commitment to welcoming well, and because of the partnership of World Relief and the Kansas Office of Refugees. We now have programs catering to employment, medical, and English needs. Some of our clients and their children have joined in with the other programs hosted by Mission Adelante. We've also witnessed the Church of Kansas City extending the warmest of welcomes to our new friends, and for this, we are incredibly grateful!
Help Our Refugee Families
Your impact is huge for our refugee families! Currently, we are in need of:
Toys that are clean and in good shape for kids under the age of 3
Hygiene kits
Vacuums
You can also volunteer to help with administrative tasks like creating client files and notebooks and other resources.
For more information on how to be a part of this effort, contact our Reception and Placement Director, Amy Herman, at randpdirector@missionadelante.org.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our volunteer Orientation. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
Thank you, Mission Adelante!
Thank you, Mission Adelante!
by Ryan Galue
My name is Ryan Galue, and today I want to share about my journey with Mission Adelante, the U.S. resettlement agency. I am Venezuelan and have been living in Colombia for nearly five years, where I managed to obtain legal status. This legal status was crucial, as one of the main requirements for participating in the resettlement program is having legal residency in Colombia. After several interviews, medical exams, and cultural orientation sessions, I finally received the life-changing news—I had been accepted into the program and would soon be traveling to the United States.
That moment was filled with immense joy. Achieving something I had long dreamed of, and doing so through a legal process, was an incredible feeling. But soon after the excitement came the inevitable doubts. What would the process be like? How would I be received? How would I be treated? I was about to emigrate again, starting from scratch, but I always remembered it wouldn’t be my first time.
The day of my departure finally arrived. The agency in Colombia supported me with excellence, from the moment they picked me up at my home in Colombia until I arrived at the airport and eventually at my first destination. I had mixed feelings and felt a lot of anxiety, but the thought that I would now be in a better position to support my family helped me calm down. After my first flight, I boarded another plane to Kansas City, Kansas, which is where I currently live.
Upon arriving at the airport in Kansas, I was warmly welcomed by people from Mission Adelante. A group of women greeted me with so much kindness, filling me with joy and confidence, which helped ease my anxiety. Mission Adelante has been a pillar throughout this process, assisting me with everything from the moment I arrived. They’ve helped me obtain all the necessary legal documents, guided me through the medical process, assisted with food, and helped me find a welcoming place to live where I could feel at home.
One of the most emotional moments came when I moved into my current apartment and saw photos of my family—people I love and miss dearly. I hope that one day soon, I’ll be able to have them here with me. For this, I owe a massive thank you and blessings to Mission Adelante and their entire team. From the person who picked me up at the airport to the ones helping with all my paperwork, I wish them all the best and hope that God continues to guide and support their excellent work.
P.S. As a proud Venezuelan from Maracaibo, I showed my gratitude by making empanadas for the staff at Mission Adelante—and now, they LOVE them! 🙂
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
A Sisters Love
A Sister’s Love
by Carla Garcia, Kids Ministry Director
I was the oldest sister in my family growing up, which meant having a lot of responsibility over my two younger brothers. My parents both worked two jobs and being an immigrant family meant there was always a financial goal to be working on. My parents were around before going to work early in the morning and then arrived back home late at night. This meant I was responsible for my brothers during the daytime.
When school was in session, my workload was cut in half since I’d only be in charge of my brothers during the evening. I would make them meals, make sure they did their homework, and walk them to and from school. For the majority of my childhood and adolescence, it felt like I was a third parent in my household. Due to this familial dynamic, my brothers and I grew very close. Till this day they share their worries and struggles with me, are elated to celebrate their victories with me, and count on me for support and guidance in their adult lives.
My family was not religious growing up, in fact, we only went to church for special occasions, and maybe only prayed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. My childhood was one that was full of turmoil and lacked hope. My life changed forever as a young adult when I met Jesus, it was like a light had been turned on in my life. Since that moment, I have a renewed sense of hope – A hope that is so big and so strong that no matter what comes my way, I know I will be standing firmly on solid ground. After this key moment in my life, I would pray from time to time for my family to have this same experience.
Recently, my baby brother began working with me at Mission Adelante. It has been so rewarding and fulfilling to see him step up as a leader and begin learning skills that will help him in the future. He is great with the kids, has invested so much time and care into his relationship with them, and has brought so many new fun ideas to our ministry team. Many times, I find myself pondering and treasuring these things in my heart like Mary in Luke 2:19.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 NIV
My heart was so full the first time I heard my baby brother pray at our staff huddle. Like Mary, I knew it was nothing that I had done - it was the Lord, who had a plan for my brother, all along, and the time had arrived for me to bear witness. I continue to pray for the rest of my family to encounter Jesus in a way that is so powerful, so tangible, so clear. But for now I watch Erick closely, relishing in his new found hope and admiring all that the Lord is doing in him and through him.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
Year 19: Crazy Growth!
Year 19: Crazy Growth!
by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director
There have been many exciting seasons at Mission Adelante since our launch in 2005. The initial launch phase was a thrilling adventure, engaging new volunteers, connecting with neighbors, and developing brand new ministry programs. Five years later, we were exploring a ministry to Bhutanese-Nepali refugees and expanding our impact. In 2015, we launched Adelante Thrift, a major milestone in sustainable entrepreneurship. This year, 2024, is another year of unprecedented growth and new endeavors at Mission Adelante.
Refugee Resettlement: It’s safe to say, we didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into when we said,”yes” to resettling refugees, but secretly, we had a hunch it would exceed our expectations. Indeed, the refugee resettlement journey has been an exhilarating challenge that has doubled the size of our ministry impact! As we approach the end of September, we will have received 103 individuals, orienting them, housing them, getting them medical care, enrolling the kids in schools, and caring for their critical needs during their first months in the the U.S. Our Refugee Services staff has grown from 1.5 to seven team members, we’ve engaged over 50 new volunteers, and our overall budget has nearly doubled. The real noteworthy part of this is that we’ve accomplished these impossible feats, building the team, creating the systems, and doing the work, in the first nine months of the year!
Core Ministry Programs: Our core Ministry Programs have seen more qualitative growth through 2024 than growth in numbers. Leadership development through our kids and youth ministries has produced a crop of youth interns and an a couple of young adult apprentices who demonstrate the kind of gifts and character that we dream about seeing in our young people.
Transitions: A few weeks ago, our staff team got away for a day for a staff retreat. As we were sitting around the room sharing about our Gallup Strengths Finder results, I was keenly aware that our team has many new faces. In addition to adding a whole new refugee services team, another part of this year’s craziness has been transitions other in key roles. From Michelle Simbaqueva and Rachel Yeargin joining our team in important operations roles, Yanelis López switching out of her Associate Director role to serve on our Refugee Team, and more recently, Luis Magaña’s transition, in a lot of ways, our team is being re-built for our exciting future.
Construction: In January we acquired the commercial building adjacent our main property. Early in the year we worked hard with architects and engineers to put together an awesome plan for our new refugee welcome center, which will house staff offices, classrooms, and storage space for our refugee services ministry. After submitting our plans to the city, we’ve been in a long holding pattern as we’ve awaited the proper permits to begin our work. In the meantime, we’ve hired Tate Williams’ CoBuild, Inc, as our General Contractor, and we’re preparing to launch another fundraising campaign to raise $550,000 for this project.
In short, 2024 has been a year of exhilarating growth and all the challenges that come with big, new endeavors. As we look toward the last quarter of the year and forward to our 20th Anniversary next year, we invite you to pray with us for God’s favor, His energy, and His guidance to walk faithfully in the opportunities He is laying before us.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
To a New Beginning
To a New Beginning
By Erick Flores, Ministry Apprentice
I’m just at a loss for words on how my start at Mission Adelante has gone. I needed a new job as I was trying my best to leave a toxic and unhappy work environment. My older sister, Carla, showed me an open position at Mission Adelante, and suddenly the Lord blessed me with an open door to a whole new world of possibilities. Patrique reached out to me with a job offer and I happily accepted it. I prepared myself for weeks as I was entering a new journey in life.
I joined halfway into the second trimester of programs, which meant I was unable to get an easy start. Luckily, I was able to jump right in where I was needed and did a decent job! With an amazing staff welcoming me into Mission Adelante, I felt like I was home. We also had an amazing Summer Intern group and I built the best relationships with every single one of them. On top of that, Arts Camp started my second week of work, and it went amazing! Mikya did a great job teaching me how to be a leader; she’ll be handing off her throne to me as I will lead Arts Camp next year. Mikya did a great job passing on her responsibilities. I feel very prepared with no stress at all! Patrique also gave me an overview of Youth Club. I have started to get more and more comfortable leading some weeks and have grown my relationships with so many youth!
Spending the summer with the interns definitely gave me brain rot! But in all honesty, I couldn’t have gotten through the summer without the interns. They just made every day fun and they would always come in with a smile on their faces, ready to spend the day learning! Even on a tough day, they just knew how to make me laugh and get me in a better mood. Joining them on their internship activities, I was able to learn more about the value of the internship, learn more about the city, and give back to the community by doing community service. I just loved seeing in the little time I had with them how they matured over the summer and were becoming young adults. I have very high hopes for their future!
It makes me very happy that I was able to conclude this summer with end-of-trimester parties and retreats! At Arts Community, we had a dance party! At Youth Club, we played Olympic games and had a Lake House Retreat last weekend! At Kids Adelante, we ended with a water slide party! The Interns had a weekend away from KC to clear their minds before they entered the school year. And to top it all off, we threw a big summer party! It was definitely a very successful summer and I look forward to the third trimester when all our programs resume again! I’m going to end this article with a passage in the bible I looked up to as I was entering Mission Adelante, Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans”. I trusted the Lord to take me wherever he desires and He found the perfect home for me.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.