by Kristina Flores, Children’s Ministry Manager

This weekend was my very first Great Wolf Lodge trip, and it was such a blast! For those who may not know, our Leaders in Training students go every year to celebrate all their hard work. It’s a sweet tradition, and this year I had the honor of leading it.

I’ll be honest: I was nervous. I prayed constantly, and the anticipation was the hardest part. But God showed up for me in such a real way and filled me with peace. Once the students arrived, all that nervousness melted away and I felt excited all over again.

by Erick Flores, Ministry Apprentice

Leadership Training Project (LTP) is a meaningful discipleship and leadership development program designed for teens who show strong potential to lead and serve within our community. The program is intentionally selective, focusing on students who demonstrate maturity, initiative, and a heart for ministry. This year, we are excited to have five outstanding participants in the program: Elian, Hudson, Josee, Anjali, and Unisha. Each of them has stepped into the year with enthusiasm, ready to be challenged, to grow, and to serve with purpose.

by Elaine Reimers, Adult Ministry Director

Stepping outside in short sleeves and capris in Kansas City in November doesn’t feel very fall-ish. Something has felt “off” about the sun going down at 5 PM, unaccompanied by cold temperatures; people are not all bundled up in their winter coats, and I can’t see my breath when I greet my co-worker in the parking lot of Mission Adelante in the morning. News about Black Friday reminds me that Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner, but something still doesn’t feel right!

By Carla Garcia, Partner Engagement Director

This season, I can feel the heaviness in our city almost as soon as I step outside. The political climate, the way immigrants and refugees are talked about, the comments online, the tension in local conversations. It hurts. Because people I love, families I know by name, are being spoken of as if they were a burden instead of a blessing. As if their stories, their courage, their sacrifices don’t matter.

But they are not burdens. Son nuestros vecinos.

by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director

Growing up in Kansas in the 1970’s meant celebrating Kansas Day every January 29th. On those cold winter days, I remember singing “Home, Home on the Range” and learning about meadowlarks, sunflowers, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the state motto of Kansas: Ad Astra Per Aspera (to the stars through adversity). All of those quintessential Kansas distinctives are etched in my consciousness as part of the pride I feel in being from this beautiful state. Yet, the motto, Ad Astra per Aspera, stands out with a special meaning as I reflect on 20 years of Mission Adelante.

by Erika Guedez, Community Resource Manager

When I think about Mission Adelante, I don’t just see a place, I see God’s presence moving in powerful ways. From the volunteers to the staff, from the students to the spaces we gather in, there’s an undeniable anointing that flows through everything this organization touches.

by Patrique Harris, Ministry Director

This past week has been a whirlwind, marked by joy and celebration, yet also mixed with sorrow and concern. Such is the duplicity of life.

Last Saturday, I turned thirty! To mark the milestone, I set out on a 30,000-step walk through some of my favorite parts of Kansas City and its surroundings. Though the forecast warned of a downpour, the day turned out beautifully! It was cool, with a faint drizzle, but not enough rain to dampen my spirits. 

by Kristina Flores, Children’s Ministry Manager

When I think about Mission Adelante, I don’t just see a place, I see God’s presence moving in powerful ways. From the volunteers to the staff, from the students to the spaces we gather in, there’s an undeniable anointing that flows through everything this organization touches.

by Erick Flores, Ministry Apprentice

Arts Community is filled with kids who love art and are always eager to learn something new! We offer six exciting classes and are always looking for more students and volunteers to join us on Monday nights. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to lead Arts Community, and I am incredibly grateful for our amazing volunteers — I couldn’t do it without them!

by Elaine Reimers, Adult Ministry Director

The majority of you know him. You'll probably hear him before you see him if you walk through the door of Mission Adelante on a Thursday night. I have never seen him have a bad day, or at least it never shows in class. In fact, when I think of Gregg Frost, our beloved and faithful volunteer who has served for nearly twenty years, I hear his heartfelt chuckle and see his kind smile, not to mention the excitement in his eyes about teaching another level 1 ESL lesson!