Written by Kristen Maxwell, Bhutanese Children's Ministry Director
There are countless young men in our community that could benefit from a relationship like the one Drew and Tyler have with John. If you are a male, would you consider being a mentor to some of our boys? Would you consider doing life with them, showing them how to walk in the way of Jesus, and how to be a man of God? A couple of hours a week could make a world of difference in the life of a young man. If you would like more information about getting involved please contact Megan McDermott (meganm@missionadelante.org) or Kristen Maxwell (kristenm@missionadelante.org)
I was recently visiting some of our neighborhood KCK elementary schools, meeting teachers in preparation for the launch of the Bhutanese Leader in Training program. As I talked with one of the teachers, we got on the topic of an LIT kid who had been in her class a few years earlier. She talked about what an amazing transformation she had seen in the life of this boy since then.
For the purpose of this story we will call this young man John. John was new to the country. His family was in crisis mode, trying to figure out which way was up. His father was working all the time, leaving his mother to take care of him and his four siblings. John started to make friends in the apartment complex where he lived. These friends were considerably older than him and had visible ties to gang activity. We were worried about John.
John’s attitude at school, home and Kids Club became increasingly negative. He wanted to be like his older friends, his friends that were in the gang. Around this time Drew Hammond and Tyler McCommons became the mentors for John’s Kids Club group which included 4th to 6th grade boys. Drew and Tyler started investing in John. They started spending time with him outside of Kids Club, hanging out at his house, and taking him places; becoming like big brothers to John and a few of his other Bhutanese friends.
John began to walk with new confidence, a confidence found in the knowledge that Tyler and Drew believed in him and expected great things from him. Hanging out with his old “friends” didn’t seem so cool anymore. I am certain that the Lord used Tyler and Drew to change the direction of John’s life. John is now a bright spot in our Tuesday night program, focused on becoming a leader in our LIT program, and helping the younger Kids Club kids.
For the purpose of this story we will call this young man John. John was new to the country. His family was in crisis mode, trying to figure out which way was up. His father was working all the time, leaving his mother to take care of him and his four siblings. John started to make friends in the apartment complex where he lived. These friends were considerably older than him and had visible ties to gang activity. We were worried about John.
John’s attitude at school, home and Kids Club became increasingly negative. He wanted to be like his older friends, his friends that were in the gang. Around this time Drew Hammond and Tyler McCommons became the mentors for John’s Kids Club group which included 4th to 6th grade boys. Drew and Tyler started investing in John. They started spending time with him outside of Kids Club, hanging out at his house, and taking him places; becoming like big brothers to John and a few of his other Bhutanese friends.
John began to walk with new confidence, a confidence found in the knowledge that Tyler and Drew believed in him and expected great things from him. Hanging out with his old “friends” didn’t seem so cool anymore. I am certain that the Lord used Tyler and Drew to change the direction of John’s life. John is now a bright spot in our Tuesday night program, focused on becoming a leader in our LIT program, and helping the younger Kids Club kids.
There are countless young men in our community that could benefit from a relationship like the one Drew and Tyler have with John. If you are a male, would you consider being a mentor to some of our boys? Would you consider doing life with them, showing them how to walk in the way of Jesus, and how to be a man of God? A couple of hours a week could make a world of difference in the life of a young man. If you would like more information about getting involved please contact Megan McDermott (meganm@missionadelante.org) or Kristen Maxwell (kristenm@missionadelante.org)
In other news:
- A few Latino teens from our community that are interested in pursuing college attended their first "Latinos of Tomorrow" meeting. The mission of Latinos of Tomorrow is to provide leadership learning opportunities in education advancement, career development and civic involvement. We look forward to encouraging our teens to learn the skills they need to apply for college admission.
- A big "Thank You" to Cathy Claudell, Bhutanese Nursery volunteer, for outfitting our nursery with fun and engaging toys! The nursery is used on Tuesday nights by the children and grandchildren of many of our English class participants who would not be able to attend if it were not available.
Prayer needs:
- Our Bhutanese Leaders in Training will finish their first full week today! Praise God with us for a full, successful, and fun first week!
- Thank God with us for our faithful transportation volunteers. They serve our community in such an important way. The Bhutanese ESL, kids and teens programs wouldn’t happen without them!
Other needs:
- Team Kid Character Challenge: Lifeway: Leader Guide and Enhanced CD for grades 1-6: http://www.lifeway.com/Product/teamkid-character-challenge-leader-guide-enhanced-cd-P005124727 Please contact Megan McDermott at meganm@missionadelante.org or 816-210-2187 if you can provide this curriculum.
- Team Kid Character Challenge: Activity Book for 4-6 grade: 15 copies
- Small groups to sponsor a reward activity/enrichment fields trips for 15 kids and adults ($9 per kid for Zonkers and $6 per kid for Science City.) Please contact Megan McDermott at meganm@missionadelante.org or 816-210-2187 if you're interested.
- Two male mentors for the Bhutanese Leaders in Training Program on Wednesday Afternoons. Contact Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@missionadelante.org for more information.
- A card table and 4 folding chairs to be used by our Bhutanese Leaders in Training Program. Please contact Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@missionadelante.org if you can provide this.
Important dates:
- Staff Open Houses--Saturday, November 17, 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. Come to our neighborhood and spend the afternoon with us!