Written by Megan McDermott, Latino Children's & Youth Director
Who are the people in your life that you consider family? Is it your immediate family? Your cousins? Co-workers? Close friends? More often than not, it is the people that we choose to spend the majority of our time with.
The past few months in Leaders in Training, our after-school tutoring and character development program, we have spent four afternoons a week together laughing, learning, growing, and exploring. Through this deep and spirit-filled time, we have truly become a family. As we dug into the life of Joshua in our character time, a common verse kept catching our attention:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
The kids went even a step further and pulled truths from Joshua that encouraged and astounded the volunteers:
- Be strong and courageous
- Be faithful
- Trust in God
- Stand firm
- Be patient
- Your actions have consequences
- Trust that God is always good
- Ask God for help
The culmination of the kid’s learning occurred as the kids embarked on their 9th annual Great Wolf Lodge Trip this past weekend! As we went around the circle and shared what they were most grateful for, many of them admitted that they were most thankful for each other, their LIT family. It is important for all of us to feel that we have a place where we belong, a place that, even when the world might try to convince us that we are unwanted, accepts and loves us for who we are. I am grateful that the kids know that they are wanted and cherished by not just each other, but by the One who created them! I am thankful that they learn that in the face of circumstances that require courage, they can trust that God will be with them wherever they go.
Current Needs:
- If you would like to give to Mission Adelante this holiday season through donating items, check out our Amazon Wish List for some practical needed items to make our mission possible, https://www.amazon.com/wishlist. While you are on the Amazon website, you can help out Mission Adelante by choosing us as your charity of choice through Amazon Smile. smile.amazon.com
- After Christmas is a great time to clean and organize for the New Year. If you have items to donate, consider donating them to Adelante Thrift. Donations are accepted Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm. Adelante Thrift is located at 3720 State Ave. KC KS 66102 (Adelante Thrift can even pick up large items that are valued at $200 or more, call 913-499-7215 to schedule a donation pick-up)