The Mission Adelante staff during Jarrett's sabatical
Written by Yanelis Lopez, Ministry Director (pictured front row, second from the left)
"La vida da muchas vueltas" (“Life takes many turns”) is one of the phrases we use frequently in Cuba. It is a way to accentuate the uncertainty of this world in which we live. Sometimes life takes predictable directions, and many times it leads us to destinations and nooks and crannies that we could not even imagine. How cool to be able to acknowledge that life has a name: Jehovah; that there is nothing surprising to Him, that the unpredictable for me has been carefully scrutinized and approved by that person who is above and at the same time so aware of my care.
When I came to the US, I was ready to start again, but it brought an uncertainty that overwhelmed me. It was one of those turns in life that caught me by surprise and gave me very little capacity to react. I knew and loved Mission Adelante. I did not know if I could connect and love the ministry as deeply as I had loved it before. I have to confess that this was one of my biggest fears. I have been living in Kansas City, Kansas for over 2 years now and each of my fears have been completely dispelled. I have learned that ministry is my way of life; making disciples of Jesus is not something I do, it is an indissoluble part of who I am. Leaving my country and coming to another so rich in cultures has made me a better person, with the ability to unfold myself and get out of my selfishness and customs to continue learning to love as Jesus does.
During the last few weeks, while Jarrett has been on sabbatical, I’ve had the chance to lead Mission Adelante with our staff. Leading a ministry in my own culture is one thing; leading a ministry of so many diverse cultures and in a language and context that is not mine is another very different one. Honestly, it was intimidating when Jarrett proposed it to me, but it has been a huge blessing from which I am learning a lot. What I have most exercised in this stage is the confidence that the way God has created me has perfect synergy with the place where he has placed me today. To have the complete assurance that it is God who places me and then takes me away and who does everything through me has been a daily and very liberating exercise. On the other hand, as time passes, I continue to reach the same conclusion: loving God and others is what life is all about and is the fundamental principle of leadership.
I’m more than grateful for this opportunity and for the work and good relationships among our staff. I continue to learn and enjoy how Jesus is glorified in our community!
“And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. ” 1 John 3:23
CURRENT NEEDS:
- Adelante Arts Community needs one or two volunteers to teach guitar to kids! No need to be an expert. If you enjoy playing a few chords and would like to share that ability with others, fill out an interest form at http://www.missionadelante.org/arts.
- We are beginning to collect filled backpacks to bless kids from the community in August. Are you or your small group interested in helping out? Visit www.missionadelante.org/serviceprojects/backpacks/ for details and to sign up!
- Are you passionate about education and kids? Our Leaders in Training program is always looking for new volunteers. Please contact Megan if you would like more information: meganm@missionadelante.org.