Carla (far left) with apprentices and summer interns at Top Golf.
Written by Carla Flores, Ministry Apprentice
I have been a part of the Mission Adelante staff for a year and a half now. It is crazy to think about all I have experienced in that short time frame. From leading a group of interns for the first time to learning more about who I am as a person, it has been magnificent. Before I began working here, I knew about Jesus but I didn’t have a close relationship with Him. Now, I can say that He is my confidant, my protector, and above all, my Savior. 18 months ago, I was stuck in a bad place mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I felt like I didn’t know what to do with my life, and I lacked motivation and confidence in myself. When I began creating a relationship with Jesus, that turned around drastically. Now, I’m not saying that by believing in Him I’m free from ever having problems. But instead, when a problem arises now, I have someone to run to, cry to, and pour out my heart to in the most beautiful way.
I have always had a hard time with my anxiety. It often stops me from being myself around others and it is hard for me to create relationships. The last few months of 2018 were no different. I had just received my associate’s degree from KCKCC and I knew I wanted to get my Bachelor’s in Education. Since I am ineligible for federal aid or grants, I would have to pay for tuition out of pocket. I felt like that would be impossible. I had been working as an accountant for a while and I felt like it was not the right job for me. I felt trapped and I lacked the motivation to do anything about it. At the same time, I felt pressure from everyone around me to do something with my life. At the same time my boyfriend, Daniel, had received an offer to be part of an apprenticeship at Mission Adelante. We were discussing whether he should take it or not, and I asked him to pray that I would find something similar. Never in a million years, would I have thought that 2 months later Jarrett Meek would offer me a position in the same, exact apprenticeship. Talk about the power of prayer! Jarrett’s daughter, Caroline, had mentioned my writing skills (Thank you, Caroline! <3). I was thrilled and after meeting with Jarrett, I was on staff as a Communications Apprentice!
Slowly, through our huddle time (where we study God’s Word three times a week), mentoring with others on staff, and our apprenticeship huddle (a time where we can ask questions about faith) I began creating a relationship with Jesus. The relationship wasn’t immediate, in fact, it took quite some time. I was hesitant to open my heart to Him and I had many, many questions. The awesome part is that I had found a place where I could simply be myself and share my doubts openly. The rest of the staff was patient in answering my questions and their experienced faith gave me a different perspective.
Today, there are still days filled with doubt, but now I pray that God continues strengthening by faith in Him. There are still some days where my anxiety gets the best of me, but now my trust is in Him who will never abandon me. With the help of Mission Adelante, I was also able to begin my journey in obtaining my bachelor's degree. In just a few months, I will be graduating and following my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher to students in Wyandotte County. God reminds me every day of the power of prayer and of His immense love and grace. A song we sang this Sunday at house church sums up the way I'm feeling now, “Yo tengo un nuevo amor, el corazón me late sin parar, hay uno que me ha dicho te amo de verdad, Jesús mi amor y más que amor mi dulce paz. (I have a new love, my heart beats endlessly, One who has told me: I truly love you. Jesus, my love, but more than love, my sweet peace.”
CURRENT NEEDS:
Adelante Thrift is looking for a summer social media intern! This intern will work directly with the Volunteer Coordinator and will create content showcasing their volunteers and volunteer activities. Applicants must live in Kansas City, KS and be a high school student in good standing. The application deadline is April 30th. Apply here: https://forms.gle/EMGEMNeCS49SHfna9
Thinking about serving at Mission Adelante? Join them the first and second weeks of March for observations! Come find out what services they provide for their community and what program would be the best fit for you! Pick a date and sign up to observe here: http://www.missionadelante.org/observe