Celebrating Support, Friendship, and Faith

Celebrating Support, Friendship, and Faith

by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Education Director

I’ve been on staff at Mission Adelante for over a year and a half now. I can’t believe how time is flying. I never thought the phrase “time flies when you’re having fun” would be so true in my life. 

As I sit and reflect on my time here so far, so many things have changed, but I am grateful for the doors opened by the Lord. I would like to share with you a few things I am so so grateful for. 

My family. I wouldn’t be here without the support of my mom, step-dad, grandmother, and boyfriend. They have been my biggest supporters since I first mentioned I was interested in working here. They supported me through the sale of my home in Gladstone, looking for housing in KCK, and a special shout-out to my parents for being rockstar volunteers in my Refugee ESL program. Your encouragement and support of me and my dreams have been amazing. Thank you so much

My friends. Most of my close friends live out of state, so finding friendship and community with the staff here has been one of the highlights of my life. Patrique, Carla, Mikya, and Innocent have been the best people to laugh, cry, and share life with. I am so thankful for our friendship and lunch dates all together! The friends I have found in the other staff members have been encouraging for me too. I didn’t know working with a ton of homies would be so slay!! (I taught them the slang slay)

My mentors. I wouldn’t be who I am and in my position today without Gissell Vazquez and Kristen Maxwell. Gissell pushed me to become a leader and an overall better version of myself. When I started working here, I was so scared to meet new people, especially if they didn’t speak English. I just didn’t know what I was doing. Gissell was with me every step of it and took the training wheels off when she had to. I am so thankful for her mentorship and friendship during her time here. I miss you, Gissell!  I am also so grateful for the friend I found in Kristen! We began Refugee Resettlement together and while stressful at times, we learned to depend on each other. She is an incredible leader and I learn so much from her everyday. Thank you for your leadership, Kristen! 

The Lord. If I ever doubted God wasn’t real in the past, I would tell myself that God lines up steps years in advance, even if we don’t realize it. I wouldn’t have imagined in high school that I would be working for a ministry & refugee resettlement. The friendships I have already made with the refugees has been a beautiful thing. I couldn’t have imagined years ago that I’d have new friends from Nicaragua, Sudan, and Afghanistan (and more to come!). The Lord TRULY knows the desires of your heart and makes the path clear. I am so thankful that the Lord was persistent in lining up a pathway for me to go down, even if I took a wrong turn or two. 

What are you grateful for today? Maybe the weather that is turning into Spring, or maybe there was a win in your life recently. Just know that we are celebrating with you. And if you aren’t celebrating something right now, remember we are praying with you. I look forward to connecting with you again soon!

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Be part of our programs!

We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?

How can you help?

• Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

• Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

• Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.

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We are thrilled to announce our partnership with The Runner’s Edge! Join them on their runs as a portion of their race registration fees will benefit Mission Adelante's impactful initiatives.

Discover their next race: Ward Parkway Four on the 4th!

For more details and to register, visit: https://wardparkwayfouronthefourth.com

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Navigating Life's Challenges

Navigating Life's Challenges: A Journey of Faith, Prayer, and Deliverance"

by Elaine Reimers, Latino ESL Ministry Director

Recently my life has taken an unexpected turn down a road I perceive will include ditches, potholes, and possibly stormy conditions. Truthfully, I think I would rather use the free will that God has given me to turn and walk the other way, leaving this undesired and inopportune season of my life in the dusty road behind my weary, dragging feet. After all, there are a few references in the Bible that imply we as humans have free will over our lives.

Take for instance 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV) where Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church saying that although we say “I have the right to do anything,” it does not mean that“everything is beneficial”; he ends that passage saying that “not everything is constructive.”

Then, there is Paul’s letter to the Galatians that says:

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love”

(Gal. 5:13, NIV).

I can’t think of a single moment of suffering I have been through in my life that I would have chosen at the time. The truth is, although we can choose things like the clothes we pick out in the morning and what we eat for lunch, no one can choose to have a problem-free life.

You have likely heard the phrase: “if it’s not one thing, it’s another.” I imagine this phrase has been translated into thousands of languages because problems are no respecter of nationality, race, nor economic status. Problems can be served on gold, ceramic, or wooden platters. Maybe this only happens to me, but I feel like just as I get one issue settled and I am feeling good about life again, something else is knocking at the door ready to steal away my peace of mind, my joy, and my hope; often leaving me with worry, doubt, and frustration. I have been through my share of problems and have yet to come up with the equation to solve them all in a set amount of time or steps. Each one is unique and requires a specific approach.

If I could create a math equation to solve the problems we face in this life, it would look something like this, I think:

In other words: if you add Prayer and Holy Grit together, and then multiply the sum times Faith to the Power of God you get Deliverance.

The equation seems simple enough, right? But when I examine it, what I discover is that our Deliverance ultimately depends on the Power of God-not us! What God requires of us is to pray and strive to maintain an attitude of steadfastness and endurance along with keeping our faith active and thriving. This can be easier said than done!

It takes work on our part to keep us going until God delivers us. Let me assure you that this work is not done in vain, rather it is preparing you for the next inevitable and unexpected trial to knock on your door.

I encourage you the next time you are answering the door to that unwelcome guest, to fall to your knees and cry out to God. Ask Him to remind you to pray unceasingly and to face whatever issue it might be with a steadfast heart and an unwavering faith in Him. Lay down your feelings of worry, doubt, and frustration and reclaim your peace of mind, your joy, and your hope! Then, get to work! In His timing, you will see your deliverance!

After reading this over and over while writing it the last few days, I am feeling encouraged by my own words-by the message that God shared through me. Thank you, Jesus, for the power of Your Word and the resolve that You have so graciously given me in this season.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

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Be part of our programs!

We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?

How can you help?

• Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

• Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

• Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.

Trusting the Lord It's Not Easy

My Adventure at Mission Adelante

by Luis Magana, Partner Engagement Director

Franklin Roosevelt once said, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”.  The same is true of our faith. Recently my wife and I had a few unexpected curveballs and we’ve found life hard to juggle. As we’ve navigated the waves of the past few months, we have found our faith strengthened. It is in our weakness that God's strength shines through, carrying us through every difficulty. 

The past seven months on staff at Mission Adelante have been filled with excitement, discovery and learning to trust the Lord daily. Some days are filled with challenges, some with joy and some with a little of both. I've learned that whatever the day holds,  the Lord is trustworthy. 

As the Partner Engagement Director, one of my main responsibilities is to assist in fundraising for Mission Adelante. When we speak about fundraising, we speak of faith that God will provide. Throughout my life and in my time with Mission Adelante, I can say with all my heart that God has never failed to provide. He continues to do so even now, and I am truly honored to witness His abundant blessings unfold before us.

Throughout the Bible, we find stories of individuals and communities who placed their unwavering trust in the Lord, and He miraculously provided for them. From Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah to the widow at Zarephath, each narrative reminds us of the power of faith and the boundless blessings that follow.

Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths”

At Mission Adelante, we are currently in the midst of our summer campaign called "Infinity 2023." Our goal is to raise $60,000 in donations to support our Leadership Development programs, investing in the next generation of leaders and making an infinite impact  that ripples forward through time to infinity. While our fundraising goal is significant, to God, nothing is impossible. He has shown us countless times in the scriptures how He provides for those who trust in Him.

As part of our Infinity 2023 campaign, we are investing in our kids and youth, recognizing that it is one of the most crucial keys to bringing positive change in our community. We believe that we can empower them to become the leaders of tomorrow, transforming not only their lives but also the lives of the ones in our community.

I want to invite you to be part of God’s work at Mission Adelante, I am convinced that God is moving in here and he has something for us. Visit www.missionadelante.org/infinity2023 to make a donation and learn more about how you can get involved.

Trusting the Lord may not always be easy, but it has been the cornerstone of my journey of faith. Witnessing His faithfulness in providing fills me with hope and excitement for the future. 

Thank you for your support, prayers, and partnership. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of many, one step of faith at a time. May God bless you abundantly as you join us on this adventure of trusting Him wholeheartedly!

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Be part of our programs!

We are so excited for everything that is happening this year and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us this trimester?

How can you help?

• Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

• Volunteer – Come to our volunteer Orientation. For more information visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/orientation

• Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
  
  

Easter around the world

Easter around the world.

by Luis Magana, Partner Engagement Director

Easter is here, and for us it's a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While the holiday is celebrated in many different ways across different cultures and countries, what matters most is the reason behind the celebration.

In the US, many families (including mine) attend special church services and have brunch or supper with their loved ones, while others prefer to combine traditions like Easter egg hunts and the Easter Bunny. In Latin America, Easter is known as Semana Santa, a week-long celebration with elaborate procession and parades. Often in Hispanic cultures,  schools and many offices close for the week for people to celebrate by spending time with family and friends. In Ethiopia, Fasika is celebrated with a 55-day fasting period followed by a massive feast.

Greece has a unique way of celebrating Easter with a week of religious observances leading up to the main event. On Holy Thursday, women dye eggs red to symbolize the blood of Christ, and on Holy Saturday, they prepare the traditional lamb meal for Easter Sunday. In Spain, Easter is marked by elaborate processions of statues and figures representing the passion of Christ.

The Philippines observes Holy Week with processions and reenactments of the crucifixion. in Sweden, Easter is celebrated with the lighting of bonfires on Holy Saturday, and in Norway, families gather for a traditional Easter lunch featuring eggs, cured meats, and cheese.

Regardless of how Easter is celebrated around the world, the reason is still the same: to celebrate the resurrection and the hope we find in the Gospel. It's a time to be grateful for the gift of eternal life that was given to us through Jesus. But also, Easter is an opportunity to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and create fun memories.

No matter where you are from or what is your tradition, let’s remember Easter is a celebration of the biggest act of love. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have access directly to God and can receive forgiveness of our sins. Let's take this opportunity to reflect on our faith, express gratitude for all our blessings, and share His love with those around us.

"For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his" (Romans 6:5)

Let's be united in faith as we celebrate Easter around the world. Happy Easter from Mission Adelante.

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Be part of our programs!

We are so excited to start this year and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us this trimester?

How can you help?

• Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

• Volunteer – Come to our volunteer Orientation. For more information visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/orientation

• Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.