Interns

Autumn: America’s Favorite Season

Autumn: America’s Favorite Season

by Patrique Harris, Youth Ministry Director




In a 2022 Morning Consult survey of 2,120 U.S. adults, 41% identified fall as their favorite season, while 24% preferred spring and summer, and just 11% chose winter. By a landslide, fall seems to be America’s favorite season! However, I must admit that after ten years of living in the United States, I’ve never fully understood its appeal. The crisp weather and falling leaves typically remind me that winter is fast approaching. This autumn, though, has been different. The lingering summer warmth and a few delightful moments have shifted my perspective on the season. Here are some of my fall favorites so far!

CCDA Conference in Portland, Oregon

In early October, eight members of our Mission Adelante team journeyed to Portland, Oregon, for the Christian Community Development Association’s (CCDA) National Conference. This annual gathering brings together community development practitioners from across the country. This was my third conference experience, but my very first time in Portland—and on the West Coast, for that matter! The 2024 theme, 'Home,' drew inspiration from Jeremiah 29:5: 'Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens and eat the food they produce.' As always, the conference included vibrant worship, networking, and thought-provoking plenaries and workshops. Most speakers reflected on what home means to them—not just in a physical sense, but also in terms of belonging and connection.

As I navigated the conference, I pondered various facets of my home(s). I’ve had several addresses—St. Catherine, Jamaica; Middletown, CT; New York, NY; and now Kansas City, KS—which have shaped my complex experience with belonging. While I’ve been privileged to move to new, welcoming homes voluntarily, it often feels like pieces of my belonging are scattered across the places I’ve lived and the people I’ve shared life with, never feeling fully woven into any one community.

The conference beautifully allowed me to process these challenging realities while refreshing myself in a new place—and Oregon did not disappoint! A few of us rented a minivan and traveled from downtown Portland to Cannon Beach (I learned that parts of the Twilight film were shot there). The beach was a stark contrast to the tropical shores I was used to—definitely too cold for a swim—but the misty air and massive sea stack rock formations rising from the water were spectacular! On our way back, I convinced Carla to pull over so we could hug one of the majestic pine trees together!

Apple Picking at Cider Hill Family Orchard

This fall, I also participated in a quintessential autumn activity: apple picking! One beautiful Sunday afternoon, my mom and I visited Cider Hill Family Orchard, a lovely property on the edge of Wyandotte County. As you can imagine, it was bustling with friends and families that had the same idea as my mom and I. The last time I went apple picking was in 2019, and it was my mom’s first time picking American apples, so we were both excited! The highlight was discovering the delicious Evercrisp variety—a cross between Fuji and Honeycrisp apples. It is the perfect mix of sweetness and crunch, and I honestly think it’s the best apple I’ve ever tasted! I enjoyed the experience so much that I did it again, this time with our Mission Adelante Leadership Training Project students!"

Celebrating My 29th Birthday

Another highlight of October was turning 29! A small downside was realizing I probably can no longer refer to myself as a young adult. Still, this birthday felt special because it marked the first time in several years that I could celebrate with the woman who gave me life! On the eve of my birthday, my mom prepared a traditional Jamaican meal—Stew Peas—for our staff at Mission Adelante. Contrary to what the name suggests, it's a stew made with red kidney beans, not green peas. I wish I had taken photos of the meal, but it was gone before I had the chance! Sharing this traditional dish with my work family while enjoying my mother’s company was beautiful. To top off the celebrations, Carla and Veronica took me out for an authentic Kansas City jazz experience at Lonnie’s Reno Club, curated by trumpeter Lonnie McFadden. While I sometimes get the birthday jitters, this year I was filled with gratitude for the wonderful people God has placed in my life.

In many ways, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for autumn as a season of gathering. The warmth of my relationships and the fresh experiences I’ve enjoyed have made fall a serious contender for my favorite season. As I step into this new year of my life, I will cherish these moments and embrace the joy of these connections.


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.

What a Summer!

what a summer!

by Patrique Harris, Youth Ministry Director




There are many things I love about summer – predictably warm weather, enduring sunshine, afternoon ice cream, strappy sandals, floating in peaceful waters, and of course, obnoxiously cheering Jamaican athletes in the Olympics! To add to all that joy, the ministry that happens at Mission Adelante in the summer months is abundant and life-giving. 

With school out, the busy teenage schedule finally yields, spawning a golden time for our Youth Ministry. New and old participants bonded each Tuesday and Wednesday over intense games, indulgent food, and heartfelt discussions on Daniel’s courage! What’s more, our summer interns, Eli, Sonia, Unisha, and Keziah, were integral in curating the program experiences for our participants. Their fervor, creativity, and Gen Z slang were invaluable and made all the difference!  

Not only did we welcome our summer interns, but we were also thrilled to have Erick Flores join the Mission Adelante family as a Ministry Apprentice. After graduating from J.C. Harmon High School in the spring, Erick was moved to pursue a vocation serving kids and youth in his neighborhood. His experience participating in Mission Adelante programs in years past truly impressed upon him. He recalls the support he felt when mentors like Megan McDermott Fountain invested in him, especially during difficult seasons of his life. 

Following in Megan’s footsteps, Erick passionately walked alongside our summer interns. His team-building efforts (including debates on songs to add to the summer intern playlist), encouragement during long days of engaging kids and youth, and his counsel on matters big and small, helped the interns to thrive! Carla, Mikya, and I were honestly impressed.

To sum it all up in Jamaican terms, “mi glad bag buss”! In translation, “my glad bag burst”, which I would liken to the sentiments of David in Psalm 23:5 when his “cup runneth over.” The summer interns, program participants, volunteers, and even Erick’s arrival, were all answered prayers for us as a ministry team. God’s immense goodness was made manifest here in KCK this summer – and I get to bear witness!


LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
JOIN US FOR VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION - SEPTEMBER 7TH AT 9:00M

Join our team of volunteers for the summer trimester and be part of "loving people from all places." Attend our volunteer orientation on September 7th, 2024 and find your place serving kids, youth, or adults in the immigrant community in KCK

For more information about volunteer opportunities visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/orientation


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.

A Summer To Remember

A Summer To Remember 

by Patrique Harris, Youth Ministry Director

Sold-out stadiums and concert venues across the United States for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour will certainly cement Summer 2023 as one for the history books. Yet, I posit that there was something even more special brewing in Wyandotte County this summer. Being the Youth Ministry Director at Mission Adelante, I am probably biased, but I witnessed something extraordinary in my neighborhood. I saw God establish a group of seven outstanding teenagers who used their gifts together to impact the lives of many in the Mission Adelante community!

At the end of May, shortly after wrapping up their school year, Lucy, Alana, Julissa, Adiella, Vanessa, Anisha, and Camilo joined the Mission Adelante staff as summer interns. Each of these teens has their natural specialties. Lucy is a thorough planner and musical by nature; Alana is practical and can command a team; Julissa brings humor and encouragement to teammates; Adiella is a mediator and enjoys being of service; Vanessa is creative and detail-oriented; Anisha is great at engaging others, especially children; Camilo is a dreamer and brings great enthusiasm. I liken the group to a machine, each intern being a distinct gear. Though different, all the gears ground together in a melodic rhythm to motor our ministry this summer.

One thing that caught my attention this summer is how other young people gravitated toward these interns. I almost always saw them with an entourage following them around. As such, I would impress upon our interns that they are true “influencers,” similar to Jesus. Their platform may not be quantifiable by five thousand mouths fed, overflowing stadiums with thousands of concertgoers, or millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok. Nonetheless, their very being still has sway and power! I believe God has entrusted our young people and these young leaders with Kingdom purpose. That said, it is unfortunate that many question their worthiness daily. Many youngsters are made to feel ineffectual, sometimes even by family, friends, educators, and other prominent people in their lives. So today, I encourage you to celebrate the gifts of our young people. Give them opportunities to use those gifts and assure them that though they may be young, they are mighty. Or, as we would say in Jamaica, “yuh likkle but yuh tallawah.”


LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
JOIN US TO VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
SEPTEMBER 9TH

Join our team of volunteers for the summer trimester and be part of "loving people from all places." Attend our volunteer orientation on September 9th and find your place serving kids, youth, or adults in the immigrant community in KCK

For more information about volunteer opportunities visit www.missionadelante.org/serve


Be part of our programs!

 We are so excited to start our fall trimester 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 Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

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

Summertime at Mission Adelante

Summertime at Mission Adelante

by Patrique Harris, Youth Ministry Director

From left to right: Lucy, Anisha, Camilo, Vanessa, Adiella, Julissa and Alana

Summertime at Mission Adelante is a blast! It is the time of year when we invite a special group of budding young leaders from our neighborhood to join our staff as summer interns. The internship is an intensive discipleship and leadership development experience that aims to help young people become passionate followers of Jesus and leaders in our community. This year, Lucy, Anisha, Camilo, Vanessa, Adiella, Julissa, and Alana have committed their summer to serving alongside us at Mission Adelante. Here’s a bit of what we’ve been up to! 

An essential part of the internship is developing close relationships within the group early. What better way to do that than to spend a weekend away together! So, earlier this month, we traveled to Manhattan, Kansas for a weekend of fun and fellowship. Together we worshiped, laughed, played, exercised, made meals, explored the city, tried new sports, shared dreams, and even washed each others’ feet! I am always blown away by how quickly connections can build, regardless of age, gender, background, and even culture. God’s power is demonstrated in the way these interns moved from being acquaintances to friends in just one weekend!

Once we returned from a refreshing weekend away, it was time for the interns to get their hands dirty! The interns have taken on significant leadership responsibilities in Arts Community, Adelante Youth Club, and Kids Adelante under the tutelage of myself; Carla Flores, our Children’s Ministry Director; and Mikya Wright, a former summer intern herself and our new Ministry Apprentice! They are hanging out with kids, teaching Bible lessons, teaching creative classes, and even leading worship!

We have also spent time visiting and serving with other impactful ministries and nonprofits in our neighborhood. We literally got our hands dirty at the New Roots for Refugees’ Juniper Gardens Training Farm. New Roots for Refugees is a collaborative program between Catholic Charities and CultivateKC that provides farm training and market opportunities for refugee families that have settled in our neighborhood. Giving the Basics was also an eye-opening exposure trip for us. Giving the Basics distributes a host of hygiene necessities, often not covered by government assistance programs. We visited the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank (KC Fed) and toured the Money Museum with Daniel Nguyen, a volunteer in Mission Adelante’s Citizenship class. Daniel shared details about the history of U.S. currency and the importance of the KC Fed in managing the money supply of Kansas, Missouri and neighboring states. We learned a ton about upcycling at ScrapsKC, an organization that is focused on reducing waste in Kansas City with creative reuse while also supporting teachers and the unhoused community. We also paid a visit to our sister organization, Adelante Thrift. Adelante Thrift is located in our neighborhood on 38th St and State Ave and sells gently used clothing, furniture and more. Sales proceeds from the store cover around 25% of our expenses at Mission Adelante.  

This cohort of interns has already added a ton of value to our ministry. Please keep them in your prayers and feel free to send a note to their email (interns@missionadelante.org) with words of encouragement! If you feel moved to financially support our internship program and leadership development more broadly at Mission Adelante, consider giving to our summer fundraising campaign, Infinity 2023. Our goal is to raise $60k for the Community Leader Fund by August 6. Check this link for details www.missionadelante.org/infinity2023


LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
MISSION ADELANTE OBSERVATION NIGHTS ARE HERE
JULY 10 -13

Are you interested in taking the next step to volunteer? Take a glimpse of what is going on at Mission Adelante and what we are doing in our different programs.

This is a great opportunity to have the full experience of a Mission Adelante volunteer.

For more information visit: www.missionadelante.org/observe


Be part of our programs!

 We are so excited to start this summer trimester 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 Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

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