Serving

WE 2024

WHEN “US SERVING THEM” BECOMES “WE”


by Jarrett Meek, Founder, Pastor/Executive Director


It’s hard to put into words the many lessons we’ve learned since Mission Adelante began, way back in 2005.  For me personally, my Spanish has improved, I’ve become much more comfortable in a variety of cultural contexts, and I’ve become a proud resident of “The Dotte”.  But, one of the most important lessons we, as a ministry, have internalized over these 18+ years has to do with “us”, “them”, and “we”.  

Subtly and unconsciously, Mission Adelante began with a beneath-the-surface “us serving them” mindset.  Lots of good intentions and even love, but the privileged “us” was always in the powerful seat of the giver and the needy “them” was always the recipient of our good will - not a recipe for dignity, friendship or genuine community.  Along the way, we learned and grew. “Doing for“ became “doing with”, as we made every effort to empower our neighbors from all places.  Yet, even in the “doing with” there was still an “us” empowering a “them”.  

So what comes after “doing with”?  We’ve discovered that it involves erasing the lines between “us” and “them” to create a new “we”.  That’s it!  In the new we, people from all places thrive and use our gifts together to transform our community.  What does it look like?  It looks like board members from all places, staff from all places, volunteers from all places, people from all places loving people from all places.  Beautiful!

Introducing “WE 2024”

The “WE 2024” campaign is a celebration of people from all places thriving and using our gifts together to transform our community. Our goal is to increase monthly contributions by $2000/month, by April 15th.  A generous donor will match the annual value of each new or increased monthly commitment with a one-time gift.

Would you consider joining us in this campaign? For more information, please visit: www.missionadelante.org/we2024

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
MISSION ADELANTE OBSERVATION NIGHTS ARE HERE : MARCH 4 -7

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/serve

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 Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

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

The Impact of Volunteers

The Impact of Volunteers 

by Patrique Harris, Youth Ministry Director

(Back row, from left to right: Alexis, Luis P and Luis M; front row, from left to right: Patrique, Elodia and Kaytlynn)

I can’t believe I am nearing the two-year mark of joining Mission Adelante’s team! Whatever expectations I had of leading Mission Adelante’s Youth Ministry have been completely transcended. In my role, I have been able to walk alongside many teenagers in the Kansas City, Kansas neighborhood. I have seen participants get taller, build new friendships, celebrate milestone birthdays, and grow in confidence, leadership, and their faith. But behind the scenes is a passionate group of individuals who commit significant time and resources to share in this ministry with me. Their partnership has made this experience just that much more special! 

At Mission Adelante, our goal is to make disciples by serving, sharing life, and sharing Jesus with people from all places, and our current cohort of Youth Ministry volunteers, Michael, Jessie, Elodia, Luis P, Alexis, Kaytlynn, Luis M and Grace, are truly living this out. On Wednesday evenings our building is bustling with excited participants, eager to spend time with our beloved volunteers. To be honest, at times it is difficult to distinguish volunteers from participants. You’ll often find volunteers fully engaged in hot competition, cracking jokes, and using the newest slang! During our lesson time, volunteers help participants break down biblical occurrences, challenging participants to implement teachings in their own life. It’s incredible how relatable our participants find our volunteers. Despite the age gap, volunteers find common ground by spending time listening and learning about the experiences of teens and also sharing experiences from their own lives and childhood. The relationship is 100% reciprocal! 

(From left to right: Lucy, Alana, Anisha and Patrique)

(From left to right: Anisha, Alexis, Kaytlynn, Jessie and Grace)

What’s more, the friendship and mentorship of veteran volunteers has moved the next generation to also serve, share life, and share Jesus. You can catch Lucy leading Bible lessons at Kids Adelante on Thursday evenings, Anisha preparing for Arts Community classes on Monday evenings, and Alana helping to ideate fun activities for Adelante Youth Club on Wednesday evenings. I am confident that the example of our volunteers will continue to drive more and more young leaders to emerge from our neighborhood!

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: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

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