Youth Power

Youth Power: Transforming the Community Through ESL Teaching

by David Stutz, ESL volunteer.

I first heard about Mission Adelante through my friend Joe. He had recently heard of this opportunity to help non-native speakers learn English, and we both loved the idea of contributing to the community in such a way, so we joined the volunteer team in May.

Over the summer trimester, I had a lot of fun teaching English while also sharpening my Spanish speaking. However, I was out of town for about 5 weeks so I didn’t feel as if I was fully experiencing the progress of the students. On the other hand, in the fall and spring trimesters I have been able to come every week and interact more with my student, Ulises and Gilberto. ESL at Mission Adelante has me now looking forward to Thursday evenings despite the half hour drive from home!

It has been rewarding to be one of the youngest teachers because of the positivity surrounding the students and teachers at ESL. I’ve received several compliments from both volunteers and students about how important it is to start helping the community from a young age.

One thing I specifically appreciate about the students is how they always come prepared. This both means that they come with the right materials and their homework done, but also with the right attitude. I’ve taken notice of how the students are always encouraging others to speak up, taking corrections well, and keeping the atmosphere lighthearted.

I would strongly recommend volunteering for ESL at Mission Adelante for people both young and old. There is a lot to learn when helping the lives of others, but the biggest takeaway for me is how fun it can be!

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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/serve

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

The Gift of Friendship Across Cultures

The Gift of Friendship Across Cultures

by Laina Willoughby, Volunteer at Refugee Youth Club

Four years ago when I first googled “volunteer opportunities with refugees in Kansas City” I didn’t know I was about to discover one of the best ways anyone can spend Tuesday evenings in our city. Over my time here, I’ve gotten to watch the growth of a program. But it’s been more than that. I’ve been inspired by watching how the leaders around me invest in their own community.

People like Phul Maya, Laxmi, and Ranjana willingly, graciously, and humbly taken on responsibilities within their Nepali community. They have (probably unknowingly) challenged me to search out opportunities to help those around me to flourish. My fellow volunteers in the Refugee Youth Club have shown me the value of inserting oneself into the lives of teens. We strive to be a stable loving influence that models and speaks of the power of the Gospel.

My favorite thing though, has been watching the young women of the Refugee Youth Club grow in the wisdom and stature of God and of man (Luke 2:52). They juggle their teenage years with one foot in Nepali culture, and another in KCK High Schools. As each of them have learned how to dance in and out of two worlds, I have been impressed by their grace and stamina. 

Through my time serving first with Refugee Kids Club, and then with Refugee Youth Club I received the gift of friendship across cultures and ages.

Thank you for your investment in our community, Laina!