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English Language Classes: Nights of laughter and learning

English language classes: nights of laughter and learning

by Elaine Reimers, Adult Ministry Director

It was Latino ESL test day at Mission Adelante and many of the students had shown up  somewhat nervous to put the English they had been learning for the past 11 weeks to the test. I was dropping by classrooms at the end of the night to see how the test had gone and as I approached the level 4 classroom I could hear the volunteers already discussing the night amongst themselves. The test was challenging for the students, they said. In fact, one of the students joked that the test ended up being a team effort since they were all getting help from each other to get through it! After wiping the sweat from their brows and turning their tests in to the teachers, the results were in! They found that one of the students did much better on the test than the other four people; however, after the students talked about it, all five students agreed they could use more instruction on the past tense and did not feel comfortable moving to level 5 just yet. They arrived at a consensus- WE STAY TOGETHER! Long story short - they moved backwards TOGETHER to the level 3 of a brand new curriculum we were rolling out that focuses on the past tense. It encourages me to see the bonds and friendships that are forming between students and volunteers and how they have been birthed through things like a generous volunteer’s will to make a difference in their lifetime, a shared interest and need to learn English, and many times through the breaking of bread.

But wait, I am just getting started! The story above is just one of many. I recall the first time I witnessed one of my beloved ESL volunteers “putting himself out there.” He had a student who was coming to class but was struggling to keep up with the lessons and whose work schedule started causing schedule conflicts. The volunteer reached out to me and was  genuinely concerned and wanted to accommodate his student as much as he was able. He offered to meet him outside of class to practice English and they went out for burgers at one point as well. That brings me to my next similar one, but with a twist! A level 1 conversation partner volunteer meets his students outside of class to practice English and, since it’s forbidden to speak Spanish during class, to allow him to practice Spanish with them! There is always a tremendous amount of animated chatter happening at their end of the table, and sometimes they DO speak Spanish to clarify things (oopsies!).

And speaking of chatter, I cannot leave out levels 2 and 5, and English Club. These 3 groups are notorious for filling Mission Adelante and the Lighthouse with boisterous laughter about the silly parts of the English language that just don’t make sense, or about how something translates (or doesn’t!). For example, an “EXIT ONLY” sign could easily be mistranslated as  “SOLAMENTE ÉXITO” which translates literally to “ONLY SUCCESS”. Haha! Please tell me which door I need to walk through for THAT! Then, there is the infamous, hilariously awkward moment (especially if you’re a dude) when someone goes from obviously already being embarrassed to wanting to teleport to anywhere but where they are currently when saying “Estoy embarazada” (“I’m pregnant.”) when attempting to say “I am embarrassed.” That one will never get old!

There is a LOT of humor when you are learning a new language!  On Monday and Thursday nights, Mission Adelante is filled with boisterous laughter during our Latino English Language classes and conversational English Club about the silly parts of the English language that just don’t make sense, or about how something translates (or doesn’t!). For example, an “EXIT ONLY” sign could easily be mistranslated as  “SOLAMENTE ÉXITO” which translates literally to “ONLY SUCCESS”. Please tell me which door I need to walk through for THAT! Then, there is the infamous, hilariously awkward moment when a volunteer tries to express embarrassment by saying: “Estoy embarazada” (“I’m pregnant.”) when attempting to say “I am embarrassed.”  For someone who is already embarrassed (especially if you’re a dude!), it is a hilarious moment of class laughing together as they are learning. That one will never get old!

We also have our quieter classes, but don’t get it twisted! The bonds and friendships are real and thriving. The volunteers in both levels 3 and 4 are really dedicated to the success of their students and show concern and follow up with students when they miss class. We have a student that was in need of some reference letters to help her in a delicate legal matter and the volunteers and I were able to write heartfelt letters for her. And, at the mention of friendship, it makes me think of the “girls class” where three of our seasoned women volunteers teach and observe the four students in the class who just happen to be women also. There are always tender smiles on their faces when I step in to say “hello!” on Thursday evenings.

During one of the test days at Mission Adelante, many of the students were somewhat nervous to put the English they had been learning for the past 11 weeks to the test. After wiping the sweat from their brows and turning their tests in to the teachers, the results were in! One of the students did much better on the test than the other four people; however, after the students talked about it, all five students agreed they could use more instruction on understanding how to speak in the past tense and did not feel comfortable moving to level 5 just yet. They decided- “WE STAY TOGETHER!” and moved backwards TOGETHER to the level 3 of a brand new curriculum we were rolling out that focuses on the past tense. Though one of the students could have progressed, the bonds and friendships that are forming between students and volunteers, sharing meals together and lots of laughter is just as important as language proficiency.  


I will close by saying that one of the few rules for ESL volunteers that I was handed down from my predecessor is “Don't tell your student you won’t be in class if you have to miss”. This handed-down rule is the product of someone coming to the conclusion that the bonds and friendships being formed through our program go much deeper than just adding a new name to a list of Facebook friends. Why shouldn’t our volunteers tell their students that they will miss class you ask? We have found that students tend to skip class when they know their conversation partner will be absent. I have not necessarily asked any of the students why this is but it’s obvious, in my opinion, that students value the open communication, reliability, empathy, and opportunities for vulnerability that develop over the first few classes with their conversation partner. At Mission Adelante, our hope is that the relationships built during class would continue to exist, grow, and thrive long after the student graduates from the program!


If you, or someone you know, is interested in experiencing any or all of the above life-giving experiences, please don’t hesitate to reach out! 

Strengthen our work by becoming a monthly partner!

Our work is only possible through the prayerful generosity of our partners. We are working on strengthening our ability to provide programs like English Language classes by inviting people to become monthly partners through our WE initiative. Would you consider being one of the 50 people who begin giving $100/month? You can support our work by giving online: www.missionadelante.org/give

Relationships are Everything

By: Erick Flores, Ministry Apprentice

Amidst everything happening in our country, people both within and outside our community continue to give, showing love to our neighbors. Donating time, money, and support is never an easy ask, but people are always willing to give without any hesitation. Our church congregation continues to grow, and I love how we, as a church, have made Mission Adelante a welcoming home for everyone. As new people join, they always feel accepted and embraced.

Working at Mission Adelante has truly been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Not only have I had the opportunity to grow as a leader and work in ministry, but I've also watched my faith grow stronger than ever.

Philippians 3:8-9 says:

“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” I am forever grateful for my mentors and peers.

I recently led and completed my first full trimester of Arts Community! This trimester, I was excited to work with our Children’s Apprentice, Alana. Unfortunately, due to the challenges we’ve been facing, Alana also had to be let go. Despite this setback, I am determined to continue pursuing the big goals we had set. Arts Community is still succeeding, thanks to our amazing kiddos. It always brings me joy seeing them walk through the door, eager to play with friends, learn in class, and form lasting bonds with our wonderful volunteers! Volunteers join our kids to play games and even run around! I forget to stretch sometimes so I pay for that.

Our Leaders in Training come in every Monday and Wednesday, ready to engage and step up in their roles. They are role models to their peers and the younger kids who are gearing up to follow in their footsteps!

Kids Adelante on Thursday nights will always have a special place in my heart. Apart from leading a kids program, you don't get to really get close with the kids and do activities with them until you become a volunteer. So running around, teaching kids, and building relationships will always be top tier.  Volunteering for Kids Adelante last trimester certainly took all the energy I had at the end of my day, but knowing I could wrap up my week with our kiddos, who always manage to brighten my day, was more than I could ever ask for.

Our Leadership Training Project has also been off to a strong start! We began with 5 teens, and it has since expanded to 7! Each week, we hold a workshop, followed by rehearsing worship for our Youth Club on Wednesday nights. Youth Club has been such a joy since the beginning of the year! This trimester, we’re focusing on the road to Easter. It’s always motivating to see our teens engage in worship and stay focused on our lesson plans. As for my discipleship, it has been incredible! Recently, I was able to host a discipleship with two of our youth volunteers, Luis and Michael. We invited Youth Club to join us for a fun game of flag football! As competitive as it was, we all had a blast. With the weather improving, we’ll have even more opportunities for discipleship.

WE are stronger together! Would you consider supporting work like Erick’s and becoming a monthly partner? Click on the link below to help us continue to serve students like Luis and Michael.

Four practical ways you can help refugees

Four Practical Ways you can help refugees

by Kristen Maxwell, Associate Director Mission Adelante


About a month ago, our world at Mission Adelante shifted on its axis.  With some of the executive orders implemented, we experienced what felt like an earthquake.  Overnight, programs we had built over the last year crumbled.  This was no fault of our own, but we were left with rubble to clean up.  

Due to the funding and program cuts and freezes the first shock was to acknowledge that employing our refugee services team no longer was viable. We continue to mourn having to let our staff go and grieve the hole they left on our team, in our community and our office. 

We didn’t have much time to mourn, though, because we had to tend to the wounded.  In this situation, the wounded are our clients.  The new land they had just begun to get to know had already changed.  The sherpas, our staff that were guiding them through the mountain pass of their new lives, were gone, and they were left without guides.  We’ve spent the past few weeks helping to reorient them to the new landscape, point them in the right direction, and bandage their wounds.  


We have heard the refrain from our neighbors, loud and clear, “What can we do?” and “We want to help!” and we are so grateful for your support.  Your generous contributions towards the “Love Mercy” campaign allowed us to provide severance for our staff and enabled us to pay for rent and basic needs for refugees as they adjust to life in the US. To date over $110,00 has been given towards the Love Mercy campaign, exceeding our goal by $40,000.

Much like the aftermath of a natural disaster, the aftershocks of these shifts have left us disoriented and wondering about our next steps forward.  The landscape around us has dramatically changed in a short time. As the dust begins to settle, and the aftershocks are getting fewer, we are grateful to see that the core of Mission Adelante is still standing firm. Our mission to love people from all places is unchanged, and we are here to serve, share life, and share Jesus. 

As we continue the cleanup, the best ways you can help are to pray, give, and serve with us.  We ask you to consider how you might join us in one of the following ways: 

Pray: Pray for those we are serving, our staff, and our community. We are grieving the loss of our resettlement staff and program and praying for people to step into volunteering in areas to help with our refugee families.

Give: Financial partners are more crucial now than ever. We are currently seeking to add 50 people to give $100/month to grow our monthly support team to an additional $5,000/month. Your ongoing support allows us to respond to the needs of our neighbors. Would you consider beginning to give or increasing your monthly support?

Come and See: Join us for “Come and See” night next week, and learn how you might join us in loving and serving our refugee neighbors through ongoing relational partnership.

Come and See Next Week!

Your involvement with Mission Adelante is essential to the support of refugees and immigrants in our community. Join us next week, March 3-6th at a Come and See night to learn more!

Serve: Serve at Adelante Thrift.  The more volunteers we have, the more we can sell, and the more money that is made directly supports the work the Lord is doing at Mission Adelante! Spring break is coming up and this is a great way for students to serve locally. Contact Lori at: volunteer@adelantethrift.com to sign up.

We know many of you are grieving with us and trying to make a positive difference in our community. Thank you for standing with us to love like Jesus.

Another Hard Day at Mission Adelante

Dear friends,


Thursday, February 6th was one of the hardest days I’ve experienced in my time at Mission Adelante.  We had to let go of our entire refugee resettlement team– seven dedicated employees, who had worked, loved, and given their all to serve the 171 refugees we had welcomed over the last 12 months.  As you probably know, on January 24th funding was abruptly cut specifically for the Reception and Placement Program, which used to help newly arrived refugees with housing, food and other necessities during their first 90 days in the country.  For the last couple of weeks, funding for our other refugee services (Employment services, English Language classes, Health Care navigation, etc.) has been in limbo because of the general freeze on federal grants.  On Thursday, we heard from the Kansas State Office of Refugees, informing us that they had still not been able to access federal funds to reimburse our January program expenses. In total, unreimbursed January expenses from all federal refugee programs we were contracted to execute exceeded $123,000.  We have not counted out the possibility of receiving these reimbursements in the future, but without a guarantee, we were simply unable to continue incurring expenses for these programs at this full capacity.

The generous outpouring of support through the Love Mercy Initiative has been very important, allowing us to offer a modest severance package to our refugee team members and also ensuring that we can continue assisting newly arrived refugees with rent, food, and other basic necessities through their initial 90 days in the country.  We are so grateful for this support!  In the middle of this painful season, your generosity has been a beautiful picture of the love of Christ.


Mission Adelante will continue some ongoing services to refugee families, though with a reduced capacity. Our English Language classes for refugees will continue on Monday evenings and, in some manner, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  We will continue offering walk-in hours, staffed by volunteers and staff, to help with practical needs, resources, and questions.  And, we will continue to provide some support in the search for employment opportunities and with healthcare navigation, as we are able.  Many of the refugee families we have welcomed have become part of the Mission Adelante church community, where they are now connected with a supportive and loving community that will help them find their way in this new land.

In the coming weeks and months, Mission Adelante will certainly need your support, whether through volunteering, praying or through financial contributions.  We’re thankful you’re in this with us!

Sincerely,

Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director

Some of the members of our Resettlement Team

When Strangers Become Neighbors

When Strangers Become Neighbors

By Amy Herman, Reception and Placement Director



Recently, a family of seven refugees from Eritrea arrived at Kansas City International Airport, marking the beginning of their new life in the United States. The journey had been long and difficult, with delays and detentions causing added stress. But what unfolded at the airport that day was nothing short of extraordinary—a reminder of the power of community, kindness, and shared experiences. As we greeted the family at the gate, we began the long walk to the baggage claim area. Their faces were a mix of excitement and uncertainty, understandably so after a journey that spanned weeks. But just as we were walking through the terminal, a woman who worked at the airport approached us. She began speaking in Tigrinya, the same language spoken by the family. It was immediately clear that this was not a mere coincidence.

The woman, who had arrived as a refugee herself 14 years ago, quickly formed a connection with the family. As she spoke with them, we learned that her own arrival to Kansas City had mirrored the family’s journey—full of challenges but also opportunities for growth and hope. She understood the weight of the moment in a way that only someone who had been through it could. The family had encountered a setback: their luggage had arrived two days earlier, but due to delays in Washington, D.C., they had not been able to retrieve it. The woman took charge, helping them navigate the airport’s systems and getting the luggage sorted out. Her familiarity with the process and her calm presence helped alleviate much of the family’s stress.

But what truly stood out was her offer of support beyond the airport. She told the family she would be happy to visit them the following day, to offer guidance on adjusting to life in Kansas City, and to answer any questions they might have. She shared that she had once been in their shoes and that Kansas City had become home for her. Her message was simple: "You are not alone."

“This act of kindness exemplified the heart of our community and the spirit of Kansas City.”
— Amy Herman

This act of kindness exemplified the heart of our community and the spirit of Kansas City. It's one thing to provide resources and services to refugees; it’s another to offer genuine, personal support from someone who truly understands their experience. This woman didn’t just act as an interpreter or a guide—she became a bridge, offering the family a lifeline to their new life in a foreign land.  She was truly loving her neighbor as herself (Galatians 5:14)

As we walked out of the airport, the family seemed more at ease, comforted not only by the practical help they had received but by the warmth of a fellow refugee who had already walked the same path. Their journey is just beginning, and there will be many challenges ahead. But with a community of people like this woman—who understands, who cares, and who offers a helping hand—the family can move forward with the knowledge that they have not only a new home but a new circle of support.  She has already connected with the family several times and they have become fast friends.

It’s moments like these that remind us all of the importance of kindness, empathy, and the power of shared human experiences. It is our hope that we can continue to build a community where every refugee, no matter where they come from, finds a welcoming home and a supportive network of people ready to help them succeed.

We are so grateful for how you love your neighbors!

Thank you for your recent outpouring of generosity of $80,000 to provide essential services for the 22 refugee families in the process of resettlement and the compensation and severance for our initial resettlement team.

Help us continue to move forward to love our neighbors in 2025!

Video Update: We Will Continue to Love Mercy and Do Justice

Dear Friends of Mission Adelante,

On January 21st, the new administration suspended all new arrivals through the refugee resettlement program, canceling travel for scores of people who had “waited their turn” and been thoroughly vetted after fleeing violence in their own countries.  On January 24, 2025, the U.S. government went further and abruptly mandated a suspension of all services within the Reception and Placement (R&P) program for refugees already in the country, ending all federal support for newly arrived refugees.  Having given assurances that this year’s contracts for R&P services would be honored through September 30th, the government made this sudden suspension effective immediately, without warning. Under the R&P program, refugees received support for 90 days with rent, food, transportation, cultural orientation, and other basic needs as they worked quickly toward self-sufficiency.  This sudden suspension of funding and services leaves hundreds of newly arrived refugee families without support for basic needs, such as food and housing. 

Mission Adelante currently has 22 families/cases that are within the initial 90-day period with the R&P program.  The suspension of R&P has immediately removed the funding needed to provide basic services for these precious families and to continue to support the 2+ staff members whose roles were funded through R&P.

Mission Adelante has been serving immigrants and refugees for nearly 20 years, because we believe that the biblical command to “love your neighbor as yourself” has a special expression in the way we welcome and show hospitality to “people from all places”.  We are not alone in our conviction.  Indeed, over the years, thousands of volunteers and donors and dozens of churches, businesses and other organizations have joined us in serving, sharing life, and sharing Jesus with people from all places.  With the support from our partners, we will continue to carry out our mission.  Children and youth from all places will continue to gather in a safe place to learn and grow.  Adults from diverse backgrounds and nationalities will continue to learn English and prepare to become citizens through Mission Adelante.  And the Mission Adelante church community will continue to gather for worship, prayer and to study the Word of God together.  

“He has shown you, oh man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you– to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

Many of our friends have asked what they can do to help in this challenging time.  To meet the need left by the government’s abrupt suspension of R&P, we are launching the “Love Mercy Initiative”.  Through “Love Mercy” we will endeavor to raise $70,000 to meet the basic needs of newly arrived refugee families over the next 3 months and provide compensation and severance pay for our initial resettlement staff as we wrap up this program.  In the coming days we will be sharing volunteer opportunities and prayer needs.  When the government abandons its commitment to the vulnerable, the church must step in to fill the gap.  

Sincerely,

Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director

Mission Adelante, Inc.

Year One of Refugee Resettlement - Celebration and Uncertainty

Year One of Refugee Resettlement - Celebration and Uncertainty

by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Education Director


What a year 2024 has been! When we began refugee resettlement back in January 2024, I could not have imagined where we would be today. As I write this, my heart is full of gratitude, though I also carry a strange sense of grief.

Let me take you back through the journey of 2024. Our first family arrived at the end of January. This couple holds a special place in my heart as our inaugural arrival, and they showed us so much grace as we navigated the complexities of the resettlement process for the first time.

Throughout the year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting families from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Venezuela, Guatemala, Colombia, Eritrea, and Burma. The friendships I’ve formed are invaluable. Being a "Teacher" in their lives has been an incredible opportunity to guide their language journeys and witness their growth from knowing little to no English to confidently introducing themselves in new scenarios—even outside of Mission Adelante.

Our Resettlement team has grown too. Initially, it was just Kristen and me, balancing my transition from the Ministry team. Now, we’re a team of nine. Welcoming families and supporting them through their first year here has drawn us closer, not just as teammates but as friends—almost like family. We’ve spent late nights together awaiting arrivals, set up countless apartments, prayed for families, shared meals, and worked tirelessly to welcome as many people as possible before the end of February.

As January comes to a close, the future of 2025 feels uncertain. Once we reach our allotted number of arrivals, what happens next is unclear. Most families should arrive by February, but it’s heartbreaking to hear our families ask about loved ones still waiting to come to the U.S. It’s even harder to admit that we know as little as they do. Life feels uncertain for them and for us, but we are doing everything we can to move forward.

I wish I could neatly wrap up our first year and say it was everything we dreamed of—and the majority of it was. But the journey is far from over. Please pray for us and the ministry team as we continue this important work for as long as we can.

We’re also in need of volunteers for all our ministry programs and refugee needs. If you feel a nudge to help, we would love to have you! I’m especially looking for English language partners to serve on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to me at veronicag@missionadelante.org.

Thank you for walking with us through this last year. Your support means the world.

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.

Loving People from All Places

Loving People From All Places

by Patrique Harris, Ministry Community Director




If you’ve been around Mission Adelante for any length of time, you’ve likely heard our slogan: loving people from all places. Over the past couple of years, I’ve learned firsthand why and how we’re called to show hospitality, compassion, and friendship to our immigrant neighbors. Initially, I viewed our slogan through the lens of showing love to those who are vulnerable around us. But as I reflect on 2024, I see it through a broader lens.

This year has been a whirlwind for our ministry, full of change, challenges, and increased need. Yet, through it all, I can’t help but see God’s goodness and providence reflected in the loving and generous people from all walks of life who are passionately and humbly living out the gospel by supporting our work at Mission Adelante.

““Loving People from all places is more than a slogan””
— -Patrique Harris

From dedicated volunteers who mentor teens in our Youth Club, to the family who gives monthly to keep our lights on, to the small group that prays for our community, to the Good Neighbor Team that helps newly arrived refugee families navigate their first grocery trip, to the mom who cooks a meal for our afterschool kids, to the family who cleans out their closet to keep Adelante Thrift stocked for the winter—these actions, big and small, reflect the heart of our mission. I could go on and on, but it truly takes loving people from all places to do the work of loving people from all places.

To every single person who supports Mission Adelante, whether in big or small ways, seen or unseen, thank you from the bottom of my heart. We could not do any of this work without you.

As our community grows with new families arriving each week, it’s critical that we continue to expand our circle of support. Let’s celebrate the hope a new year brings by praying for, and inviting, new, loving people into our mission. Consider boldly sharing your experience with Mission Adelante with friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members.

Someone you know might be moved to join in. As a resource, you can direct them to missionadelante.org/serve to learn more about opportunities to 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 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.

  • Serve – Invite people from your workplace, school, or church small group to host a resource drive for refugees or volunteer at Adelante Thrift. We are happy to share more about occasional service opportunities for all ages.

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

English Language Classes: Nights of laughter and learning

english language classes: nights of laughter and learning

by Elaine Reimers, Adult Ministry Director




At Mission Adelante, one of our core programs is providing English Language classes.  Groups meet for 11 weeks and begin at level 1 and can progress up to level 5 or join English Club to have an informal space to speak conversational English.  Towards the end of the trimester, students are tested to make sure they are ready to move on to the next level.  

Volunteers often go beyond to help students because of the relationships they have developed over many weeks. Due to a work conflict, a student was struggling to keep up with lessons.  The volunteer who had met with him consistently asked if he could meet outside the class to practice English to accommodate his schedule.  Over dinner they continued conversations together so the student could continue to make progress in speaking English. Sometimes our volunteers also get to practice Spanish, but not in the classroom!  To help our students focus on learning English, it is forbidden to speak Spanish during class.  A current volunteer meets his students outside of class to practice English and to allow him to practice Spanish. 

One of the few rules for ESL volunteers that I was handed down from my predecessor is “Don't tell your student you won’t be in class if you have to miss”. Why shouldn’t our volunteers tell their students that they will miss class? We have found that students tend to skip class when they know their conversation partner will be absent. It's obvious that students value the open communication, reliability, empathy, and opportunities for vulnerability that develop over the first few classes with their conversation partner. At Mission Adelante, our hope is that the relationships built during class would continue to exist, grow, and thrive long after the student graduates from the program!

There is a LOT of humor when you are learning a new language!  On Monday and Thursday nights, Mission Adelante is filled with boisterous laughter during our Latino English Language classes and conversational English Club about the silly parts of the English language that just don’t make sense, or about how something translates (or doesn’t!). For example, an “EXIT ONLY” sign could easily be mistranslated as  “SOLAMENTE ÉXITO” which translates literally to “ONLY SUCCESS”. Please tell me which door I need to walk through for THAT! Then, there is the infamous, hilariously awkward moment when a volunteer tries to express embarrassment by saying: “Estoy embarazada” (“I’m pregnant.”) when attempting to say “I am embarrassed.”  For someone who is already embarrassed (especially if you’re a dude!), it is a hilarious moment of class laughing together as they are learning. That one will never get old!

There is a huge need for English classes! People often wait in line for 2 hours to register for Level 1 English class because the class cap is 24 people, and there is typically at least 10 people put on the waitlist who have to wait another 4 months for an English class unless a spot opens up during our next trimester. Students pay $40 for the class which includes a workbook that they use each week for practice and a Mission Adelante T-Shirt.  We want them to have an investment in the class! Beyond the laughter and learning, this is what a typical night looks like for students and conversation partners: 

Before Class:

  • After registration, students and conversation volunteers are put in groups in groups with 1 conversation partner for two students and meet together each week for 11 weeks.  

During Class:

  • Students sit in groups with their conversation partners and each have a workbook they are going through.  The workbook focuses on how to use action words and vocabulary correctly, such as “to cook” and practicing using the phrase “I am cooking dinner.”

  • A teacher facilitates the classes from up front each week and leads the students and volunteers in progressing through the workbook together. It is a combination of reading the English words and speaking them outloud.

After Class:

  • Students must pass a test to advance to each level of English classes. If a student doesn't pass or feel comfortable moving on, they can choose to take level 1 again.

  • Level 2-5 classes are smaller than Level 1.  The same group of students and volunteers often continues to advance together through each level, though this is not required for volunteers or students. 

During one of the test days at Mission Adelante, many of the students were somewhat nervous to put the English they had been learning for the past 11 weeks to the test. After wiping the sweat from their brows and turning their tests in to the teachers, the results were in! One of the students did much better on the test than the other four people; however, after the students talked about it, all five students agreed they could use more instruction on understanding how to speak in the past tense and did not feel comfortable moving to level 5 just yet. They decided- “WE STAY TOGETHER!” and moved backwards TOGETHER to the level 3 of a brand new curriculum we were rolling out that focuses on the past tense. Though one of the students could have progressed, the bonds and friendships that are forming between students and volunteers, sharing meals together and lots of laughter is just as important as language proficiency.  

In a little less than two weeks, students will take their tests to see if they will progress to the next level of English Language classes.  There will be laughter, nervousness and celebration as both students and volunteers progress in cheering each other on.  If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about the Level 1 English Language class, our new volunteer orientation is coming up on Saturday May 17th. We would love to have you join us for these nights of laughter and learning.

Support English Language classes by becoming a monthly partner!

Our work is only possible through the prayerful generosity of our partners. We are currently inviting 50 people to give $100/month to strengthen our ability to provide classes like these. Would you consider joining our partnership team? If you’re interested give at: www.missionadelante.org/give

Hello!

HELLO!

by Jessica Fick, Partner Engagement Director

Hi, I’m Jessica Fick I’m thrilled to serve as the new Partner Engagement Director for Mission Adelante and to connect with many of you this year.  This past November, I transitioned into this role from being the Outreach Pastor at Hillcrest Covenant Church in Prairie Village.  In mobilizing our congregation to serve with Mission Adelante and Adelante Thrift, Jesus began to deepen my commitment to serve refugees and immigrants.  

Last December I spent time with members from my denomination at the border of San Diego and Tijuana. We learned from world class theologians what scripture says about immigrants, heard stories from a deported U.S. veteran and saw the community where Pastor Alexandria ministered to people separated from family members at the border. After the trip, I sensed the Holy Spirit inviting me to use my voice, love of connecting with others and doing justice in a more significant way. 

As someone whose background is in mobilizing people from all ages to share their faith, Jesus and justice outreaches on college campuses, and collaboration across differences for the greater good it seemed that the Lord had provided an ideal place to respond to his invitation to use my voice. 

Whatever stage of life you are in, I believe Jesus wants to use each of us to make a difference in our community and demonstrate his love to others.  I’ve loved that my husband Dave and our two teenage sons have had opportunities to see the world at our doorstep as we’ve volunteered with Mission Adelante.  As I learn the ropes of this new role, I am eager to work alongside you, our  amazing community and celebrate how Jesus is moving as we learn to love people from all places.

This is our time!

This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: www.missionadelante.org/give

The Image of God

The Image of God

by Kristen Maxwell, Refugee Resettlement Director

It’s hard to comprehend the number of displaced people in the world. Right now, there are 43.7 million refugees.  Behind the statistics and images are real people—parents, children, brothers, and sisters—each carrying their stories, struggles, and hopes. And as people of faith, we’re called to remember that every single one of them is made in the image of God.

The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27 that God made humanity in His image. This isn’t about physical resemblance—it’s about the imprint of God’s likeness on each of us. That truth doesn’t change based on someone’s circumstances, nationality, or immigration status.

When we look into the eyes of a refugee, we’re looking at someone who reflects the heart of God. Their courage to seek safety and a better future echoes God’s desire for justice and abundant life. Jesus himself experienced displacement as a child. When His family fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s violence, He became, in a very real sense, a refugee (Matthew 2:13-15). This shared experience connects us to Him even more deeply as we seek to walk alongside those fleeing danger today.

Last week, in our staff meeting, one of our team members shared how grateful they were that we had the opportunity to pause and acknowledge the image of God in the clients we serve and that we had the opportunity to get to know the person. That often looks like listening to someone’s story, sharing a meal, or simply offering a warm smile. Even small acts of connection can be profound reminders that they are seen, valued, and loved—not just by us, but by God.

In December, we have had the opportunity to welcome 21 individuals fleeing their homes thus far and will welcome 21 more over the rest of the month.  The average case we are receiving has been waiting for resettlement for over 10 years, some much less, but some much more.  One of the most beautiful aspects of welcoming refugees is how it enriches our lives. Refugees bring with them incredible strength, resilience, and cultural beauty. When we take the time to connect, we see that their presence is a gift—not just to them but to us as well.  God’s kingdom is gloriously diverse, and embracing that diversity here on earth gives us a glimpse of what’s to come. Building bridges of understanding and friendship honors the Creator who made us all.

This is our time!

This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: www.missionadelante.org/give

From Immigrant to Advocate: A Journey of Hope and Service

From Immigrant to Advocate: A Journey of Hope and Service

By Geraldin Olaya Crisanto, Refugee Resettlement Case Aid



At Mission Adelante, the work we do goes far beyond simply providing aid. Every day, we have the privilege of helping families rebuild their lives in a new country. As a Refugee Resettlement Case Aid, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with assisting refugees as they navigate their new lives in the United States. But for me, this work holds a special place in my heart because it is deeply personal.

I grew up in a family that made the courageous decision to leave everything behind in search of a better future. My parents migrated to the U.S. in pursuit of the American Dream, bringing my sisters and me along to give us the opportunities they never had. I’ll never forget the sacrifices they made, leaving behind their home, family, and everything familiar to build a life from scratch. In many ways, their journey mirrors the experience of the refugee families we serve at Mission Adelante.

As someone who has walked the path of immigration, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new country, a new culture, and a new language. The feelings of uncertainty and homesickness are all too familiar. Yet, amidst these struggles, I also experienced a deep sense of hope, the hope that comes with the chance for a better future. That hope, though it may flicker at times, is what keeps families pushing forward, even when the path seems uncertain.

This is why working in refugee resettlement feels like more than just a job to me. It feels like a calling, an opportunity to use my God-given gifts to help others on similar journeys.

One of the most meaningful moments for me came when my sister and her college club at K-State volunteered their time to support newly arrived refugee children. They assembled small “welcome kits” filled with colored pencils, coloring books, and activities. Something simple, but incredibly powerful. These kits will give the children something to enjoy and occupy their time while they wait for their permanent homes to be ready. To see my sister and her peers giving of their time and resources for these kids reminded me that no act is too small; each gesture has the potential to bring joy and comfort during a time of transition and uncertainty.

I am reminded daily of the importance of hope, compassion, and the gift of community. It’s truly amazing to be part of the refugee resettlement process and to witness the transformation that takes place in these families’ lives. From the relief of receiving a permanent home to the joy of children starting school and making new friends, each small victory reminds me of why this work is so important.

I feel so blessed to have found friends through my job at Mission Adelante. People who share the same passion for justice, kindness, and serving others. In these friendships, I find strength and encouragement, knowing that we are all part of a greater purpose.

Through it all, I’m reminded of the words from my favorite Psalm- Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” This work is a reflection of my own heart’s desire to serve, to help others, and to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. I am grateful every day for the opportunity to walk alongside these incredible families and to play a small part in their journey toward new beginnings.

As we continue to walk alongside these families and support their transition into a new life, we invite you to be a part of this important work. Whether through direct support, prayer, volunteering to help, or simply by being an advocate for refugees in your community. Together, we can continue to welcome and empower those who need it most.

This is our time!

This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: www.missionadelante.org/give

The Courage to Welcome: Building Bridges in a Divided Nation

The Courage to Welcome: Building Bridges in a Divided Nation

By Amy Herman, Reception and Placement Director



As I sit here writing this post on Election Day, 2024, I am saddened by how the world seems more divided than ever. The very people—our friends, our refugees, our neighbors—that we are biblically mandated to care for, are hiding in the shadows, wondering what tomorrow will bring and who they can trust.

I think of the 110 refugees we received this year, displaced and scattered from their homes by war, famine, or persecution. They are often the first to bear the weight of a divided world, waiting anxiously in camps or cities far from their homeland, hoping for a future where they are seen as people, not problems. What will today's election mean for them? Will their hopes for safety and opportunity be dashed, or will their voices be heard? 

As all of this is heavy on my heart and mind, I have seen a glimmer of hope from the local church and a call for unity in an era of division.

Friday night, we hosted folks from two local churches in a training session, who are committed to joining in unity the seven other Good Neighbor Teams coming alongside our Afghan, Congolese, Eritrean, Guatemalan, Venezuelan and Burmese families.  A Good Neighbor Team is a small group of people from a church or friend group who have said yes to walking alongside a newly arriving immigrant family for 6-12 months, providing tangible care, friendship, and community connection.

The Bible is clear about how we are to treat the stranger, the sojourner, and the foreigner. In the book of Leviticus, we are instructed to "love the foreigner as yourself" (Leviticus 19:34). Jesus Himself, when speaking of the final judgment, tells us that when we welcome the stranger, we welcome Him (Matthew 25:35).

In these scriptures, we see that hospitality is not a mere suggestion—it’s a divine command. But it’s also a powerful way to bridge the gap between people of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It’s a way to turn division into connection, fear into understanding, and suspicion into friendship.

Welcoming immigrants and refugees means offering not just a physical place but also a place of dignity, respect, and belonging. It means taking time to hear their stories, to recognize their humanity, and to walk with them through the challenges they face. It’s about seeing people as individuals, not as labels or stereotypes.

The negative portrayal of refugees in the media doesn't reflect my personal experience. This year alone, I’ve had the privilege of meeting 110 new refugees, building meaningful friendships, and being welcomed into the lives of hundreds of immigrants over the past 12 years. My journey has been one of connection, compassion, and mutual respect—experiences far removed from the fear-driven narratives often seen in the media.

So today, as I distract myself and focus on the beauty of my relationships with many immigrants from all corners of the world, our staff is busy moving a recently arrived family from Afghanistan into their new apartment. Free from the constant fear of the Taliban, they now have a chance to rebuild their lives in safety, surrounded by new opportunities and a community that welcomes them with open arms. It's a reminder of how fragile freedom can be, and how transformative a simple act of kindness can be in the lives of those who have endured unimaginable hardship.

Would you and your church or friend group or business join us in personally welcoming and discovering friendships with people from all places?  I can assure you and the lives of the new friends you welcome will be mutually impacted.  

If you are interested in forming a Good Neighbor Team or learning more about it, please reach out to me at resettlement@missionadelante.org.  

This is our time!

This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: www.missionadelante.org/give

Gracias a Dios!

Gracias a Dios!

By Caleb Miller, Refugee Empowerment Director

I’ve always loved learning. Since childhood, I’ve been a big reader. I liked going to school, unless the homework started to pile up too high, and I’ve always been interested in trying new things or going to new places. So when I joined Mission Adelante back in April, I was excited at the prospect of working with people from all over the world and the learning opportunities this would bring.


Over the course of seven months or so, there have been plenty of touchpoints with other cultures. Food, culture, body language, traditions, you name it. These are all ways that we teach each other about who we are and where we come from. But how we most tangibly communicate these things on a daily basis through language. On a weekly basis, I text (with the help of Google Translate) in Spanish, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, and Dari – maybe even some Tigrinya or Hahka Chin thrown in there as well. I grew up around other languages, having lived in the Czech Republic for most of my childhood, where I played on a Czech hockey team and attended international schools. I studied German throughout high school and college. I love languages, and I consider myself pretty decent at picking them up. 

As you can probably imagine, Google Translate can only do so much. It’s almost a daily occurrence for one of our staff to receive a message from one of our clients that either makes no sense or is translated so clunkily that we can’t help but laugh. And I’m absolutely positive that this happens on the other side as well, leaving our clients more confused than ever about what exactly these crazy Americans are trying to say. But over time, there are some words that become familiar and recognizable to us from these other languages, and I’d like to share a few words I’ve learned with you today along with my best attempts at their pronunciations:

Thank you:

Kinyarwanda, mainly spoken in Rwanda - “Murakoze” (mu-ra-KOH-zeh)

Dari, Afghanistan - “Tashakor” (tash-a-KOR)

Thank you, bye!:

Spanish - “Gracias adios!”

For a while after I would hear this phrase, I was confused because our clients would say “gracias adios” and then not go anywhere. I was unsure if they had a similar culture to Midwesterners, where goodbyes often rebound back into other conversations that require further attempts at goodbyes once the new topic is fully discussed. Eventually I found out that I’d been mishearing the phrase all along.

Thanks to God:

Spanish - “Gracias a Dios!”

Makes a lot more sense, doesn’t it?

Good bye:

Dari - “Khoda hafez” (HODO-fez)

This also means “may God protect you.”

Yep, ok, alright, sure, gotcha:

Dari - “Bale” (BA-le)

Spanish - “Vale” (VA-le)

Kinyarwanda - “Ego” (EH-go)

It’s kind of cool how Afghans and Spanish speakers have an almost identical sounding word with the same exact meaning despite living on opposite sides of the world and in vastly different contexts. 

Cool, fabulous, amazing:

Spanish - “Chevere” (SHEH-ve-re)

Basically this is what this word means →😎

I look forward to this list of words expanding as we welcome more new individuals and families into our city and our community. I’m sure the learning will continue in equal measure to the laughs I receive when I incorrectly pronounce these words in front of my clients. Though there may be language barriers, there are so many other ways to meaningfully communicate. And I’ve come to find that even knowing one or two words in someone else’s language can break down barriers. A multilingual author I like once talked about how when he spoke in someone else’s language, he found that they began to see him as “one of them.” I love this idea that learning from each other brings unity and connection. Thank you for living this out by following or being a part of our organization and I look forward to continuing to learn together!

This is our time!

This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: www.missionadelante.org/give

Video Post: A Critical Moment at Mission Adelante

Friends,

Over the next two months, we have two major initiatives happening simultaneously that will require the participation and support of all of our friends and partners.

  1. Refugee Resettlement Surge: Because of dynamics related to the recent election, we are preparing to receive around 100 refugees by mid-January. Many of these are people who have been waiting in refugee camps for a decade or more. All of them have already been vetted and approved for travel to the U.S. This will be a herculean undertaking that will change the lives of those new arrivals forever. We need your help!

    2. Property Expansion Project: We are raising $600,000 to build out our new Refugee Welcome Center with classrooms and office space to house our refugee programs. As of November 14, we have raised $204,000 in lead gifts toward this need! This is a game-changing opportunity for Mission Adelante. Would you consider giving to support this need?

Please watch this update video for more information and details.