Border

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

Our trip to El Paso

our trip to El paso

by Carla Garcia, Kids Ministry Director

Recently, Veronica, Patrique, and I were able to join the Westside Family Church on a trip to El Paso. It was a space to meet organizations in the Juarez/EP area that are aiding those migrating and looking for asylum. We got to see a first hand experience at what the border situation is like and compare it to how that is showcased in the media. We met families, who although have had an arduous journey are hopeful for what the future has in store. Kids who were eager to chat and play and adults who taught us tai-chi. The trip was also packed with informational and educational workshops like immigration law 101 (can’t believe my friend Veronica enjoys that stuff) and immigration theology. But the best part was the fellowship with everyone on that trip - from walks after dinner to find dessert to debriefing our experiences, it was all wonderful! This was also a very personal and emotional experience for me. My family and I immigrated through Juarez/EP’s port of entry 23 years ago. Now with DACA, I’m able to work in the United States but am not allowed to go back to Mexico. I had this feeling of being so close yet so far. It inspired many poems but here’s one that encapsulates exactly what I felt.

Las Aves

Hoy vuelvo a sentir ese sentimiento sin igual 

Aquel que me hace sentir supernatural 

Pero no de una manera genial o poderosa

Al contrario bajo la mirada y me quedo silenciosa

Porque aún siento el corazón partido

Como un pájaro que se ha quedado sin nido

Y es que no soy ni de aquí ni de allá

Y lo único que me detiene es una muralla

Aunque por los huecos aún puedo ver

Mi México lindo y su bello atardecer

Ojalá un día mi alas vuelvan a sentir tus vientos

Y en tu ríos gocen mis pies sedientos

Pero por ahora esperaré con la mirada al cielo

Hasta que en realidad se convierta mi gran anhelo

De ser como las aves que migran en la nubes

Que como les plazca, bajan y suben

Se posan en pinos y nopales por igual 

Pero yo por ahora sigo mi vida habitual

De ser ni de allá y ni de aquí

Pero deseando ser colibrí

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
JOIN US FOR VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION - may 18TH 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 May 18th, 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.