suffering

Navigating Life's Challenges

Navigating Life's Challenges: A Journey of Faith, Prayer, and Deliverance"

by Elaine Reimers, Latino ESL Ministry Director


Recently my life has taken an unexpected turn down a road I perceive will include ditches, potholes, and possibly stormy conditions. Truthfully, I think I would rather use the free will that God has given me to turn and walk the other way, leaving this undesired and inopportune season of my life in the dusty road behind my weary, dragging feet. After all, there are a few references in the Bible that imply we as humans have free will over our lives.

Take for instance 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV) where Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church saying that although we say “I have the right to do anything,” it does not mean that“everything is beneficial”; he ends that passage saying that “not everything is constructive.”

Then, there is Paul’s letter to the Galatians that says:

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love”

(Gal. 5:13, NIV).

I can’t think of a single moment of suffering I have been through in my life that I would have chosen at the time. The truth is, although we can choose things like the clothes we pick out in the morning and what we eat for lunch, no one can choose to have a problem-free life.

You have likely heard the phrase: “if it’s not one thing, it’s another.” I imagine this phrase has been translated into thousands of languages because problems are no respecter of nationality, race, nor economic status. Problems can be served on gold, ceramic, or wooden platters. Maybe this only happens to me, but I feel like just as I get one issue settled and I am feeling good about life again, something else is knocking at the door ready to steal away my peace of mind, my joy, and my hope; often leaving me with worry, doubt, and frustration. I have been through my share of problems and have yet to come up with the equation to solve them all in a set amount of time or steps. Each one is unique and requires a specific approach.

If I could create a math equation to solve the problems we face in this life, it would look something like this, I think:

In other words: if you add Prayer and Holy Grit together, and then multiply the sum times Faith to the Power of God you get Deliverance.

The equation seems simple enough, right? But when I examine it, what I discover is that our Deliverance ultimately depends on the Power of God-not us! What God requires of us is to pray and strive to maintain an attitude of steadfastness and endurance along with keeping our faith active and thriving. This can be easier said than done!

It takes work on our part to keep us going until God delivers us. Let me assure you that this work is not done in vain, rather it is preparing you for the next inevitable and unexpected trial to knock on your door.

I encourage you the next time you are answering the door to that unwelcome guest, to fall to your knees and cry out to God. Ask Him to remind you to pray unceasingly and to face whatever issue it might be with a steadfast heart and an unwavering faith in Him. Lay down your feelings of worry, doubt, and frustration and reclaim your peace of mind, your joy, and your hope! Then, get to work! In His timing, you will see your deliverance!

After reading this over and over while writing it the last few days, I am feeling encouraged by my own words-by the message that God shared through me. Thank you, Jesus, for the power of Your Word and the resolve that You have so graciously given me in this season.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

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.

“I am here for you, you are not alone.”

“I am here for you, you are not alone.”

by Mikya Wright, Ministry Apprentice



As the school year starts, a lot of different emotions arise! There’s excitement, but there is also a lot of stress. Homework, jobs, different relationships, and sports can be major stressors. I am starting college and I’ll admit that change is really stressful! While change is good and necessary, it can also be really hard. Even for those of us who are not in school right now, this time of year is often one of change.

But I want to encourage you, that even if you are going through a stressful time, there is joy in the suffering! This week during staff huddle, Patrique led the Bible Study over 2 Corinthians 1:3-11. One of the main themes we talked about is how we are not alone in our suffering, and how we need to share the joy and the suffering we experience. When we keep our suffering to ourselves it can become even more painful and lonely. But when we share our struggles, it feels less heavy.

We also need to be willing to show up for others in their suffering. We don’t need to fix the problem, but we can sit with someone and say, “I am here for you, you are not alone.” One thing we need to remember is that our suffering is not for nothing, there is so much to learn from it! Suffering is truly a gift, even though it might not feel like it at the moment. We can find comfort in our Lord. And know that if you are going through hard times, you are loved and not alone!

““Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.””
— ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
JOIN US TO VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION ON 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 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.

  • 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.