Ministry isn’t just about structure and planning, it’s about presence, about truly seeing people and making space for them.
Running on Empty: Restoration for the long haul
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.”
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!
We're Shocked
We've Seen Beautiful Things
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””
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.
Oh, no! He Never Lets Go…
Oh, no! He Never Lets Go…
by Elaine Reimers, Adult Ministry Director
I would like to share with you a true story about God’s unexplainable omnipotence; His unmatchable faithfulness; and the immeasurable love and compassion that He so freely lavishes on us every day. During this Christmas season, like many, I am reflecting on the goodness of Father God. I think about what it must have been like to willingly come to this world, knowing that you would ultimately be crucified by the same people you breathed life into- brutally beaten, spit on, humiliated, and nailed to a cross by the people you came to save! And yet, He came. He came for you and he came for me! He came. He suffered. He died. And He rose again….all because He loves us. He truly, truly loves us, and the recollection of a road trip on a bitterly cold winter’s night always reminds me of this undeniable fact.
Sometime during the winter, approximately 13 years ago, my children’s father, my two oldest sons, and my only daughter, and I were on a road trip from Kansas City to the Christmas Mountain Village Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. We packed up our SUV and hit the road excited about finally getting away. My daughter was still in an infant car seat, which means that my two oldest boys had to have been approximately 4 and 6-years-old. The trip started off as normal as could be: we stopped for gas; I bought my favorite travel snack, Peanut Butter M&Ms; and the kids most likely convinced us to buy them those high-priced juices with the latest movie/television character as the spout-remember those?! Then, of course once we were on the road, there was the expected and inevitable kids' bantering turned to bullying, pulling over for the potty and diaper changes, baby girl crying in the rear-facing car seat, car games like who can get through the alphabet A to Z using the first letter of words seen along the highway, etc. We were having as much fun as two parents on a road trip with three kids under the age of seven could have and we were looking forward to arriving that evening to our cozy little cabin in the woods, safe and sound.
The meteorologist on the radio was forecasting below zero temperatures overnight and I certainly was not doubting it because as we drove further North and the sun dipped below the horizon of the Western Uplands of Wisconsin, I could definitely feel the plummeting temperatures even from inside our vehicle. Although my feet were very cold, I was safe and protected from the elements and at least we would be getting to the resort soon, I thought. I was starting to feel a little sleepy and weary from being on the road all day. I couldn’t wait to be able to relax and get some sleep! And then, suddenly, the lights flickered in the SUV’s cabin and the heater turned off on its own. There was a beeping coming from the dashboard that intensified the already tense situation. I was sure the vehicle would break down at any moment. What were we going to do? We were in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, with no sign of a gas station in sight with our three children! We couldn’t remember the last time we had seen a gas station so we weren’t sure whether to keep going, or to turn back. We definitely could not risk stopping, so we forged ahead, into the unknown. The only thing I could think of was to pray…
I was scared! Between my pleas to God, all I could think about was how we would surely end up stranded on the side of the highway overnight and freeze to death with our kids. As we continued driving and the beeping persistently reminded us of our pending doom, we finally saw it! There was a sign on the side of the highway indicating that there was a gas station just a few miles down the road. I hope we make it, I surely thought! The next thing I know, we are on the offramp and there it was - the first sign of life we had seen in miles off to the right. Thank God! We pulled into the parking lot and as soon as we stopped the car, it lost all power and shut off and would not start again. I could see a woman vacuuming the rug just inside the foggy, glass door. She looked like she was ready to go home! Come to find out, she was just about to lock up and do just that! We had made it in the nick of time. Praise Jesus! My kids’ father jumped out of the vehicle and rushed in to meet the woman to ask for help. Just then, I saw a minivan pull into the parking lot and then I noticed a small group of Christmas carolers that I had not noticed before. They were singing joyfully for our Lord right outside the gas station door. (I had never actually seen people Christmas caroling. I thought that only happened in the movies!) Next, I see the woman in the minivan get out and go into the gas station. At this point, I am overwhelmed with a song that I had been listening to a lot and I know it was the Holy Spirit that brought it to my lips when I turned around and saw my three kids fast asleep in the backseat.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Your perfect love is casting out fear. And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life, I won't turn back. I know You are near. And I will fear no evil. For my God is with me. And if my God is with me, whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear? Oh no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm! Oh no, You never let go, in every high and every low. Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me!
I sang in a quiet voice that filled the now even colder SUV. Tears were streaming down my cheeks as I tried to stay calm and focus on the words of the song coming out of my mouth. Eventually, my kids’ father came back to the vehicle and told me that we had just reached the only gas station that exists for miles and that, yes, they were indeed closing up for the night in a matter of minutes!
Seconds later, the woman who had gone into the station after my kids’ father (and whom I will never, ever forget) came out of the door after “just stopping by ON A WHIM to say ‘Hello!’” to her friend, the woman vacuuming. At the time, I believed it was “on a whim”, but over the years I have come to realize that this was and is a testament of God’s omnipotence, His faithfulness, and His love and compassion! He promises us regarding His omnipotence in Isaiah 55 verse 10-11 that just “as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” And, Psalm 91:3-4 certainly declares a clear message in regard to His faithfulness, love, and compassion for us when it reads: “Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” The woman, whose name is Cindy, did not stop by on a whim at all! She stopped by because God prompted her to do so at just the right time because He knew that His children needed Him and that only He could do what needed to be done; and He ultimately did this because He is not a man that He should lie and He promises faithfulness and, yes, He truly, truly loves us…
To wrap this precious story up with the little bow it deserves, I am so excited (even years later) to share with you that our angel in disguise, Cindy, helped move all of our luggage (kids and baby included) from our SUV into her minivan and drove us about an hour to our little cozy cabin in the woods. When we pulled up, she jumped out eagerly and unloaded our bags (and kids) with joy and a constant smile. She promised to come pick my kids’ father up the next day to take him to the mechanic shop near her house about 45 minutes away to pick our SUV- and she was faithful in doing so! She even turned the fireplace on and stayed a few minutes chatting until she saw that we were feeling settled in! Wow, it still blows my mind to this day to think about how God came through at just the right time and that we can EXPECT this of Him every time. His coming through may not always look exactly how we imagine or want it, but He never fails and you can be absolutely certain that He never lets go.
P.S. My family and I had the privilege of driving to Cindy’s house in Wisconsin years later to say “Hello!” and to thank her once again for her kindness, generosity, and selflessness on that cold winter’s night!
This is our time!
This is our time! Help us build out our new Refugee Welcome Center. Donate here: 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.
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?
Donate Here: https://www.missionadelante.org/give
Please watch this update video for more information and details.
This is Our Time
This is Our Time
by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director
Mission Adelante, like the rest of the world, is digesting the results of the U.S. presidential election. Given our experiences during the previous Trump presidency and the rhetoric and policy statements that have been made regarding immigrants and refugees during the recent campaign, we are anticipating a challenging season for our community and a disruption in the government programs for refugee resettlement and support.
Nevertheless, Mission Adelante is resolute in our commitment to serve the immigrant and refugee communities in Kansas City. We have been swimming against the cultural current for 19 years and we have been forged in the fire of unfavorable political policies and harsh public rhetoric for much of our history as a ministry. And yet, our passion for “loving people from all places” grows only stronger when those we are called to serve are marginalized. The ears of our hearts become even more attentive when we hear Jesus say, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”. Mission Adelante exists, in part, to stand in the gap for vulnerable people whose worth others may not recognize.
We are not alone in our conviction and commitment to compassionate action. We have seen churches, schools, businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the metro area and the region rise to the occasion and join us in serving, sharing life, and sharing Jesus with our neighbors from all places. When our resilient and courageous community of immigrants and refugees is joined by Americans who are serious about “loving our neighbor as ourselves”, a powerful “new we” emerges that challenges the “us vs. them” narrative.
Friends, this is our time. And when I say “our time”, I mean a collective “OUR” that includes YOU. This is our collective time to shine and we need YOU to be part of the WE. Over the coming weeks, we will be rolling out some new and timely ways for you to engage. Please stay tuned! Whether through praying, serving, or giving, we invite you to join us in loving people from all places.
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 – For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
Autumn: America’s Favorite Season
Autumn: America’s Favorite Season
by Patrique Harris, Youth Ministry Director
In a 2022 Morning Consult survey of 2,120 U.S. adults, 41% identified fall as their favorite season, while 24% preferred spring and summer, and just 11% chose winter. By a landslide, fall seems to be America’s favorite season! However, I must admit that after ten years of living in the United States, I’ve never fully understood its appeal. The crisp weather and falling leaves typically remind me that winter is fast approaching. This autumn, though, has been different. The lingering summer warmth and a few delightful moments have shifted my perspective on the season. Here are some of my fall favorites so far!
CCDA Conference in Portland, Oregon
In early October, eight members of our Mission Adelante team journeyed to Portland, Oregon, for the Christian Community Development Association’s (CCDA) National Conference. This annual gathering brings together community development practitioners from across the country. This was my third conference experience, but my very first time in Portland—and on the West Coast, for that matter! The 2024 theme, 'Home,' drew inspiration from Jeremiah 29:5: 'Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens and eat the food they produce.' As always, the conference included vibrant worship, networking, and thought-provoking plenaries and workshops. Most speakers reflected on what home means to them—not just in a physical sense, but also in terms of belonging and connection.
As I navigated the conference, I pondered various facets of my home(s). I’ve had several addresses—St. Catherine, Jamaica; Middletown, CT; New York, NY; and now Kansas City, KS—which have shaped my complex experience with belonging. While I’ve been privileged to move to new, welcoming homes voluntarily, it often feels like pieces of my belonging are scattered across the places I’ve lived and the people I’ve shared life with, never feeling fully woven into any one community.
The conference beautifully allowed me to process these challenging realities while refreshing myself in a new place—and Oregon did not disappoint! A few of us rented a minivan and traveled from downtown Portland to Cannon Beach (I learned that parts of the Twilight film were shot there). The beach was a stark contrast to the tropical shores I was used to—definitely too cold for a swim—but the misty air and massive sea stack rock formations rising from the water were spectacular! On our way back, I convinced Carla to pull over so we could hug one of the majestic pine trees together!
Apple Picking at Cider Hill Family Orchard
This fall, I also participated in a quintessential autumn activity: apple picking! One beautiful Sunday afternoon, my mom and I visited Cider Hill Family Orchard, a lovely property on the edge of Wyandotte County. As you can imagine, it was bustling with friends and families that had the same idea as my mom and I. The last time I went apple picking was in 2019, and it was my mom’s first time picking American apples, so we were both excited! The highlight was discovering the delicious Evercrisp variety—a cross between Fuji and Honeycrisp apples. It is the perfect mix of sweetness and crunch, and I honestly think it’s the best apple I’ve ever tasted! I enjoyed the experience so much that I did it again, this time with our Mission Adelante Leadership Training Project students!"
Celebrating My 29th Birthday
Another highlight of October was turning 29! A small downside was realizing I probably can no longer refer to myself as a young adult. Still, this birthday felt special because it marked the first time in several years that I could celebrate with the woman who gave me life! On the eve of my birthday, my mom prepared a traditional Jamaican meal—Stew Peas—for our staff at Mission Adelante. Contrary to what the name suggests, it's a stew made with red kidney beans, not green peas. I wish I had taken photos of the meal, but it was gone before I had the chance! Sharing this traditional dish with my work family while enjoying my mother’s company was beautiful. To top off the celebrations, Carla and Veronica took me out for an authentic Kansas City jazz experience at Lonnie’s Reno Club, curated by trumpeter Lonnie McFadden. While I sometimes get the birthday jitters, this year I was filled with gratitude for the wonderful people God has placed in my life.
In many ways, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for autumn as a season of gathering. The warmth of my relationships and the fresh experiences I’ve enjoyed have made fall a serious contender for my favorite season. As I step into this new year of my life, I will cherish these moments and embrace the joy of these connections.
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.
Wrestling with the Wind
Wrestling with the Wind
by Elaine Reimers, Adult Ministry Director
In 2 Corinthians chapter 12 verses 1-10, the apostle Paul wrote about where his strength in hardship and weakness came from. He recognized, although he wrestled with God as he cried out three times pleading with Him to remove the thorn from his flesh, that God’s grace was sufficient for him because His power is made perfect in weakness (verses 8-9). I am sure many of us can relate to that feeling of a thorn in our flesh. Your thorn could be a chronic illness, a toxic relationship, a living arrangement, or maybe even a painful memory. There are many things that can be considered a thorn in the flesh that seemingly keep us from progressing and can put a damper on achieving our goals and seeing dreams come true. I know I am not the only one who has dreams, goals, and aspirations. There are many things I want to accomplish and see come to fruition before my time on this Earth is up. I (probably selfishly) would like to be able to choose how I spend my time, who I spend my time with, and who I help and how I help them. Of course, there are many other things I would like to be able to control when it comes to what my life is and what it will become; there is nothing easy about surrendering our will for ourselves and voluntarily accepting God’s will for our lives. Although this exchange of wills will probably never be a cut and dried operation, it is important to realize that in our wrestling with God between His and our will, we can discover freedom, joy, and peace about the future that, in all reality, only He knows.
I was not born with a clue of what I wanted to be when I grew up, but as I have matured into the slightly intellectual person I am today, it has become very clear to me that I still absolutely do not have the slightest clue of what I want to be when I grow up! I could, however, list a myriad of things I do not want to be… Is it really necessary to know, without a doubt, what I want to do for the balance of my life? Do I have to have it all together and know what I’ll be doing a year from now? Ten years from now? So much of what we see and hear today tries its best to make us think that without a plan we will be left behind, and our life will be meaningless and worthless. We unknowingly search for guidance and comfort when we scroll through posts and blogs on social media as we also struggle with the fear of missing out. But, wait, what happens when a quiet and subtle voice says “My child, you don’t have to do all that- you’re doing too much. You’re worrying too much. You’re looking in the wrong places. Don’t you see? You’re making your plans without even considering my plans for you..!” Many times, His voice will contradict our false and fleshly sense of autonomy; and it has the invisible power to uproot everything we thought we knew just as a tree is plucked out of the ground by a tornado.
Unfortunately, our flesh and His will are and will almost never be in agreement. Fortunately, He is the All-Powerful, All-Sovereign, and All-Knowing God and I believe that we can trust Him just as Jeremiah trusted Him when God said to him in Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Some of you may, or may not, know that I am currently walking through something of a windstorm. I have been wrestling with this wind of God now for soon-to-be three months and did not recognize it for what it is until about a month ago- I am wrestling with my Creator and the Author of my life! I have been unconsciously (okay, also sometimes consciously) plugging both my ears and singing “fa-la-la-la-la-la-la” as loud as I can to drown out the wind swirling around me that just won’t let up. I feel it pushing and pulling me in all directions out of nowhere. I have tried to hold my tree to the ground and keep those roots covered, safe, and undisturbed because, (and I shout to the wind, crying and in deep despair): “before this all happened I was just fine! My tree was growing strong and steady! I was nurturing it daily. It had the perfect amount of branches and flowers. I laid under it daily, mesmerized with its growing beauty, and it protected me.” I have verbalized my feelings of discomfort, loss, anger, and disappointment to a few people in my circle who have listened to and encouraged me so graciously as I have experienced all of the new branches that are pushing through the surface of my tree’s trunk. They have been witnesses to my wrestling with God as He begins to replace my discomfort with calmness, my loss with gain, my anger with delight, and my disappointment with enjoyment. Praise Jesus for the joy that comes in the morning! I am not all the way there but I know with all my heart that He is the only One who could have pulled me out of the pit I was in just a short while ago- He makes beauty from ashes!
It has been challenging to take life as it has been inevitably coming at me and to make the best of it regardless of the type of flowers that bloom on my tree’s new branches, but I am a witness to the power of God and His unending love for each of us and I trust that when I finally decide to allow Him to yank the roots out and plant a new thing that it will be wonderful and beautiful and beyond what I could ever think, dream, or imagine! Is it scary to just have that blind faith and allow things to happen to you even amidst all the doubts and questions? Yes! Of course it is! Have I pleaded with God to hurry up and get me past this situation so my life can go back to normal? One hundred percent! Have I told Him what my plans were before this and how I will never be able to fulfill my dreams and reach my goals if I have to stay in this for even one more day? Yes… and that sweet, small, subtle voice replies: “My daughter, what if you can do both? What if you do this for Me and you can fulfill your dreams also? I will help you. Trust me. Can’t you just trust Me?” I cannot truthfully say that when I look up at my tree from my place of repose beneath it that I don’t see branches I would like to prune (or to just completely cut off), but I am choosing to trust that God knows what is best for me and that, although I feel weak and weakened by the unexpected calamities around me, that His grace is sufficient for me; and I echo Paul when he wrote: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV)
I would like to encourage each one of you reading this to consider that maybe our wrestlings with God don’t have to be a time to compare His will against ours. Maybe it’s a time to allow God to wrestle with our flesh on our behalf and conform it to Him. Maybe your wrestling with Him looks and feels nothing like mine. I believe what is most important is that we are wrestling because that is when we are the most connected to Him and the most open to hearing what He has to say. Let’s unplug our ears and suit up for the matches to come. It’s worth it! You are worth it! He is worth it. God bless you, in Jesus’ name. Amen and amen.
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.
Breaking Down Language Barriers: Empowering Immigrants Through Communication
Breaking Down Language Barriers: Empowering Immigrants Through Communication
by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Education Director
Language is one of the biggest challenges faced by immigrants and refugees when they arrive in a new country. It affects almost every aspect of their lives, from finding employment to accessing healthcare, forming social connections, and even completing basic tasks like grocery shopping or understanding public transportation. At Mission Adelante, we recognize that breaking down these language barriers is crucial to helping newcomers thrive in their new communities.
Our ESL classes are more than just an educational program; they are a place where immigrants and refugees can build community. Learning a new language in a supportive environment allows them to connect with others who are facing similar challenges, creating a sense of belonging. Friendships are formed, support systems are built, and students encourage one another to keep pushing forward, even when the lessons feel difficult.
The Role of Volunteers in Breaking Down Language Barriers
Our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in this process. Many of them come from the greater Kansas City area and work one-on-one with students, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical language. The connections formed between students and volunteers often go beyond the classroom, fostering a deeper sense of community integration. Thankful is an understatement when I think about the impact of our ESL volunteers, past and present!
Volunteers help personalize the learning experience, addressing individual challenges students may face and ensuring that each person has the support they need to succeed.
Mission Adelante is continuing to expand our ESL programs and offering accessible language support. We aim to equip every immigrant and refugee in our community with the tools they need to flourish.
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.