Losing a Mentor

Losing a Mentor

by Carla Flores, Kids Ministry Director

A couple of weeks ago, I was informed that my student-teaching mentor, Annette Bright, had suddenly passed away. It was a huge shock to all who had the joy of meeting and knowing her. Annette was a person who radiated Jesus’ love, had a sense of humor like no other, and enjoyed advocating for those around her. I met Annette in January 2020 at Frances Willard Elementary. I had chosen this school to be the place where I would complete my student teaching training since it had been my elementary school 15 years ago. It was a school that I remembered fondly and whose teachers had left an impact on my life. Annette met me and began mentoring me with open hands, teaching me the ropes to becoming a great teacher not only through her words but through her actions as well. She invited me into her classroom and even allowed me to add pieces of myself into it. 

Over the course of the next few months, Annette demonstrated what it meant to be a great teacher. Focusing on creative ways to teach her students, advocating for students during state assessments, and even standing up for teachers as the district added to their workload and made neverending changes. If you know me, you know I tend to shy away from confrontation. During my first PLC (Professional Learning Community) meeting, the 5th grade team, instructional coach, and principals were addressing state assessments and the process of data collecting afterwards. I was taking notes to ensure I would be ready for the test taking season. Annette began advocating for her students, mentioning the stress and pressure state testing brought to them. I listened intently and learned more about teaching than I had in my 4 years in college. Annette not only knew her students but used her role as a teacher to make their education one that they would enjoy and be meaningful for their lives in the long run. This instance was one of many that impacted me and led me to be the teacher I am today. 

Annette loved snow days; she'd bring out her beloved snow day flag, signed by Bryan Busby, a local weatherman, a day before in hopes that it would help bring in some snow. KCKPS had not used a snow day this school year but on January 25th, even with a lack of snow, a snow day was given. I believe this was orchestrated by God to give Annette a beautiful snow day on the day of her passing. Annette, if I could see you again, I’d let you know how much you’ve impacted my life. How your quirky smirk and humorous outlook on life planted a seed of joy in my heart. How you advocating for your students through words and action meant and taught me much more than any college class could. How your love of Jesus and your Catholic faith shown out of you through your love for your students, fellow teachers, and even a stranger in your classroom like myself. I’m thankful to have learned and been mentored by you. My life, your students’ lives, and so many others have been shaped by your dedicated and steadfast spirit. Cheers to another snow day, my dear friend.

Please join me in praying for Annette’s family and friends: her husband Dean, her beloved sons Micah and Seth, and her students and coworkers at Frances Willard Elementary.

Mission Adelante Observation Nights

March 6th to March 9th

Are you interested in taking the next step to volunteer? Take a glimpse of what is going at Mission Adelante and what we are doing in our different programs.

This is a great opportunity to have the full experience of a Mission Adelante volunteer.

For more information visit: www.missionadelante.org/observe


Be part of our programs!

 We are so excited to start this year and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us this trimester?

How can you help?

  • Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

  • Volunteer – Come to one of our obseveration nights the first week of March. For more information visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/observe

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

MY STORY

my story

by Patrique Harris, Youth Ministry Director

I grew up in a rural town called Ewarton, nestled in the valleys of St. Catherine, Jamaica. I am the first child of Patrick and Sandra Harris. My father, Patrick, worked at a bauxite plant near our home (he still works there today!), and my mother, Sandra, cared for the home and her garden. A couple years after I was born, my brother, Sheldon, joined the family and then came my twin brothers, Brandon and Brian. My parents were committed to our family and in our household, they prioritized nurturing our faith and our education.


My mother, Sandra, is a woman of service. Although she had several aspirations professionally, she put them on hold to care for her children. She took care of drop-offs and pick-ups for school and extracurriculars, prepared meals, volunteered at school events, and was the primary disciplinarian! However, more than serving her family, she spent considerable time serving her community. I remember her making multiple trips per week to remote areas of the town to deliver hot meals to sick and shut-in members of our church. Needless to say, I had to accompany her on several of these trips. I didn’t realize it at the time, but seeing her commitment to service planted a seed in me to also serve.

At nine years old, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and got baptized at Linstead Baptist Church. I can still remember my conviction, even at that age, that I could not get through life without God’s love and grace. There's definitely nothing quite like having faith like a child! 

At twelve years old, I got accepted to my first-choice high school, Campion College. This was a huge accomplishment, but it brought some of my earliest hardships. Not only was Campion challenging academically, but the school is located in Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston – about 34 miles from my home. With peak-hour traffic, this meant a 4-hour commute daily. My father would wake me up at 4am each morning to catch my bus at 5am, and I wouldn’t return home until 5pm most evenings. This was my reality for the 7 years I spent at Campion. When I look back, I marvel at God’s hand during that period. There were definitely days when I felt exhausted and even jealous of my peers who lived down the street from school. But I persevered and ultimately, the grit I harnessed from this experience was God preparing me for my next big transition - moving to the United States.

At 18 years old, I moved to the United States to attend Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. This meant a lot of firsts for me. It was my first time living away from family, missing holidays in Jamaica, having a roommate, experiencing winter, working while studying, and being considered a “minority”. My faith was rocked during this time. There weren't many Caribbean, Black, Christian women on campus. Finding community felt impossible and I began to feel self-conscious about my identity. Right on time, in my lowest moment, God sent a few Good Samaritans down my path. They checked on me, helped me with anything and everything, and celebrated me for who I was. Even though we were more different than similar, I felt belonging with these friends. When I graduated Wesleyan, I remember being overwhelmed with emotion.​​ God’s goodness was evident!

I never imagined that a few years later God would move me to full-time ministry in Kansas City! At Mission Adelante, I have had the opportunity to serve alongside fantastic folks who are all committed to loving people from all places. From Ewarton and Kingston, Jamaica to Connecticut and Kansas City, God has faithfully guided and provided for me. I pray that you’ll continue to trust that he is doing the same for you

Be part of our programs!

 We are so excited to start this year and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us this trimester?

How can you help?

  • Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

  • Volunteer – Come to one of our obseveration nights the first week of March. For more information visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/observe

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

A Dream Team Board of Directors

by Jarrett Meek

Being aware of and embracing the phases of an organization’s growth and development is not an easy task. Like parenting, each new phase of an organization requires different skills and intentional adjustments.

In the early growth stages of Mission Adelante, our board of directors was made up primarily of my own life-long friends who were excited to contribute to Mission Adelante’s mission and success. As a founder, I was grateful to have a trusted and competent group of people backing me in this endeavor. Because of our long-term relationships and shared history, alignment was easy and decision-making streamlined. In the midst of the many challenges that come with starting a new organization, our board of directors was a steady and uncomplicated source of encouragement and wisdom. That original board of directors largely stayed together for about 12 years, before some members began to transition off. They served well, gave generously, and used their gifts and experience to provide a healthy and stable foundation for the ministry during our early phases of growth.

Mission Adelante is now in a new stage of development as we move toward maturity and next generation leadership. One of the most important aspects of this maturing process starts with our board of directors. Over the last few years, we’ve been active in pursuing new board members from all places who bring perspectives from diverse cultural backgrounds as well as strengths and experiences that address some of the most important big-picture needs of our ministry. What we have now is an exciting, energized, and diverse group of leaders who are contributing in new ways to the success of Mission Adelante! I’m thrilled to introduce you to our Dream Team board of directors!

Todd Jones, an attorney working in the Commercial Title Insurance industry, serves as our Chairperson. Todd joined our board in 2006 and has provided continuity through the evolution of our board over the years.

Ariel Griffin, whose father immigrated from Nigeria, is our Secretary and originally served with Mission Adelante as a college intern in 2011. She has earned two Master’s degrees and serves on a variety of boards.

Michael Fry, our Treasurer, is the co-founder and owner of Brown Button Estate Sales, bringing business and entrepreneurial experience to the table.

Israel Guillermo immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico as a child, and understands the challenges of growing up in new country. He has earned a Master’s degree in Project Management and works in I.T.. Israel serves on our Education and Advocacy committee.

Reid Kapple, a local Pastor, brings a theological depth, extensive experience with the local church, and a passion for issues of biblical justice, especially related to immigration. He serves on our Education and Advocacy Committee.

Kori Carew, an attorney who immigrated from Sierra Leone, is a professional speaker, coach and trainer specializing in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. She is passionate about coaching and mentoring leaders and others to create belonging in organizations. Kori also serves on our Education and Advocacy Committee.

Steve Steddom interacted frequently with Mission Adelante over many years in his previous role as the Executive Director of the Harry J. Lloyd Charitable Trust. Steve has recently earned his PhD and is now a nonprofit consultant and coach with expertise in philanthropy. Steve serves on our Partner Engagement and Fundraising Committee.

Nayeli Flores, an entrepreneur from Mexico, earned her Master’s in Business Administration in Spain. She currently serves as the President of the Kansas City chapter of the Global Network of Mexican Professionals (Red Global MX). She serves on our Partner Engagement and Fundraising Committee.

Felipe Ham was part of the original team of volunteers who started Mission Adelante. After years of serving in our children’s ministry, he joined our Board of Directors and serves on our Ministry and Personnel Committee.

Wendy English first connected with our ministry as a volunteer in our Youth Club. In the marketplace, she works in Human Resources as a Corporate Recruiter. She serves on our Ministry and Personnel Committee.

Jarrett Meek, that’s me! As Pastor and Executive Director, it is my joy to work with this Dream Team of board members to lead Mission Adelante into an exciting future!

For more about our Board of Directors, please visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/board

Be part of our programs!

 We are so excited to start this year and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us this trimester?

How can you help?

  • Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

  • Volunteer – Come to one of our obseveration nights the first week of March. For more information visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/observe

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

Remembering the great ending of 2022

Remembering the great ending of 2022 

by Gissell Vazquez, Adults Ministry Director.

The end of 2022 brought many surprises and good experiences. One of my favorites was doing our traditional ESL Christmas Party.

Our last one was in 2019 before COVID hit. This year we didn’t want to go without celebrating what God did with this amazing community.

People from different countries came together on December 14th to celebrate. We had so much fun and so much food! What a mixture of cultures represented.

From the traditional Mexican tacos, the Honduran baleadas, to the classic American green bean casserole, and so many other things that I couldn’t mention.

People from all places in a beautiful display of a diverse community: The students with a common need to learn a foreign language and the volunteers that serve by teaching English.  

The Karaoke competition lit up the night! You’d be surprised by how many hidden talents are out there. Cecilia Flores made her way up to first place by singing “Ya te olvidé”. What a powerful performance that made the audience aplaude euphorically.

Jarrett Meek, Mission Adelante’s Executive Director/Founder/Pastor enlightened us with a beautiful Christmas reflection about joy. And, we ended the night handing out students certificates and volunteers awards. It was an honor to celebrate the students and volunteers.

I am so happy that we are back in our new trimester. Thank you to all who participated in ESL in 2022. We’re looking forward to a wonderful 2023. 

¡Recordando el final del año 2022!

El final del año 2022 trajo muchas sorpresas y buenas experiencias. Una de mis actividades favoritas fue hacer nuestra tradicional fiesta de Navidad de ESL. La última fue en 2019 antes de que llegara el COVID. No queríamos pasar sin celebrar lo que Dios hizo en el 2022 con esta increíble comunidad. 

Personas de diferentes países se reunieron el 14 de diciembre para celebrar. ¡Tuvimos tanta diversión y tanta comida! ¡Qué mezcla de culturas representadas! Desde los tradicionales tacos mexicanos, las baleadas hasta la cazuela de ejotes y tantas cosas más que no sabría mencionar. 

Personas de todos los lugares en una hermosa muestra de una comunidad diversa: Los estudiantes con una necesidad común de aprender un idioma extranjero y los voluntarios que sirven enseñando inglés.

¡La competencia de Karaoke iluminó la noche! Te sorprendería la cantidad de talentos ocultos que existen. Cecilia Flores subió al primer lugar cantando “Ya te olvidé”. Qué actuación tan poderosa que hizo que el público aplaudiera eufóricamente.

Jaime Meek, el Pastor y Director Ejecutivo de Mission Adelante, nos iluminó con una hermosa reflexión navideña. Terminamos la noche entregando los certificados a los estudiantes y premios a los voluntarios.

Fue un honor celebrar a los estudiantes y voluntarios. Que alegria me da empezar este nuevo trimestre. Gracias a todos los que participaron este año en ESL. Esperamos un maravilloso 2023.

You can still be part of our programs!

 We are so excited to start this year and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us this trimester?

How can you help?

  • Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

  • Volunteer – Come to one of our obseveration nights the first week of March. For more information visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/observe

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

A Fire Within | Saying Yes to the Journey

A Fire Within | Saying Yes to the Journey

by Luis Magana, Partner Engagement Director

Have you ever felt like God wanted more from you? Sometimes it’s a small nudge in your soul or a gentle whisper in your heart from the Lord asking you to follow Him in new ways. 

The prophet Jeremiah, during a time of discouragement in his life, felt the Lord calling him to something bigger. He tried to ignore it, but simply couldn’t. He described it as a fire burning in his heart. A calling so intense he could feel in his bones.

“But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord
or speak in his name,
his word burns in my heart like a fire.
It’s like a fire in my bones!
I am worn out trying to hold it in!
I can’t do it!”
Jeremiah 20:9

It was a similar burning fire within our hearts that led  my wife, Kaytlynn and I to Mission Adelante. As newlyweds, it was important to us to find a place to serve together. We began volunteering in 2022. A few months later,  my wife and I were joking one day that I would probably, eventually, one-day leave my job for full-time ministry. Once again, we both felt the nudge the Lord wanted more from us. Two weeks later,  Mission Adelante Executive Director, Jarrett Meek, asked me to consider joining Mission Adelante full-time. 

After five prayerful weeks, we said YES. This month, I started as the Director of Partner Engagement. The love and warmth of the Mission Adelante and KCK community have affirmed our decision to partner with God’s work here. 

So what fire is burning in your heart? Maybe it’s something big - like selling your house or changing jobs. Or perhaps it’s something small - like forgiving a family member or apologizing to a coworker. One of our family values is Faith - trust the Lord even when life is a question mark. While you may not know how or when, I can tell you the Lord will provide, we simply have to trust Him. 


I just want to encourage you to reflect more about your journey with the Lord and challenge to hear His voice. He wants to use you; will you listen and trust Him with what He is asking you to do?

Programs have officially launched for the year!

Monday, we had our first huddle of the year where we had a great time getting to know everyone and praying over this trimester.

 We are so excited to start this year and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us this trimester?

How can you help?

  • Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord

  • Volunteer – take the first step by signing up for observation night

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

Thank You -- The Celebration Continues!

by Jarrett Meek, Pastor, Founder, Executive Director

“Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.”  Psalm 111:1-4

I have seen, once again, that God does move mountains.  And, I can’t stop giving Him thanks!  And, I thank YOU, for your generosity and love for the Mission Adelante community.  

It’s normal for churches and nonprofit organizations to receive a large portion of their annual funding in November and December.  On November 1st, when we calculated what was still needed to meet our annual fundraising goal, the number was about $230,000, quite a bit more than past years.  I walked out of my office and called our staff together for a brief update -- I was excited-- you can ask them!  The number was daunting, but I’ve seen God move before to provide for Mission Adelante, and I believed He would do it again.  And, I really was excited to see how He would surprise us, who would step forward in generosity, where this provision would come from.  Seeing God move mountains and generous people share their resources for a Kingdom purpose has become one of the things I love most about fundraising!

If you followed along on social media, you may have seen our update posts.  Slow progress at first, and then $126k, then $160k, $180k, $199k, $210k, and on New Year’s Eve we broke past the goal, hitting $233k.  Now, after we picked up the final batch of checks from our P.O. Box, the year-end tally has reached $250k!

“Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

Friends, I’m praising God, and I am so very thankful to you, as well.  Thank you for your generosity, for your love for our community, for believing in our ministry, and for sharing your resources to further our mission to make disciples with people from all places.  Even as we are looking forward to what God will do in 2023, we are still celebrating 2022.  Celebrate with us by saying a prayer of Thanksgiving to the God of all creation!

Volunteer Orientation

January 7, 2023 from 9:00am to 12:30pm

Join us on Saturday morning, January 7th to learn more about volunteering at Mission Adelante. We’ll spend a morning together, learning about Mission Adelante and getting training for your area of interest. We especially need volunteers for this upcoming trimester for our kids ministries on Monday and Thursday evenings. Other opportunities include Youth ministries , and Adult ESL and Citizenship classes. Fill out an interest form to let us know you’re coming!

Celebrate 2022: The Final Countdown!

by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director

The year 2022 is coming to a close and there is a lot to celebrate! Of course, we’re working on year-end giving and we’re standing in awe of God’s provision and the generosity of so many friends. To date, we’ve received $216,000 toward our year-end goal of $230,000. We’re just $14,000 away from meeting this outrageous goal! As we count down to the end of 2022 and the beginning of a new year, would you consider celebrating with us by making gift TODAY? We would love to see a wave of support on this last day of the year that pushes us over the line. Gifts of $50, $100, $200, or more… any amount would be helpful and be wind in our sails as we gear up for another fruitful year of making disciples with people from all places.

Here are a few things that we’re celebrating from 2022: KU Men’s Basketball- NCAA Champions, My dad finishing a 5K after 3 brain surgeries earlier this year, My daughter Annie getting married, an awesome summer trimester, another year of amazing English students, several baptisms, Lionel Messi and Argentina winning the World Cup, K-State Wildcats Foot winning the Big 12 Championship (and the Sugar Bowl tonight?!).

Volunteer Orientation

January 7, 2023 from 9:00am to 12:30pm

Join us on Saturday morning, January 7th to learn more about volunteering at Mission Adelante. We’ll spend a morning together, learning about Mission Adelante and getting training for your area of interest. We especially need volunteers for this upcoming trimester for our kids ministries on Monday and Thursday evenings. Other opportunities include Youth ministries , and Adult ESL and Citizenship classes. Fill out an interest form to let us know you’re coming!

First of all, how about them Chiefs? 

My First Trimester Reflections and Celebrations! 

by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Services Manager

My first trimester on staff at Mission Adelante flew by. I cannot believe it is over already. I am so thankful for the opportunity to create a program where students can come to learn English and practice with the volunteers. I want to personally thank the volunteers that have contributed their time and creativity to this inaugural trimester of Refugee ESL: Mary, Lindsay, Jill, Larry, Amy, Laura, and Morgan. The students came back each week for you! Thank you. 

From October until the end of November, we had 8 lessons that focused on practical English. Each lesson, we had multiple components: reading, writing, movement, and active conversation. I wanted to make sure to emphasize all of these components because of the different language backgrounds we had in the class. 

We only had a few students this trimester, but boy, was it a lot of fun! Having this first trimester with a small class really allowed all of the students and volunteers to really get to know each other on a deeper level. 

As for Citizenship, we had a great trimester as well. We were getting calls of interest almost every week. I am confident we will have a lot of new students and returning students in January. 

On a super exciting note, I want to congratulate Marcela for passing her Citizenship test! She had been working with one of the volunteers, Laura, one-on-one the past few weeks to really prepare for her test and interview. 

We had some rockstar volunteers for Citizenship: Karen, Morgan, Jim, Debbie, Emma, Geraldina, Mary, Laura, Elliot, and Rachel in our beginners class; and Dean and Carlie leading our intermediate group! This group of volunteers are motivated and committed to helping students accomplish their goals of becoming a citizen.

At Mission Adelante this season, our theme is to celebrate. I am celebrating that my transition onto staff was smooth and even smoother with the volunteers. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind as I learned the ropes of running programs. I am celebrating that while Refugee ESL was small, it was successful. The students have emphasized that this class has really helped them gain confidence in speaking English and they are excited to return in January! I am celebrating that Marcela passed her Citizenship test! Thank you for celebrating with me. The ESL department has a lot planned for 2023, so stay tuned. I am looking forward to what the new year will bring and what else we can accomplish together.


Celebrate 2022: A Year-end Giving Opportunity

Celebrate 2022 is an opportunity to celebrate God’s faithfulness in your life and the ministry of Mission Adelante this year, by making a year-end contribution to support Mission Adelante. Our year-end goal is $230,000!

by Jarrett Meek, Founder, Pastor, Executive Director

This is the time of year when we celebrate -- Thanksgiving, family, friends, Christmas, and a New Year!  At Mission Adelante, we are celebrating the beautiful fruits of an exciting ministry season and all that God has done in our midst.  Coming off the pandemic, we saw renewed momentum and an acceleration of growth in nearly every area of our ministry: disciples growing in faith, leaders developing, and friends from all places learning English, becoming citizens, starting businesses.  We are coming to the end of the year with full hearts and a great sense of hope for what the Lord will do in the year to come.  

In 2023, we are looking forward to growth in a few important areas:

  • In January, we will promote Elizabeth Torres to the role of Executive Director of Adelante Thrift.  As General Manager, she has developed a healthy staff culture and has overseen 45% growth in sales in the last 3 years.

  • We are excited to be part of the formation of a local network of Christian Community Development practitioners, who share our heart to see individuals and under-resourced communities flourish.

  • We will continue to press into developing our young staff and apprentices.  They are already making a tremendous impact, and we want to help them reach their potential as leaders in ministry.

  • We are looking forward to deepening our partnerships across the metro to foster more collaboration around entrepreneurship, advocacy for immigrants, and diverse leadership development.

  • The foundational work of making disciples with children, youth, and adults continues to flourish, and we’re looking forward to further growth in these areas as our programs continue to expand.

Generosity is a celebration of God’s past faithfulness and a forward-looking, faith-filled deposit toward what we long to celebrate in the future.  This year, as November began, we set the goal of raising $230,000 in the final two months of the year.  These funds will help us meet our annual budget and set us up for success to start the new year.  As we celebrate this year and look ahead to 2023, will you celebrate with us, by making a special year-end contribution?  Giving is easy at www.missionadelante.org/give.

January 7, 2023, 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

Join our volunteer team and work with kids, youth, or adults over the course of a 12-week trimester! On January 7th, we’ll spend a morning together, learning about Mission Adelante and getting training for your area of interest. Check out our website to learn more about specific volunteer opportunities. Fill out a volunteer interest form to let us know you’re coming to the orientation!

See All Volunteer Opportunities