“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen…?”

A couple of months ago, we shared a new volunteer opportunity with readers: Mission Adelante’s Resource Center. This ministry is an outreach program that provides resources for immigrant families by securing donations of new and lightly used items through a network of individuals and churches. The purpose of this ministry is to demonstrate the love of Christ through relationship and giving to meet specific physical and material needs of immigrants.

Originally this ministry began functioning out of Seth & Andrea Sears' basement after they collected donated clothing and some furniture for families in need. However, fast-forward a couple of years and we’ve grown to fill a garage on the Mission Adelante property with donated goods that are being shared with immigrants on a weekly basis. In addition, several volunteers from three area churches have joined the effort this summer. Linda Witz and Andrea Foxworthy have helped Molly Merrick and I to organize, stock and distribute clothing, furniture, food and baby items. A men’s small group led by Bill Gasaway is volunteering on a regular basis to round up donations and deliver them to us.

Further momentum has developed as two churches have joined us in the effort. Heartland k10 recently held a donation drive that blessed our community with more than 500 food and baby items. And Christ Community Church of Leawood is currently conducting a school supply drive on behalf of the families and children in our Kids Adelante program.

We are continually amazed at the generous, willing hearts of people from area churches who are willing to give in the Lord’s name. Isaiah chapter 58 says that we demonstrate true fasting, true devotion, to the Lord when we help those in need.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” Isaiah 58:6-7

Thank you for joining us in this “true fasting” before the Lord, which we simply cannot accomplish on our own. If you are interested in volunteering with Mission Adelante’s Resource Center, please email Seth Sears at seths@missionadelante.org, or call at 913.568.9280. If you are interested in donating to the Center, please click http://www.missionadelante.org/opportunity.html and look under the “Resource Center” section to find a list of needed items.

Important upcoming dates:

• Monday, August 4, 6:30 p.m. @ The Mission: Volunteer Team Meeting. Please come help us prepare for the end-of-trimester party.
• Sunday, August 10 @ Bethany Community Center: Trimester-End Party. Set-up will begin at 4:30. The party will begin at 6:00.