Celebrating Christmas the Mission Adelante Way

Last Saturday evening the Mission Adelante Christmas Party, which had around 250 in attendance, ended our 10th trimester (and 3rd full year) of ministry with a bang! For those of you who have a hard time getting your arms around how Mission Adelante works, the Christmas Party (or any of our trimester-end parties for that matter) is perhaps the best panoramic view of our entire ministry. Besides the fellowship and a wonderful meal (Chinese food--go figure!), we use the opportunity to recognize stand-out kids from our Leaders in Training and Kids Adelante programs with awards that include “Perfect Attendance”, “Bible Memory”, “Enthusiasm”, “Leadership”, and “Servant Heart”. The adult ESL students also have their moment to shine as they graduate from one level of our program to the next and receive their certificates. Volunteers who have served for one or two full years also receive an award and special recognition. With family and friends of students and volunteers present it is a perfect opportunity to share a message from scripture and encourage newcomers to join our Bible studies and sign up for the next trimester of English classes.

This year two volunteer groups from local churches helped with different aspects of the party. Sari Higgins’ small group from Christ Community Church created a festive environment by providing all the decorations and doing the set up for the party. Casey Kapple and a group of youth from Emmanuel Baptist Church handled over 100 kids in the gymnasium during the adult portion of the program. I can’t imagine doing this party without that kind of help! A big thank you to all who pitched in!

In the end the event was a blessing for everyone involved and an exciting glimpse of what God is doing among Hispanic immigrants in Kansas City, KS.

Prayer needs:

• Praise God with us for the funds He has already provided through year-end contributions. We have now received $18,415, given by 37 donors! Continue to pray with us for God to meet our goal of $25,000.

Current needs:

• A used minivan or car (for a single mother of three in a desperate situation)
• Food items for the resource center, including rice, cooking oil, sugar, dry beans, dry pasta, and baby formula.