This past week we hosted more than 25 new volunteers for our summer trimester orientation, and as always, we invited immigrants to come participate and share their story. Janga led a song in Nepali, Narbu shared his testimony, and Julia* told her story. Staff and volunteers alike were greatly impressed by the richness of our friends' participation and challenged by their boldness to share about their lives with strangers.
During our Latino training time, Julia shared the difficulties she faces as a teen and described her family. One of the things Julia shared was that she and several of her brothers and sisters were not born here but were brought here by her parents. To share this publicly is huge because she was declaring that she is undocumented. No one saw her this way, though. This is the beauty of serving with Mission Adelante--opportunities to see people for who they really are, image-bearers of God.
Some are refugees, some are undocumented, some are children, some are elderly, but all are eager to be loved, accepted, and valued. Our volunteers come and get to experience this alongside our staff, which brings us pure joy. Please pray for us this summer as we seek to do this well. To find out more about who undocumented immigrants are and how they affect our culture and economy, go to www.missionadelante.org/stranger.
*Julia's true name was omitted.
In other news:
- We were so excited to celebrate the graduation of one of our teens, Iris, this week from Sumner Academy. She has been part of the Mission Adelante family for six years and it has been such a privilege to walk with her!
- We are currently recruiting business mentors for our the Business Coaching ministry that is one of our Community Development Initiatives. Please pray with us that God will call forth individuals who are willing to share their expertise and disciple immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs.
- We are in the final stages of planning for our summer trimester. Please pray that God will draw students, cultivate cross-cultural friendships, and reveal His love through our programs this summer!
- We invited eight Latino teens to be part of our internship this summer. Pray for an important meeting this Saturday with these teens and their parents to solidify final details.
Current needs
- We need ten vinyl, felt or flannel-backed tablecloths that are at-least 52”x 90” or 60”x84” in size for small group seating at summer kids camps. Used is OK. If you are able to provide these, please contact Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@missionadelante.org.
- One of this year's high school graduates will be the first from our community to go on to college! As she heads to KU this fall, we would love to bless her with a new laptop or Chrome book to set her up for success. We are looking for a person or small group to purchase the computer. Please contact Megan McDermott (meganm@missionadelante.org) if you would like to help. (Please no cash donations)
- We need several 4x8 foot ivory colored cloth tablecloths to be used for events at the building. If you are able to provide these, please contact Jenny Dunn at jennyd@missionadelante.org.
- Summer Bhutanese programs launch: May 28.
- Summer Latino programs lauch: May 30.
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