Written by Megan McDermott, Latino Children's Ministry Director
When you travel the streets of Kansas City, KS, the diversity of cultures that you encounter is pretty remarkable. Over the years, as we have grown stronger in our relationships with the families of our community, we have received the precious gift of being let into the struggles that our friends face. The children, in particular, are often caught between the many cultures that surround them, always trying to fit in but never quite feeling like they belong anywhere. As one teen expressed to me, "The only place I feel like I can really be myself is around other kids that understand the feeling of not fitting in anywhere."
When you travel the streets of Kansas City, KS, the diversity of cultures that you encounter is pretty remarkable. Over the years, as we have grown stronger in our relationships with the families of our community, we have received the precious gift of being let into the struggles that our friends face. The children, in particular, are often caught between the many cultures that surround them, always trying to fit in but never quite feeling like they belong anywhere. As one teen expressed to me, "The only place I feel like I can really be myself is around other kids that understand the feeling of not fitting in anywhere."
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Over the past two years, as the Latino and Bhutanese Leaders in Training (LIT) programs have blossomed, we have placed a strong emphasis on encouraging the children from the two cultural backgrounds to become friends and to simply have fun together. We feel so strongly about it because we recognize that all of our children are constantly struggling to find a place where they can fit in. We desire to offer them not just a place, but a community where they can truly feel accepted and affirmed for who they are in Christ.
Last Friday, we got to live this out in a very dynamic and fun way! We took all thirty of our LIT kids and fifteen volunteers on a field trip to Science City and Zonkers as a reward for all of their hard work. It was encouraging to observe all of the children learning together, playing together, and laughing together. Discipling and loving the future leaders of our community takes time, diligence, and compassion. We believe that the Lord has specifically chosen each and every one of these unique children to effect change in their community. What a privilege it is to be part of God's amazing plan for this community through the children we pray will one day lead it!
Prayer needs:
- Pray for the Bhutanese ESL volunteers and teachers as we meet next Tuesday and talk over literacy ideas in an attempt to bridge the literacy gap in the community.
- Please continue to pray for the Adelante Thrift site search process. We are interviewing two new realtors in the next week and pray that the right person partners with us to move forward with the search and selection.
Important dates:
- Observation Days: Tuesdays, November 5 & 12 (Bhutanese)/Thursdays, November 7 & 14 (Latino) 6:30-8:30 Have you wondered what all goes on around here on a typical evening of programming? Here's your opportunity to come and see for yourself!
- Kansas Bhutanese Concert: Saturday, November 16th from 4pm-10pm at Wyandotte High School (2501 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102) Everyone is invited to come and celebrate Nepali Culture at this exciting event sponsored by Mission Adelante and coordinated by our dear friend Ram Rai. It will feature comedians, cultural dances, and ethnic food. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the RG Asian Store (101 S 18th St, Kansas City, KS 66102). Don’t miss this chance to learn about and celebrate the rich culture of the Bhutanese Refugee community!
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