Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Bhutanese Got Talent

Written by David Stetler, Bhutanese Outreach Director

Last night, five Bhutanese teen leaders organized and executed their new plan for the Bhutanese Teens Club. This was the first time these growing leaders had exercised their leadership on this scale. They had worked very hard together to formulate a new plan over the past few months. This new plan was not just any plan; it was a plan that they could call their own. The leaders did an incredible job and their peers respected and followed their lead and their plan.

the judges
The night resembled a small yet creative version of America’s Got Talent. There were judges, performances of singing and dancing and a live crowd that was, of course, very lively. The leaders divided the 50 plus teens into four groups. Each group had one opportunity to perform for the judges. The performances were judged on various categories determined by the Teen Club leaders. The four performances were unique, delightful and full of flavor and flare with a strong taste of Bhutanese-Nepali culture.

the champion, Ganesh Senchuri singing "Bistarai Bistarai"
The winner of this entertaining competition was Ganesh Senchuri who sang a beautiful melody called “Bistarai Bistaria” which means “Slowly Slowly”. Each month there will be new judges and a new performer representing each group.  At the end of the year the group with the most points will be awarded a Secret Special Surprise Prize!

Leadership development is a core value here at Mission Adelante and when it comes to youth being raised up as leaders, we get super excited. Community Youth Development creates environments, events, and activities that cultivate leadership and support positive choices. By giving these teens an environment such as this where they can use their talents and passions, they grow as individuals, leaders and as a community.

Current needs:
  • Our LIT students earn "Mission Adelante Money" for exemplary behavior and doing extra academic work, which they can spend at a Reward Store once each trimester. We're in need of items by March 31 to stock that store! Ideas include sports equipment, craft supplies, bedroom decorations, or any small item that would appeal to 8-14 year old students. If you would like to contribute, please contact Megan McDermott at meganm@missionadelante.org or Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@missionadelante.org.
  • Foosball is one of the most popular games at our kids events any given week.  After multiple years of service our foosball tables have begun to show their age.  We are looking for a foosball table in good condition (all players and table legs in working order) to be used in our kids room every week.  If you have one you would be willing to donate please contact Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@missionadelante.org.

Important Dates:
  • Child Protection Meeting--Saturday, February 22 at 9:00 a.m. All volunteers that serve the kids and youth of Mission Adelante should attend.

Thursday, February 06, 2014

Mission Adelante programs a GO for Thursday, February 6!!

Mission Adelante programs ARE in session today, Thursday, February 6! Our parking lot has been plowed and we're ready for action!! (Our policy is to follow KCKCC cancellations).

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Business, Ministry, and a Burmese Grocery Store!


Written by Kristen Allen, Director of Community Development

One of the most exciting things about living in the community is seeing how God is using different people to accomplish His purpose. I love hearing stories from our Bhutanese and Latino ministries and also learning from my friends first hand what it means to follow God and trust in His provision.

I’ve been blessed by a friendship with a local Burmese shop owner. I originally connected with her when I visited the Falam Chin church down the street from my house where another friend serves as the pastor. Our friendship blossomed over the next few months as we shared about our lives and dreams.

My friend had lived in the United States for several years before following God’s call to move her family to Kansas City and open an Asian grocery store. She and her husband borrowed a few thousand dollars from a relative, opened their store in July of 2012, and prayed into the vision God had for them.

There is something special when you visit the store. If you are like me and don’t speak Burmese or Falam Chin, you would still perceive the high level of customer service. Everyone is greeted, everyone receives a smile, and everyone is valued when they are shopping in the store. My friend and her husband see their store as an opportunity to reach the community for Jesus and as business grew, they knew that God was calling them to further expand their ministry.

My friend prayed, she fasted, and she asked God for a store just down the street that had parking, retail space, and the ability to expand to include a children’s outreach program so she could hire teachers to help children in the community improve in school and retain their native language. And God said no to that space. Undeterred, she continued to believe and pray for the dream that God gave their family.

One day I received a text from my friend asking me to come to the store. “Please hurry” it said and I wondered what was going on. When I arrived, I learned she had received a lease for an even better space. We both celebrated and thanked God for moving in amazing ways to make the expansion  of their business possible.

At the end of January 2014, their community pitched in and helped move their grocery store to the new location God provided them. This is where their dreams continue. Later this year they will open a restaurant to serve delicious Burmese dishes. Profit from grocery store and restaurant will help fund outreach programs to children in their community. The journey of following God continues and I can’t wait to see where it will take them next.

In other news:
  • A group of teens, kids, and volunteers braved the cold last Friday to attend Winter Jam! We had a blast and an amazing time worshiping God together!
  • The Bhutanese teens are really stepping up their leadership and have planned an "American Idol" formatted teens club this trimester. It’s going to be very fun, but also a lot for them to pull off. It’s fun to see them learning as they go, and growing in their creativity and vision for their own community.

Prayer requests:

  • Please pray for Bhutanese teenagers as they navigate how to honor their Hindu families while discovering their own personal faith in Jesus.
  • Please continue to pray for stable employment for our refugee friends.

Current needs:
  • The LIT (Leaders in Training) kids come straight from school each day so we try to have a healthy snack for them. We are looking for a few individuals or a small group to purchase (in bulk) some granola bars, goldfish, nutri-grain bars, or any other healthy snacks to bless the kids.  Please contact Megan if interested:  meganm@missionadelante.org.
Important dates:
  • Child Protection Meeting--Saturday, February 22 at 9:00 a.m. All volunteers that serve the kids and youth of Mission Adelante should attend.

All Mission Adelante Programs Cancelled Wednesday, February 5

All Mission Adelante programs on Wednesday, February 5 have been cancelled due to the snow. As a reminder, we abide by Kansas City Kansas Community College cancellations.
Stay warm and stay safe!

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Mission Adelante Programs Cancelled on Tuesday, February 4

All Mission Adelante programs on Tuesday, February 4 have been cancelled due to the forecasted snowstorm. As a reminder, we abide by Kansas City Kansas Community College cancellations.
Stay warm and stay safe!