Building Bridges: Inside of Mission Adelante's Refugee Resettlement
by Yanelis Lopez, CMA Director
As many of you know, at the heart of Mission Adelante lies the biblical truth that highlights our neighbor as our primary target for love and compassion. The new refugee resettlement office we have opened at Mission is giving us a wonderful opportunity to live out this truth. In the short time that we have been offering our services, it has been impressive to hear stories of trauma and pain, and at the same time, it has been refreshing to see many transitions from a state of fear and astonishment to that precious moment of peace, relaxation, and joy. It has been fascinating!
The Refugee Resettlement Office at Mission is much more than just a physical space, or an agency focused on providing services; it is a welcoming refuge for those who have fled their homes in search of safety and a better life. Here, newcomers find a support network made up of people who have gone through similar experiences and understand the struggles and challenges they face. Solidarity is the soul of this community. Newly arrived refugees find comfort and relief in being welcomed by people who understand and support them.
I love that instead of simply providing basic services, we promote active participation and collaboration between newcomers and those of us who have been living in Kansas for years. It is so common to find new arrivals visiting each other, sharing meals, sharing places to find resources, or simply spending time sharing life stories and dreams for the future.
How happy I am to be part of a community focused on helping to build a home for those who have lost theirs. Let's continue to spread love, hope, and compassion one heart at a time. Thanks to all who have supported us from the beginning!
Construyendo Puentes: Dentro del Reasentamiento de Refugiados de Mission Adelante
Como muchos de ustedes saben, en el corazón de Mission Adelante descansa la verdad bíblica que resalta a nuestro prójimo como nuestro target fundamental de amor y compasión. La nueva oficina de reasentamiento de refugiados que hemos abierto en la Mission nos esta dando una linda oportunidad de vivir esta verdad. En el poco tiempo que llevamos ofreciendo nuestros servicios ha sido impresionante escuchar las historias de trauma y dolor y ha sido refrescante al mismo tiempo, ver a muchos pasar de un estado de susto, y estupor a ese momento precioso de paz, relax y gozo. Ha sido fascinante!!
La Oficina de Reasentamiento de Refugiados en la mision es mucho más que un simple espacio físico o una agencia enfocada en ofrecer servicios; es un refugio acogedor para aquellos que han huido de sus hogares en busca de seguridad y una vida mejor. Aquí, los recién llegados encuentran una red de apoyo compuesta por personas que han pasado por experiencias similares y que entienden las luchas y desafíos que enfrentan. La solidaridad es el alma de esta comunidad. Los refugiados recién llegados encuentran consuelo y alivio al ser recibidos por personas que los entienden y los apoyan.
Me encanta que en lugar de simplemente proporcionar servicios básicos, promovemos la participación activa y la colaboración entre los que apenas llegan y aquellos que llevamos años viviendo en Kansas. Es tan común encontrar las nuevas personas que llegan visitándose unos a otros, compartiendo comidas, lugares donde encontrar recursos o simplemente pasar el rato compartiendo de las historias de vida y sueños para el futuro.
Que feliz estoy de ser parte de una comunidad enfocada en ayudar a construir un hogar para aquellos que han perdido el suyo. Sigamos difundiendo amor, esperanza y compasión, un corazón a la vez. Gracias a todos los que han apoyado desde el comienzo!
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
JOIN US FOR VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION - MAY 18TH AT 9:00M
Join our team of volunteers for the summer trimester and be part of "loving people from all places." Attend our volunteer orientation on May 18th, 2024 and find your place serving kids, youth, or adults in the immigrant community in KCK
For more information about volunteer opportunities visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/orientation
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
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