What a privilege to join the Lord in His work in our community! I had the joy of serving in church youth ministry for 23 years, including many unforgettable mission trip experiences, serving others in the name of Christ. Our prayer would always be, “Lord, please help us to join in your work in our own community the way we have been a part of your work here” – many times in Arlington, TX. ( www.missionarlington.org). The launch of Mission Southside in January of 2011 was an answer to our prayers!  

Our family loves this wonderful community, which has been “home” to me for over 45 years. With rising hunger and poverty for all age groups – the majority of these not connected to any Christian faith community – it is a key time for an obedient response to the Lord to love and serve our neighbors in His name. It is a privilege for my wife, 2 sons and I to partner with each of you (individuals, churches, and ministries) as we ‘hang out on property and hover around John 3:16.’

Olivia is from Mexico and moved here with her family to Kansas in 2012. Olivia graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua Mexico with a focus in Human Resources. On November of 2021 she finished her certification as Medical interpreter. Her husband, Daniel and their daughters, Naomi and Mary, have been involved in helping the Hispanic community in Gardner for many years. They have helped with ESL classes at their church since 2014, and have helped as a family with our Christmas Store since 2017. Olivia is currently co-teaching the Mission Southside Spanish Class on Monday nights. She became US Citizen in May of 2021.

Olivia is bilingual in Spanish and English and believes it is her gift from God to help others.

I have a beautiful family: husband, three adult children, two with spouses, and five grandchildren. I am blessed that they all live and serve God in our Olathe community.

I have taught English to adults who are from other countries for 17 years. My life has been enriched and expanded getting to know my neighbors and their cultures. Most recently, I have taught and coordinated our language classes at Mission Southside. These last few years at Mission Southside have been very rewarding. I enjoy being a catalyst to bring neighbors together to ultimately make God’s name and love known among all people and all languages.

Paul and Barnabas reported back to the church that “…God had used them to throw the door of faith wide open so people of all nations could come streaming in.” Acts 14:27-28 (MSG)

My prayer is that God will do it again.

“Open the door of faith to all nations through our language classes.”

Ernest was born in Ghana, West Africa and has lived in the US since 1990.  He and his wife, Dorcas, have three children.  Ernest owns a shipping business that sends items to West Africa, and also supports several orphanages in Ghana.  He oversees all of our warehouse donations at Mission Southside.  We are grateful that he is part of our team.

Liz is a senior at Olathe North High School. She has grown up within the Mission Southside community, and her family is from Veracruz, Mexico. She is involved in the Service and Discovery program, and she is also enrolled in the Health Care Sciences at OATC, as well as being a Certified Nurses Assistant. She is eager to graduate and pursue a career in healthcare.

Geramy is from Kansas City, Kansas and has live in Olathe his entire life. Geramy is a senior at Olathe west high school and a student of the Public Safety academy. His future aspirations are going into fire rescue services. Throughout the course of this internship, Geramy hopes to learn more about who God is and God’s purpose for him on earth.