Our Amazing Team

 

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.’

 

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.

 

Idalia has been a part of MSS for the better part of its existence. Having gone through 3 years of LIT, one year of LIT+, and the internship for the past two summers, Idalia has a deep alignment to the Mission. Idalia has especially grown in her faith these past two years, and this growth accompanied by her deep desire to serve and continuously show up at Mission Southside makes her a great candidate of this program. Idalia has committed to being our “Big Events” Resident, and will be in charge of the Christmas Store, Lunch Bus, Middle School Retreat planning, and Eagle Lake Camp. She will have Dulce Becerra as her Jr. Resident.

Anthony has been heavily involved in Mission Southside for many years, beginning his service with his family at the Lakeview Neighborhood Team, Anthony has always loved serving with the Mission. He has been a summer intern for the past two years. Anthony excels at connecting with the community, especially the middle and high school students.

He will always go above and beyond for the guys he mentors, making him perfect for the Sports Ministry Resident position. Oftentimes he will take guys out to dinner, play videogames with them after the internship, and take them out to parks to play soccer. His Jr. Residents, Liam and Jaciel, have known Anthony for three years, and have created a close bond.

Angie is a phenomenal young woman that lights up every room she walks into. She gave her life to Christ at the beginning of last year’s summer internship and has not looked back since. Angie is very curious and encourages those she mentors to ask lots of questions and sit in the wonder of God.

Mission Southside is very excited for Angie to take over the student ministries, and lead, feed, and care for the team of mentors/summer interns that will now be under her care. Angie loves the kids in the community, and already has developed deep relationships, especially with the middle school students.

Litzi, another phenomenal young lady, needs little introduction. She has been a part of Mission Southside before many had even heard about the organization, and her family plays a key role in all that we do. Litzi’s unique position with her family in the community allows for her to assume the responsibilities of the Women’s Ministries.

Along with the moms that will come alongside her, this is a strategic move that will challenge Litzi to grow and mature into someone that is respected, trusted, and relationally connected to the women of the community. Litzi is excited to come alongside women like her mom and those she grew up with to continue investing in and growing this fruitful area of Mission Southside ministry.

Her Jr. Resident, Liza, is also well-connected with this ministry, as her mom attends the reunion regularly.

Andrea is the twin sister of Anthony, and follows a similar path. Andrea has the opposite strengths as Anthony, and is well-known for her attention to detail, her work behind the scenes, and her ability to connect through nurturing and caring for those she mentors. Andrea will be an asset to the Action Teams and Neighborhood Teams, as she grows in her vocal leadership that will accompany her deep care and ability to come under those she serves. Amy, the Teams Jr. Resident, is much the same.

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.”