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.

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.

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 Marjorie Bautista as her Junior Resident.

Benny has recently graduated from Olathe North high school and plans to attend JCCC in the fall. Playing soccer for Olathe North and various clubs throughout Johnson County, Benny is the perfect person to run our sports ministries. Also growing up in one of the apartment complexes Mission Southside serves in, Benny has grown up knowing and attending Mission Southside programming. Benny is pursuing his certificate in automotive mechanics, but he has a heart for ministry and will always be a witness to the Kingdom no matter his vocation.

Linda has been involved with Mission Southside since she was a Leaders in Training student in middle school. She is currently attending UMKC pursuing a degree in Business with an emphasis in marketing and social media. Linda assumes the role of our Young Adult Ministries Resident, helping students transition to life after high school, hosting ACT prep seminars, awarding scholarships, and running our Young Adult Bible study that takes place twice a month.

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.

Nataly is a senior at Shawnee Mission South, and ever since she was able to join LIT, has rarely missed any event or initiative since. She has a deep love for the Mission and a desire to be a part of everything MSS, no matter how big or small of a role she plays.