By Kaley Kettlewell

World Service Corps sends young adult volunteers all over the country, continent, and world to serve our church and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that my placement was in Independence, Missouri, the city where I was born and raised. I was expecting different cultures, foods, languages, and ways of life. I was prepared to immerse myself into the diversity and share my testimony of God’s grace and glory in my life with those who had not heard of him. I was ready to be challenged in my ministry and to step outside my comfort zone. How was I going to accomplish these goals when I was not even leaving the Independence area?

I am now halfway through my placement, splitting my time between two congregations in the Greater Kansas City area. Each congregation has blessed me with opportunities to minister to youth and make a difference in their lives.

At Norton Heights, in northeast Kansas City, I work with the neighborhood outreach program. Every Tuesday and Thursday we open the doors to the neighborhood kids for homework help. Anywhere from five to fifteen kids attend.

The neighborhood has a large Hispanic population learning English as a second language, making homework club a time for them to practice speaking English. Working with the kids gives me an opportunity to learn about their life and culture.  

After homework club on Tuesday evenings, we fix dinner for the kids. Although we serve American food, they put hot sauce on everything, and I do mean everything. After dinner we have a short Bible lesson. Through Bible Club, I am able to introduce them to Jesus and the main concepts of the Bible, something they did not know before attending. No matter what the topic of Bible Club or the child’s homework lesson, we find a way to teach them about Jesus and the values of Community of Christ.

Highland Manor, in Independence, Missouri, is far from the typical Community of Christ congregation. It consists mainly of children and youth from Highland Manor trailer park. The only adults in the congregation are those planning activities for the children. With pastors Bill and Sheila Lingo, Highland Manor offers programs and services to the youth and families of the park.

Bible Club is one such program. It is held on Monday nights at the trailer park’s clubhouse. Ten to fifteen elementary-age children gather for a short Bible lesson, games, crafts, and ice cream.

A new program is being started for Bible study and fellowship for young adults on Monday nights. Kids who started coming as junior high or high school kids have now graduated, and there aren’t services for them. Part of my job was to start a young adult group. We are still learning about what we want to do and what our goals for the group will be. First and foremost, the group is about community and fellowship.

I help with classes depending on which class needs me that week. The junior high kids are learning about being disciples, prayer, and faith. They are also preparing for the upcoming camping season, something Highland Manor is diehard about. In fact, the senior high group is an adventure Scout group, and their classes are solely based on preparation for camping and survival skills.

Another ministry I provide for Highland Manor is planning services. The adults take turns planning the service each Wednesday night. This is another opportunity for me to share my testimony and witness to the kids.

I feel that I have learned so much and been able to give equally. I am excited for what the future holds in both of my congregations and the upcoming activities.

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