Thursday, October 21, 2010


     Impact has seen the loss of some special members and has had some seen volunteers come and go.  Although the makeup of our demographic is often very transient, there are many who have decided to make Impact their home, whether they must drive and hour to be with us, or have moved to our area just to be closer to the action and the family.  Impact attracts Christ-followers who are looking for more than a place to worship.  They are working for a way to serve in the body, as a body...as a servant-disciple. 
     I like how John Carson puts it in a letter he is generating to raise support to work as permanent Impact staff.  Here is an excerpt:

“Over the past month or so while fundraising, I've been asked this question in various forms.  I honestly don't believe I can describe in words what Impact is like.  To really know you would have to come see for yourself, but I'll attempt anyway.

     Impact is a place where the hungry are fed and the naked are clothed.  Our distribution center at Impact serves as a place where thousands of people can come and receive food and clothes.  David, who takes care of everything there, is a man who seeks to live out what Jesus said in Matthew 25, and push me to be the same way.

    
Impact is a place where the homeless can feel at home.  Everyday of the week, Impact's kitchen is open and many of our homeless, or outdoorsmen, as we call them, come and fed.  Along with food, they have the opportunity to shower and wash clothes.  They can also receive their mail at the church, and can get help in finding a job and a way off of the streets.

    
Impact is a place where people of all races and languages come to worship.  Any given Sunday you can people from all walks of life at Impact.  From doctors and lawyers to abused and neglected children, all come to worship the same God, and to share a meal together afterwards.

    
Impact is a place where the unloved are loved.  Whether it be a neglected child from a horrible situation, or a wheelchair bound elderly individual stuck in a nursing home, both are cared for and loved at Impact.  Many of our ministers go to assisted living and nursing homes every week, to seek out the forgotten children of God in these places.  Just as we as a youth team, seek to love our kids and help them grow as people, and equip them to love others as Jesus loved them.
  
    
Impact is a place that I have been called.  I've been called to work with the youth, specifically the high school, and to show them more about the reality and way of Christ.  Honestly, no matter how many cool trips, lessons, and small groups I do they probably will not grow and learn from what I do, nearly as much as I will grow and learn from being in their presence. “ -from http://followinghiscalltohouston.blogspot.com/

Both John Carson (above) and Tyler Gentry (right)   have worked with and are loved by the Impact family.  They are doing what they can to be able to live in the heart of Houston with us.  To learn more about either or both see John’s blog,  or Tyler’s video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9znRMORg3w.

Faith and Fear in the Big City

One of the greatest missions at Impact is the care and protection of our older members.  There is a constant action in the surrounding blocks away from the building where several of our aged members and distribution cetner clients live.  Others or our number are wheelchair bound, live miles away in assisted living projects and are at the mercy of transport vans and caretakers.  Perhaps there are those of who have heard their stories of pain, discomfort and fear for so long that we have become immune to the problems these loved face on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, it took at occurrence of tragic magnitude to bring us back to reality as one of our longtime members, Debbie Boudreaux, died in her room at a project in mid-September.  Other reports in this monthly newsletter have referred to Independence hall where several have taught weekly classes for years and where we have partnered with other churches in serving Thanksgiving meals for the entire complex and where several of our members live.  Debbie now has good health, a pain free body, and has peace at last living with the Father in Heaven.  Debbie's friends and loved ones at Impact hosted the memorial service at Independence Hall and lives were blessed in the process.

Impact has been able to respond spiritually and physically to these friends for some twenty years because of the previous financial support of other congregations and individuals.  For that we are thankful, but now, even more than ever, the plea for additional and continued support is of utmost importance.  May we ask that you consider this part of Impact's mission outreach as your own?  You will be blessed!
      -Jim Deloney



Celebrating a Sister: a Story of Lating Impact


Join me in congratulating Ashley Cooks for her graduation from Texas Southern University. Ashley has achieved a tremendous accomplishment being the first one in her family to go to and graduate from college, with help from the Brooks Scholarship Program. She has worked very hard and long hours in the Juvenile Justice Department while completing her degree in Marriage and Family.
It has been a great blessing watching Ashley grow up at Impact over the last twelve years. Ashley has served in many capacities, mostly helping with the youth program and working several summers as an intern.
Ashley is a great example of hard work and perseverance. She has brought joy and happiness to all who become acquainted.
Well done, Ashley!"

     We have recieved and installed our long-awaited freezer!  The freezer is 1760 square feet and is located beside the Distribution Center.  This allows us to eliminate 5 refrigerator/freezers from inside the building, freeing up some much-needed space in what is usually a very crowded building.  More importantly,  it will give us the opportunity to store food longer and serve more people in need.  Praise God as He continues to provide for us.

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   Put October 23rd
on your calendars! 
We will be having our Fall Block Party - food, clothes, and hot dogs for all.  We will have the Food Stamps and Medicaid people there too.  Remember that 55,000 people go hungry in Harris County every day.             
 
             -David Beegle