Impact Corner: Impact Houston Church of Christ

2011-04-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

Small Groups Do Big Things

This spring I have been meeting with a small group of High School and Middle School girls. We have committed to studying the Beatitudes and have focused on a different Beatitude each week. We really try to have fun with it! One tradition we have started is to cook dinner together at the home of a member at Impact. This has been such a blessing for the girls to work together to prepare the food and also to be welcomed into the home of one in our Impact community. After dinner is served, we have a time for open discussion of God’s word and prayer.

The purpose of this small group was to allow a safe environment that the girls could begin to trust one another and encourage growth in their relationship with God. Another main goal was to begin to truly understand what it means to be a Living Sacrifice. I am so proud of my girls! After researching several non-profit organizations, they have decided to raise $1,000 dollars for Operation Smile! They have dreams to continue raising money in hopes to fund several other organizations as well. They have big hearts and desire so much to help others; it is truly inspiring.

Please be in prayer for these wonderful girls as they live out God’s will.

-Tyler Gentry

2011-04-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Helping Others Help in Times of Need

“I teach 5th grade at an inner city school about 10 minutes from Impact. Last week our school counselor sent out an e-mail saying that a student’s house burned down and the family lost everything they owned.

I e-mailed her back and told her that I was sure my church would be able and willing to help. The counselor escorted the family to my classroom earlier this week so I could give them the necessary information and I felt so proud of what God does through Impact. They came to the Distribution Center this week and were able to walk away with food and clothing to help them during this difficult time. Thank God that He uses Impact to meet people’s physical needs so that hopefully bridges will be built to meet their much more important spiritual needs. What an awesome God we serve!”

-Laura Hamilton

2011-04-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

Break Fix

SPRING BREAK ACTIVITY

During March, Impact hosted six college groups and one high school youth group for two weeks of Spring Break service. Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Murray State University from Kentucky, Abilene Christian University, and Lubbock Christian University sent students to serve 125 children for a week of Vacation Bible School, help clean out the warehouses after our Annual Garage Sale, serve our homeless brothers and sisters, and encourage the staff, elders, and ministers at Impact.

During the second week of Spring Break, the University of Arkansas from Fort Smith campus ministry and the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ youth group from Van Buren, Arkansas scraped and painted one of our members' home. They planted a flower and vegetable garden, painted the kitchen, and also painted the bathroom. Most of us take a nice place to come home to for granted, but after this experience, this group will not take their homes for granted. Our member is so incredibly grateful and bubbling over with excitement for her sweet family to have a newly painted home in which to live.

It is one of the greatest experiences to be around college students more interested in making a difference during their week off from school, than skiing in Colorado or tanning in South Padre. May we all have the perspective of serving the Lord through serving others during our vacation. Thank you to all of the youth ministers, campus ministers, elders, congregations, and especially parents for raising people that love people!

2011-04-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Bob’s Story: An Impact Story

-by Laura Hamilton

One of the greatest blessings of being a member at Impact is getting a clearer picture of the heart of God by listening to the stories of those around you. Bob’s story makes me love my Heavenly Father even more than I did before.

By all appearances, Bob was a lost cause. Sixty-one years old and homeless, with an addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine that spanned more than four decades. But thankfully, “The LORD does not look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Bob grew up not far from Houston with a promising future ahead of him. But in 1968, two weeks before his high school graduation, his younger brother was killed by a drunk driver while he was covering Bob’s paper route. Bob’s descent into the pit began a week later with his first beer. His descent deepened three years later upon entering the Vietnam War where he was introduced to illicit drugs. Over the following years, Bob admits that he regularly turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with his pain rather than to turn to God. And there was a lot of pain: being treated like a criminal upon his return from Vietnam, two divorces, unemployment, multiple stints in prison, the death of his beloved mother and more. Eventually Bob was no longer able to hold a regular job and became homeless, living under bridges and in tents in downtown Houston.

But the battle was not finished because Bob’s Heavenly Father was still pursuing him. In the summer of 2005, Bob started coming to Impact regularly, not for fellowship, but for food and basic necessities. When asked why he kept returning to Impact he said, “People at Impact love the needy and the hungry and no one looked down on me.” Four years later, he started attending church services and last summer joined Impact’s Recovery House. Bob graduated from the Recovery House program on February 1, 2011 with 184 days clean and sober.

Listening to Bob’s story left me humbled and in awe of a loving Father who pursues his children. As we studied the Bible together, I noticed that Bob was flipping through highlighted, well worn pages- evidence of where his strength comes from. Frequently in conversation, he quotes scriptures that have become the rock on which he stands and there is an unmistakable peace where once loomed only addiction.

Bob has moved to Lufkin to be with his family, but he wouldn’t leave until after the Impact “Outdoorsmen” Super Bowl party. He has attended every Super Bowl party since 2005, but this time he wanted to come as a servant, clean and sober. God is good!

2011-04-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

See that building on the right?

It’s nothing fancy really. It’s just an old refurbished warehouse with a simple sign outside. Yet, many people in need seem to find their way to our doors for help. The homeless have literally worn a path to our location. Young children from impoverished areas are transported in for classes. Families know where to find food and clothes. However, some of the greatest news is what happens inside. Inside our building, the Good News of Christ is shared. Inside hearts, miracles occur as that message hits home. Inside this community, people learn from each other how to love and serve one another. Outside, things may not appear the most appealing, but inside, something beautiful is occurring.

2011-04-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hope Springs:

Eternal Benefits of Spring Break and Interns

March saw various groups and potential interns descend upon the Impact campus to serve and love the people of downtown Houston. Many visiting youngsters will come back to work during the Summers. Some will apply to be summer interns, and among those, it is likely that some will eventually come to work with us full-time, like recent staff members, Tyler Gentry and John Carson. Tyler has blessed our young women with special outings, cooking at members’ houses and just being in their lives. John is Impacting the young men in the same way. Both are refreshing ministers who bring hope into the lives of many.

Although John is a great servant, he is humble enough to be a learning disciple. He shares what he learns from those around him in the following words.

“Sunday, I found myself sitting next to three or four children of ours who often misbehave. I sat with them on the second row, and I watched them play tic-tac-toe and attempted to keep them quiet, while I tried to listen to Les preach about the Beatitudes. I remember thinking, “I wonder if they’re getting anything out of this sermon.”

Of course, I’m more than happy with them sitting quietly and playing tic-tac-toe, but I also think God wanted to show me something that morning. As I listened to Les, I glanced down at the seventh grade girl next to me. She had “Blessed are the pure in heart” written on her hand. I thought of Jesus and the little children coming to him. God wanted to remind me that he is good and likes to surprise me all the time.”

When we listen and share what we learn we are like a spring that refreshes. We are life-givers, whether we see instant results or not. So, we continue to share and trust God to cause seeds to grow. Consider sponsoring Impact interns who are ready to serve and learn. See what God will grow for His kingdom!

2011-04-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

2011-04-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

When Charlie Middlebrook went into the hospital early this year due to a severe stroke, fear and concern swept over his family, friends, and everyone at Impact. Prayer soon took over as passionate pleas went up to the Father. As the photo to the left documents, Impact ministers and members went to visit and pray with Charlie’s family in the hospital waiting room. Other families were hurting, so the group invited all around to pray for the different families and their situations. Thousands prayed for Charlie’s healing and as of this writing he is walking and having some success communicating as he continues with therapy. But what an amazing reminder of the need and power of sharing concerns and faith in community! A family was comforted, families were blessed, and throngs were able to participate in what God wanted to bring about. We at Impact have learned this, and know that life in Christ is life is to be shared. We cry when others are crying. We celebrate when others celebrate. We admonish one another in love and in the Word. We spur one another along. We love one another with a love so special we are compelled to share it with others. We seek those who are hurting and needy and give that love away so that what we have will be planted in their souls as well. Just as several friends cheered Impact Children's Minister, Laurie Templeton in the Houston Marathon (LEFT), we are here to encourage one another along ..for another 24 years, if the Lord wills. -Steven Wells

2011-04-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

“Darkness Cannot Drive Out Darkness”

- Josef Bilnoski

My last three days of 2010 were spent camping in Bastrop State Park with12 middle school boys. The kids were concerned about bears and snakes as we headed into the “deep woods”. It was interesting watching the kids pitch their tents, and with a little assistance, they finally had the campsite set up. After playing some football and grilling hotdogs for dinner, the kids got to experience real nighttime. Living in the city, they are always surrounded by light. But in the woods when the sun goes down, “dark” takes on a whole new meaning. The middle school boys that were so tough a few hours ago were now scared to walk to the restroom alone. It is really interesting when you think about it: These kids live in parts of the city that we won’t drive through without locking the doors. They walk to school and to the store alone amongst gangs, bullies, and predators, but in the woods where they’re actually safe, they become afraid. Eventually, nighttime became their favorite time because it allowed them to play hide-and-seek in the dark with flashlights. We used this as an opportunity to teach them about the light of Jesus. At night, when we are in darkness, a flashlight is very bright. It attracts your attention to it. We explained to the boys how the flashlights were like the things in this world that attract our attention when we are living in spiritual darkness: popularity, money, drugs and alcohol, etc… And just like when the sun comes up in the morning and the flashlights lose their attraction, when we are in the light of Jesus the things of the world lose their attraction also.

No one was ready to leave on our final day. Though worn out by the previous day’s 8 mile hike, boys begged us to stay longer and asked when we were going to come back. The night before they all ventured out of their tents and slept under the stars - the darkness no longer scared them. Some of them talked about living in the forest when they grew older. It was so great to get them away from the city for a few days and out of their comfort zones. This trip and others like it bring these kids closer to God and closer to each other. The unity in the group is strengthened and it is something that we can build on for the future. Before we headed back to Houston we circled up, held hands, and thanked God for our trip, His beautiful creation, and to take us home safely.

2011-01-12T21:17:00.000-08:00

Steven Gaunt of Garland Street Church of Christ posted this in his church’s bulletin this week:

Walking the Pipes

“The pipes hung high above the grassy watershed underneath the Houston street. Normally I wouldn’t cross from one side to the other by walking on pipes, but this wasn’t a normal day. It was a day that would alter the way I looked at life.
We were on a mission trip to work with the Impact Church of Christ in inner-city Houston. Each day our group of forty something college kids split up into groups and went out into the city – talking to college students at the University of Houston, helping in the Impact warehouse, door-knocking to invite people to a gospel meeting, and making sandwiches to deliver to the homeless. The groups that made the sandwich runs got to walk the pipes as we learned about the homeless who lived under the bridges in downtown Houston.
I was one of the first ones to walk the pipes. As soon as I got off the pipes I turned around a took a picture of the guys walking the pipes behind me. Then I turned back to scene underneath the bridge. In front of us was an area where homeless people spent the night. They were usually all gone by the morning. But on this day there was still a homeless man lying there underneath a sleeping bag. I took a picture. Not wanting to startle this man with a bunch of strangers standing around, some in the group walked over and attempted to wake him up. It was too late.
I was one of the ones who ran across the bridge to find a business where we could use a phone to call 911. We huddled in the grass beside the bridge as firemen and police and newspaper reporters scampered onto the scene. We stayed an extra day to attend a funeral for a man that we had never known, I believe his name was Dennis and Houston was just the latest city where he lived under a bridge. We had learned a song on that trip entitled “One More Day.” Some of the lyrics are, “If my time on earth is long and I am young, and I see God’s people dying I want to help them… For if Jesus comes tomorrow, we’ll have just one more day.” Singing the song beside the bridge that day brought new meaning as we felt the impact of those words.
The picture of the green sleeping bag with the worn shoes sticking out from under it still causes my stomach to turn. My stomach doesn’t turn because of the death that we witnessed that day, but because of the many more who are like Dennis that we don’t see for whatever reason. May our eyes be opened.”

The preceding article is my bulletin article for this week. In my mind it was Charlie who was leading the group I was in that day walking the pipes. I don't know if that is true or not - many years have filtered out some of the details. But I do know that if it weren't for those men and women who had a faith like Charlie, there would be a lot of people who wouldn't know how to love like we should.
I have been and will continue to pray for Charlie, his family, and the work of Impact. May God bless you richly today and may He be glorified in all things. -sg

2011-01-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

from Ron Sellers:
“Today is the 24th anniversary of Impact's first Sunday worship service in inner city Houston. It was a time of deep prayer and our Father guided amazingly. He still does as we continue to seek His will in this city . . . and as we seek His divine intervention for Charlie. Thanks to all who have joined this journey along the way”

For the past few days, Charlie Middlebrook has been in the hospital after having suffered a stroke. Some of the most dangerous moments seem to have past, but we are anxiously praying for a full recovery. See the link below to Facebook posts that give the latest updates, and a history of what has been happening.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_176854579021376&ap=1

2010-12-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

Something Beautiful I saw today...

by Dennis Jaeger and Gaylee Garroutte

Being a part of Impact never ceases to amaze me. Impact is a place where God uses any and everyone to be a blessing to others. A place where anyone can find a way to serve, and where God’s love is alive and well. When you walk in on a Sunday morning, there is such a broad spectrum of people you might cross paths with; people who you can encourage and people who will encourage you. Below are the words of Gaylee Garroutte after a Sunday morning at Impact. Lord, teach me to be more like the little girl she describes!

“This morning when I was in church I saw the most beautiful thing. There was the sweetest little blonde haired baby, she was cute as a button, and if I had to guess her age... maybe 1 ½ or 2 years old. This little girl amazed me. She was sitting in the back row with her mother and behind them was a row of elderly people in wheel chairs. This little girl left her mom and walked right over to one of the ladies in the wheelchairs and just smiled at her. The smile that came over the older woman's face was priceless. The little girl proceeded to put her hands on the woman’s legs and kind of mini hugged her. The older woman was gleaming! She lingered around and then looked over at the elderly woman in the wheelchair next to her and then went to her and just smiled so cute at this woman. The older woman bent over, picked her up and sat her in her lap for a little bit. The girl was completely happy, smiling and laughing, and the joy that it gave to this woman was amazing. The little girl continued to go from wheelchair to wheelchair, smiling, laughing, and just loving on all these people I doubt she knew. I was so impressed with how generous this little baby girl was with her love and the difference it made to the people who she was loving on.

She was such a lesson to me. She reminded me how powerful it can be to love another - just the simple gift of love and the impact that it can make on someone else. She wasn't selfish at all, she loved them all. Her tiny little arms had so much power when she hugged another. She was tiny, but her message was huge. Today, I choose to try and love others more like her. She was wonderful :)”

2010-10-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

What makes Impact so attractive to the mission-minded?

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.

2010-10-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

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!"

2010-10-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

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.

______________

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

2010-09-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

Will You Stand?

Standing. Those of us who are able do it hundreds of times a day. When we were infants, it was new and exciting. We would practice again and again. Now it’s become a habit. We sit and we stand without thinking - it’s no big deal. For a while, it’s exciting again as we watch with bated breath our children and grandchildren explore with wonder what their bodies are able to do as they learn how to sit, stand, and walk.

There are children, however, who do not have parents to partake in the joy of learning these things with them. There are children who grow up without any encouragement to explore the world around them, no congratulations when they learn something new, and who are viewed as more of a hassle than a gift. When we encounter these children, once again we need to learn how to stand.

God stands on behalf of children who have been wronged by people who are supposed to love them no matter what. We at Impact are thankful that one of the ways he does so is by allowing us to cross their paths. The story of four brothers who showed up at Impact this last June are a perfect example.

With their father in jail, these four boys (ages 5-9) were already missing out on an important person in their life. In the beginning of June, their mother brought them to Houston, dropped them off at grandma’s, and left without a word of when she would return for them. The boys found themselves in a new city, with people they didn’t know, and not knowing whether they would ever see their mother again.

Their grandmother, an Impact member, signed them up for VBS. They came to Impact scared of the unknown, rejected by their mother, but embraced by family desperate to show them love. Over the next six weeks of VBS, they were smiled at, laughed with, hugged on, and loved more than they ever had been in their short lives. They began the summer lonely, with big behavior problems, big eyes, and blank stares. They ended the summer earning awards for exceptional behavior and service, with huge smiles, lots of giggles, and more friends than they’d ever had. Above all, they learned through all those people that there is a God who will never leave them, never forsake them, who loves them so much that he gave up his only son so they could be with him, and will always stand on their behalf. He will be there to rejoice with them when they learn something new, to cry with them when the world is unkind, and to encourage them towards a great and amazing life lived for him.

The mother of these four sweet boys has not returned. No one knows where she is or if they will ever see her again. The boys have found a new home, with people who love them and who are joyfully learning how to stand on their behalf. Thank you for allowing God to use you to enable Impact to stand in the gap for those who are unable to stand alone!

-Dennis Jaeger

2010-09-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

Impacting Our Health

Healthy Treasure, a Christian-Based bilingual health and wellness program. We will meet every Fridays beginning September 3, 2010 from 6pm-8pm. We just decided to make some changes due to concerns from current participants. We will have Bible Class for the first half hour, discuss nutrition and menu planning the second half hour and then we will focus on mental health dealing specifically with self-esteem (building) and motivation. We will add exercise at the beginning of the new year once we have helped the women understand the importance and benefits of exercise. -Maria Arzu

2010-09-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

A Second Opportunity

In February of this year we began a residential recovery program on our campus. We began with six individuals. Two completed the program and are now in After Care and housed on our campus. Three who dropped out of the program are still utilizing our continuing services for the homeless. Beginning Aug. 1, we added eight individuals to the program. With the House Manager and an intern, we have ten in our small facility.

These men are older than the first group. All express an intense desire to leave the life of addiction and grow closer to the Lord. Of course you would say anything to get off the street and into housing and care. But these men seem to be sincerely dedicated to recovery, but fearful about the whole process of recovery and becoming independent and self-supporting. We will add a daily Twelve Step program that will be open to others interested in recovery.

We request your prayers for these men for the long process ahead of them. We ask, also, that you pray for an opportunity to offer the same program to women in the near future. That will mean acquiring more room for the men and having the women taking over the present facility. We can do this…and we must. Please pray for them…and us as we plan for the future.

-Doug Williams

2010-09-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

In Feb. of 2009, several leaders of inner-city ministries across the nation met in St. Louis at Jim Harbin's request to feel the "state of the nation" in urban ministry within our brotherhood. That was a great time of being together, again. The Impact Church volunteered to host another conference in 2011. We intend to keep that promise. The dates are Feb. 25 and 26.

The theme will be (or something like this) "Impact at age 24: What we did right and what we did wrong." We will overview our programs and offer time for question and answers. Being onsite, you can visit each ministry and ministry leader(s). We will also explore what happened to some of the ministries that have failed since 2005. I hope you will plan now to attend and spread the word. -Doug Williams

2010-09-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

There are so many pictures and stories we didn’t get to share about what God did among the young people at Impact, but know that many lives were changed forever!

Learning a new language is much easier when a friend is there to help. Daniel Arzu (above) helped his friend, Hector learn English just in time for his first taste of Texas schools. (Below) Already back at SFA, Marilyn Flores made so many summer/lifetime buddies!

2010-09-09T20:34:00.000-07:00

WANTED:

Bilingual Minister! ..and a supporting congregation!

For 23 years a local congregation has supported our bi-lingual minister. That began with Calvin Henry, to Ken Lewis to Steve Austin to Steven Wells who just left to do graduate work in St. Louis. That congregation can no longer support this position. Two candidates are scheduled to come seeking to fill that vacancy. Both are fully aware of the financial shortfall we are experiencing. Please pray that we can find suitable support to this very vital work. Our rapidly growing Spanish-speaking outreach is one of our most important staff positions.

2010-09-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

“How I Spent My Summer Internship...”

by Ezequiel Lopez

We have already reported on how 3 of Impact’s young men left to serve in other ministries for the summer. Ezequiel Lopez was asked to report on his experiences:

“I was able to spend my summer in an urban area of Tulsa, Oklahoma working with Contact Church of Christ. While there I was able to work with youth, who lived in impoverished neighborhoods. I was able to go to camp with many of them at the beginning of the summer and get to know them by living, playing, and worshipping with them. I also learned this summer that the best way to communicate with a teenager is by doing the things they like, which is play video-games. So we would do that with a couple of teens on Friday, just to hang out and relax.

Another thing that I was able to do and learn from this summer was Contact Bible Club (CBC), which is similar to Impact’s Vacation bible school. We would go every Tuesday and Thursday to one apartment complex and go knock on doors, find some kids and bring them to the Recreation Center. Inside they would have government snacks ready for them before we started. We would start by singing (led by me), Skits (led by Kayla Bilby and performed by our Contact youth kids), crafts (led by Kaytie Jo Stinson), then “Ticket Time” (led by me!) This is the part where the kids are allowed to be as noisy and as crazy as they can be just for a piece of gum.

This summer has been, hands down, one of the best summer’s I have ever had. I was able to fellowship not only with the adults of the church, but also with the teens and the youth. Thanks to all of those who were able to make this summer possible, either financially or through prayer. I had a life-changing experience, thanks to God and to the support of many friends.”

2010-09-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Still dripping from her recent baptism, this TSU student, Ameena is not just pursuing higher education but her Savior, Jesus Christ. There is just so much to celebrate!

2010-08-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

Impact Distribution Center Makes the News

by Christine Haas / 11 News

khou.com

Posted on July 20, 2010 at 5:37 PM

The article and video begin like this:

HOUSTON -- “In a nameless two-story building, barely visible from the daily commute on I-10, Houstonians are making a difference in the lives of those in need.

The building houses donated food -- food that provides meals for hungry local families every day.

Anna Castro’s family of five is among those aided by the donations. Castro’s family gets their food in a 50-pound box – a month’s supply of groceries.

And they aren’t alone…..”

The Impact Distribution Center is participating in a program to provide families with children extra food during difficult times. Close to a thousand have applied at Impact alone. Until October, trucks will arrive at Impact three Fridays a month to serve a portion of applicants who will receive one 50-lb portion of foods one time each month. To see the video go to:

http://www.khou.com/home/Houston-Food-Bank-helps-local-families-find-their-next-meals-98875079.html

Or, read the article entitled, “Houston Food Bank helps local families find their next meals.”

2010-08-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Michael Lemmons: Showing God’s Unconditional Love

God has worked through us this summer at Impact. Here's the stories of six kids that God allowed us to help this summer.

Last year, the bosses kicked me out of VBS. They told me I had an attitude problem, I didn’t listen, and fighting solved nothing. Tough love, I guess. I missed school supplies. It crushed my intern. She had a soft spot for me and loved me despite my bad behavior. I felt her love even through my anger. I came back this year with a reputation, but still I had a second chance, a fresh chance. Some special people showed me unconditional love this summer and the last. My education ministers hadn’t given up on me all year. I came without a record of wrongs. Two interns chased me around my group, despite having little idea what it meant to discipline. Two others gave me special attention on the route, even though I come from the loudest family of six known to man. I’ve replaced the death stare with my beaming pearly whites. Now, I know the meaning of no and a positive attitude, and I know unconditional love.
My name is Diamond, and I’m in green group.

My mother brought my brother and I to VBS. I appeared content and ready to have fun like all the other children. Yes, most kids entered a somewhat foreign atmosphere, but not completely, as did I. For see, unlike all the other children, I didn’t speak the language of the land. Having just immigrated a month before, I easily could have felt overwhelmingly anxious. I could have felt stupid or ridiculous. Others might have said we don’t have time. Instead, Impact showed me unconditional love. My interns fought over whose buddy I would be. One won and translated everything to me every chance he had. One made sure to teach me any English she could get me to remember. Even with her other responsibilities, my reading director became my teacher. Now, I’ll go to school and know so much. I don’t have to experience the anxiety of knowing nothing and feeling completely alone. I feel unconditionally loved.
My name is Hector, and I’m in yellow group.

I’m bigger than most people my age. Some might argue I’m a bully. I can’t say I’ve never been called that. I’m not always aware of my size, and it makes it difficult to make friends. I don’t always listen, but I always smile. I often got in trouble but never sent home. Impact didn’t call me a bully. They gave me a chance. They showed me the love of the Almighty. My interns paid me special attention. When one child complained about me, they reminded me to watch out for those smaller than me, but they did while holding my hand, showing me the way. Big buddies sang with me at talent show and showed me how special I could be. Interns recognized my sweet nature and worked to expand it. They didn’t write me off as a bully. No, they loved me unconditionally. My sweet nature has become my only nature. For lunch, I volunteered to pray the other day. I thanked God for the interns, the big buddies, and for Miss Michael because they take care of us. I prayed with the love of Jesus. I learned it from a few special people that loved me the same way.
My name is Nancy, and I’m in orange group.

I followed my brother to VBS. My mom signed me up. When you look at me, you might argue I’m younger than I say. When VBS began, I cried every day. I mumbled nervously, calling out for my mom, wanting so much to go home. I felt miserable in an unfamiliar place with loud people. My interns struggled with me, an infant among toddlers. The bosses nearly said enough, but instead they showed me unconditional love, the love of Jesus. They gave me another chance. Then, God used a few individuals. An intern introduced me to the wonder of field trips. One accepted every apology I was made to give, despite my continual disregard for her authority. Another laughed through my stories, even if they happened to be in another language than his own. My education minister showed me the magic of lunch dates. Now, I can’t stop smiling. Now, I tell my stories like a comedian, not mumble them like the godfather. I have a routine, and I know, even if I don’t understand it, I’m unconditionally loved.
My name is Ricardo, and I’m in red group.

Some might call me bad. Some might call me hyperactive. Some might call me crazy. Everyone expects so much of me, to focus, to sit, to stand, to participate, to focus, to read, to walk, to focus. They want me to obey the first time, but I’ve already got my eye on the poster hanging on the opposite wall, and my hand is ready to pounce. I don’t know why my body works this way. I can’t help it. I try so hard. I get frustrated with my behavior, and I throw my head in my arms. Still, I learn Impact loves me. My interns have to chase me everywhere. Yet, they love me. I stab one in the eye with a pencil, but she loves me. She chooses a special big buddy for me one week. He becomes my idol and gives me the best week of the summer. I survived VBS only with the grace of unconditional love. Whether or not some interns came close to losing their cool, they loved me with the love of Jesus, and nothing holds stronger than that.
My name is Edgar, and I’m in purple group.

I got lost in the crowd the first week of VBS, although they knew then I couldn’t read. They excitement of it all kept me from acting poorly. Yet, as the second week started, a new building we entered, and the newness seemed overwhelming. The unconditional love began. Everyone began to realize I didn’t behave like every other child. Several individuals realized I needed special attention. Still, they didn’t know what I had and didn’t understand the best way to treat me. One intern began to investigate while another wondered how to help me. Still another tried patiently over and over again to help me read. They learned my diagnosis, leaving a bad taste in their mouths. I didn’t understand why they cared so much, but I loved the individual attention. I didn’t get it much at home without the sting of negativity. While one intern was gone, my other became my rock. Countless times, she began calming me down in the hall. She missed me when I wasn’t there. My home life needed work, and Impact saw an opportunity. They sucked in my mom, and now I have a therapist to come to my home and my school. My mom is learning I need a routine and how to give me positive reinforcement. We both smile more, and she says nice things to me. She understands me more everyday. Impact showed my mother unconditional love, and now she’s learning how to provide it for me.
My name is Miguel, and I’m in blue group.
Matthew 25:34-40
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

2010-07-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Middle School returns from Camp of the Hills tomorrow. Look forward to posting pics.

Oklahoma churches swarmed our campus this week with one of the largest groups of workers to love on our kids and present a wonderful VBS along with our awesome staff!

As is our tradition, each year we pluck a group of our youngsters out of the concrete jungle and transport them to the mountains of Colorado to face the elements, discover new things about them selves, and experience the accomplishment of climbing a mountain. We are proud of how they faced the challenge and excited for how that with be with them forever.

VBS!

JULY is SO BUSY!!

This week part of our High School group is in Colorado experiencing TREK! Pray for their safety as they climb mountains, and pray for their hearts as they discover new things about themselves. Pray for their Spirit as they see God’s wonders and Christ’s heart in their fellow hikers.

VBS is in its third week. Each group that comes to visit us brings its own surge of energy and excitement.

Bible studies at Independence Hall, Liberty Island, and small groups in various homes and on campus continue to nourish our adults at Impact.

We continue to serve out neighbors and those in need around us, feeding hundreds of families a week, harboring the homeless for moments during the week, and just being there for those who need someone in their life who cares.

Having celebrated Independence Day this past weekend, we are reminded of the great freedom we have to worship our Lord and serve Him as we do in this city and in this country.

Check out our July Newsletter by clicking the link below:

July news">http://www.docstoc.com/docs/46390460/July-news">July news

2010-06-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

Busy week!

Opportunity Camp blesses Impact youngsters!

Interns meet Impact elders.

Hispanic teens attend national youth event at Bammel Church of Christ. Two of our teens decided to get baptized!

Truckloads of Gourmet Food provided groceries for hundreds of families.

Interns took the Urban Plunge to open their eyes to the homeless situation in Houston.

Much more goes on behind the scenes in preparation for VBS, etc.

2010-06-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

Opportunity Camp Report!

Last week several of our youngest kids were taken to a special Gulf Coast Christian Camp in Columbus, Texas. Two churchs, one from Conroe and one from Canyon, Texas come out and put on a camp called Opportunity Camp! It is so named because of the opportunity that every camper has to receive tons of attention and guidance from their counselors and the staff. “It is SO cool!” explains Suzy Gabriel who couldn’t stay away for a week. “There are two teen buddies for every camper and you stay with your buddy 24/7! The kids are eating up all that individual attention! They don't want to go home!!” This sentiment was reflected in the faces and body language of the children as they arrived back at the impact campus. Suzy continues, “Lluvia told me the a lot of the kids were crying [that] morning, they didn't want it to be over. She said [a couple of campers] were bawling! I hate they were sad but, you know… that’s the little boy in them and they felt loved all week long! No garbage, no alcohol, no drugs, no yelling… just love! A little piece of heaven for them!!” Thanks to the two churches who provided a wonderful week for these little ones from Impact. They worked hard, played hard, but gently guided these little ones through an amazing adventure. It was more than a camp. It truly was “a little piece of heaven for them!!”

2010-06-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the JUNE edition of Impact News:

2010-06-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

er:

2010-06-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Summer is HERE! Interns are here! Students are out of school and here on campus! Lots of things are happening! Stay tuned for reports, but if you want more photos, updates, and ideas of activities, our Facebook page is one of the most active sites at the moment. People are always posting photos and comments. Check it out! Most of all, keep praying for the work God is doing in downtown Houston through Impact.

2010-04-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

Impact Loses a Beloved Family Member:

Winston Bridges (1939-2010)

The following letter expresses the sentiments of so many here at Impact.

"My Friend Winston" -by Jenny Winter

There are people in our lives who make a difference and then there are people who change us forever. Winston changed me forever. Not in a grand and adventurous way but in the simple ways that I watched Jesus working in Winston’s life.

When I first saw Winston he was eating with the outdoorsmen and listening to one of Les’s sermons. He looked about the age of my Grandfather and I supposed he was one of the ministers at Impact just helping out. I was shocked to discover that Winston was an outdoorsman himself. I couldn’t believe at his age he could survive without a roof over his head at night. I was even more shocked to find out that he was without family. He looked for them, but never found them. No family…no home…How has he survived? When I introduced myself to Winston he pulled on the corner of his baseball cap and shuffled his feet and told me how he was feeling and what was going on in the kitchen at Impact. And so it was for ten years. Almost every day I worked at Impact he would find me and say hi and pull on the corner of his baseball hat and shuffle his feet and tell me how he was feeling and what was going on in the kitchen at Impact. Every once in a while I could get some stories out of him about his days working with horses in the circus and pranks he played as a child, but mostly our relationship consisted of our simple hellos and me watching and learning.

I watched him when we started working with Doug Williams in the kitchen at Impact. He took ownership of his job and worked hard. He was proud of himself and the people he worked with. I went to visit him when he and Felton moved into their new home close to the church. He was comfortable there. He seemed content to share his new home with friends. I listened to his stories of the holidays he spent at the Williams house or at Impact. Of what Bethul cooked for him and what he did and what his roommates did. He was happy over the holidays. I watched him pass out Christmas, birthday, and thank-you cards to many people at Impact over the years. They all contained just his simple signature and for all of us that was enough. When babies were born he would buy them gifts. He always gave the gifts secretively, but we knew who gave them to us. For years I watched Winston be generous with his time, his money, and his love. He had this unique ability to make everyone feel loved and important even when he was tired and sick.

When Winston started getting sick fairly regularly I would visit him in the hospital. Sometimes I would ride with him in the ambulance and always the first question the staff would ask is, “Does this man have family?” My answer was always, “No, he does not have any family that we know of.” But something always bothered me about this answer. Over the years I had watched Winston go from no family to a whole church that considers him his own, from no job to working regularly, from homeless to a house of his own. So when Winston got really sick and went to the hospital for the last time the nurse looked at me and asked the same question, “Does this man have a family?” And for the first time I answered that question truthfully, “Yes Ma’am. This man has more family than most of us ever will.” Impact is Winston’s family. Winston is our family. Winston is my family.

Winston taught me a lot of things in this life, but the most valuable lesson I learned from him is that when you fill your life with Jesus Christ it does not matter how much you have or don’t have. God will give abundantly from His riches to provide for all of your needs. Winston found family and home at Impact and the love Jesus put in his heart was shared with all of us. I already can’t wait for the day when Winston will pull on the corner of his baseball cap and shuffle his feet and tell me hi and how he is feeling and what is going on in the kitchen in Heaven. I miss you already my friend…my family.”

The variety of people who came to Winston Bridges’ funeral is a testimony to how one humble life can have an impact on so many people. Young, old, rich, poor, black, white, or brown; all were precious to him.

2010-04-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

What a Symphony!

A conductor guides musicians in the orchestra to follow his lead. Some strings are setting a harmonic mood, the percussion is providing beats and a rhythm, the brass provide the accents, and the woodwinds herald a melodic tune. They each have a part made for them, and individually they are practiced and played, but only as they follow the maestro’s cues and listen to each other do they transform the pages of notes to a living, breathing, unified creation. The music produced is very similar to how God guides His church. Each member has its unique purpose. Some are louder, some blend in more, and some stand out as totally unique. Others are almost overlooked completely though, without them, the work of the body is incomplete. When God guides them all, the outcome is a work of art that amazes the senses and the soul.

What happens at Impact never ceases to surprise and amaze. The month of March has its own kind of “March Madness” with the Annual Garage Sale and our two weeks of Spring Break activity that follows, yet God allows everything to flow smoothly making the experiences incredible for everyone. We cannot thank West Houston enough for the time, energy, and resources they pour into the annual Impact Garage Sale at Trader’s Village. The ladies who coordinate the pricing and placement of all the products basically camp out at the trading pavilion all week as truck loads of items continue to be brought in. Impact’s Felton Benton takes the brunt of responsibility as he coordinates truck drivers to empty the warehouses and to pick up donations from individuals.

Our Hispanic ministers carved huge chunks of time out of their week to shuttle groups of workers from the Impact building out to the sale and back to help set up merchandise. Many volunteers and ministers from West Houston, Impact, and other congregations worked literally countless hours setting things up and selling at the event. The other vendors around our sale are astounded at the amount of goods and workers. It really is mind-boggling how so many workers are coordinated to handle such a crazy task of sorting through boxes of trinkets to get them ready to sale, selling furniture at a marked price and knowing when to stay firm or make a deal, AND present Christ to business owners and customers alike as they talk about what the Lord is doing in downtown Houston through Impact. Many worked hard to make a successful sale, but still others added support through their donations of pieces to sell, through their prayer, and through their extra efforts to make things happen that no one could see or know about.

This Spring Break, groups gave up their vacation time to visit and work at Impact (with an emphasis on “WORK.”) During the first week, while a handful was painting a neighbor’s house, others were painting walls and replacing a floor in the Teen House. A majority spent the week putting on a Spring Break VBS for the kids out of school. Whether performing skits, leading classes, manning activity stations, or being on-call for special attention, ALL gave 100% love and energy. A revival of the Urban Plunge took a group of university students on a tour of Downtown Houston as a homeless person might experience it, going from the library to a soup kitchen to a hospital, and walking it in flip flops with a pack on their backs. While faces were being painted on one side of the campus, walls were being painted on the other; while Bible stories were being presented in one area, lessons were being learned in others; while hearts were being touched by service, eyes were being opened by experience! The balance of buzz and activity came together in a perfect chorus of blessing and community that only our Celestial Maestro could orchestrate. Thank God and all who came for a wonderful Spring Break 2010! -Steven Wells

2010-04-26T18:41:00.001-07:00

Go to our Facebook page! Become Impact Houston's Friend and see TONS more pictures, especially by the awesome Spring Break groups that came to serve.

2010-04-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

What is Urban Plunge?

Imagine spending a day walking the streets of Houston in flip-flops, a day pack, receiving strange looks from passersby, learning the rules of loitering, and looking for where to get a meal, help, and a place to rest. That is just a taste of what Urban Plunge is for Impact visitors who want to experience life as a homeless person. What they see is only a glimpse of what the homeless live with, but it is enough to open their eyes and their hearts forever.

2010-04-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

Impact Report April 2010

1. We finished our short series on Christ’s words from the Cross having presented our final lesson on Easter Sunday. This has allowed the body opportunities to digest the significance of each of Christ’s saying during Impact groups and bible studies, and keep a great focus on Christ’s sacrifice and completed work on the cross for an extended amount of time. Next series will focus on the Monsters in our lives: things that scare and seem to overpower us. We want to reveal what these monsters truly are and affirm how they are powerless in the light of God’s truth and love.

2. The Garage Sale, though it brought in less than last year, still was a great success. Needed funding was provided for the many ministries and activities at Impact. Producing the Garage Sale, to me, is the most striking aspect of our annual Garage Sale. SO many people put in SO many hours using SO many resources and working SO hard.

3. Though our small groups share the same purposes and values, their makeup are very different. Our college-age group is one of the fastest-growing, and has great potential for setting the bar higher for our other groups. In order to prepare enough leaders, several extra prep meetings are arranged, but they are worth the extra effort. Put simply, it is active leader training, and it works.

4. Spring Break was crazy incredible! The first week, we hosted a Spring Break version of an Impact VBS. The groups from Oklahoma and ACU taught classes and loved on kids, fixed houses, helped oraganize the warehouse and Distribution Center, and helped get our newsletters ready to be mailed.

5. This year, we reinstituted the Urban Plunge! This downtown tour of life on Houston streets was a shocking education for the brave souls who volunteered to submit to the homeless experience. They only spend a few hours out (6 hrs., actually), but that is a mere drop in the bucket compared to what our outdoorsmen truly experience even in just one day. Our guides were ex-homeless men who had a wealth of information for our college students. This is a tradition that must continue because the education is invaluable.

6. Be getting ready now for our Annual Night of Celebration at Impact. This has come to replace the fundraising dinner. It is set to be May 6^th, 7:00pm at the Impact main building.

7. The Distribution Center is beginning to open their doors extra hours to serve working single mothers. Thursday evenings will be dedicated to this service which may be a good filter to more Bible studies and exposure to the church. The expected demographic is 80% Hispanic.

8. The Bridge Program, an “alternative-school” alternative which houses its students in the Impact Teen House during school hours continues to do well. After a year and a half of hosting students and permitting them to involve themselves in service in on-campus ministries, The Bridge Program has caught positive attention from the HISD Superintendant. Seems they are making an impact on the lives of these students, and may be seen as a way to do so more and more.

9. April is starting off active, with Passover Meals, Easter activities, Quincenera preparations, unexpected changes , and life in general, but we have great hopes of having a less active month. Our youth plans to have various retreats (editor's note: Fire at Camp of the Hills changed many plans.), and youth ministers are making final preparations for the summer, which basically “kicks off” mid-May when our interns arrive, but overall Impact is expecting a more even-keel month. Sometimes normal means being able to catch our breath. Sometimes not.

2010-03-03T06:19:00.000-08:00

Seasons of Life

by Laurie Templeton

As all communities of faith do, we have many seasons of life here at Impact. We have the hot, rainy, event-driven summer, the empty nest of August and September when all of the children and college interns have returned to school, the holiday season full of parties, Christmas gifts, and New Year dreams. Then, Spring is right around the corner packed with Garage Sale, ideological college students on break, and cook-outs in the projects; and once again we begin another hot, crazy summer with 400 children, college interns, and so on. We spend a lot of energy and time raising money for the summer, recruiting interns, and making sure we have enough safe vehicles to pick up the children once June begins, but Impact is not just about the summer. A former college intern who now lives in Houston told me recently that he enjoys this regular season of Impact so much more than the summer season. There is time to get to know one another, dream together, and learn together. I love the summer, but what motivates me toward summer and all of its events, people, and fatigue are the seasons before it begins, when I am able to sit at the feet of people that love the Lord and teach me how to love others. One particular person that has consistently affected myself and many others in this way is Suzannah Gabriel.

Suzannah, or Miss Suzy as our children at Impact know her, is not a seasonal worker at Impact. She is here during the summer teaching children how to read, she is busy buying presents at Christmas for Impact families, and she tutors one family of children year round. She has become a mentor to myself and others, and she is not afraid to hold us accountable. Suzannah has walked into the fire many times during her involvement with Impact and her example of walking with children through reading disabilities, abuse, and neglect impresses upon me the importance of seasons of life. Miss Suzy recently moved to San Antonio, but she continues to drive back to Houston every weekend to tutor her Impact children and she will be here for another Impact summer, but I know that this season will probably end at some point.
During this season of refreshment and sacrifice, may we all live out the gospel fully and sit at the feet of people to listen and learn. I pray that your community of faith has many Miss Suzy’s that are living their lives to worship the Lord through serving children. As we all gear up for the summer in our different parts of the world, may the Lord bless this season of reflection and restoration so that we become year round laborers in His kingdom throughout our seasons of life.

2010-03-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

Impact Images

2010-03-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

Images of Impact

Couple enjoyed a Movie Tavern experience around Valentine's Day. Ulises and Maime Batres, Guillermo and Isis Camacho, and Dimas and Antonia Velasquez were a few of the 23 couples who were there to enjoy dinner and a movie meant for strengthening marriages.

2010-03-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

How many of us say, “I love you!” too much to our wives? How many spend way too much time with their children? Even if you show a decent amount of affection, they and probably you only wish for more. Now, imagine a life where love is rarely expressed. That occurs all around us much more than we realize. We need to open our eyes to those who need expressions of love. Josef Bilnosky wanted to make sure his Middle School girls knew they were special daughters of God, and special to him. So, this former mechanic threw a tea party for them! Now, we could never match God in demonstrating love, but as we follow His Son we might be able to be more like Josef and reflect a bit of God’s love to others who are special to Him & us.

2010-03-03T05:49:00.000-08:00

Since opening our doors in January to those on the streets due to cold weather, a renewed Spirit of gratitude and ownership has been transforming our Outdoorsmen ministry. Most of our February newsletters were hand-addressed by faithful Impact members (above)wanting to make a positive impact in their own lives, and in the lives of others as well.

2010-03-03T05:44:00.000-08:00

A few things to Note... (from Steven Wells's perspective) March 2010

1. We are finishing our short series on Fire-proofing our marriages on the Hispanic side, but beginning a series church-wide on Christ’s words from the Cross.

a. The series followed our Valentines Party which was a great success. 23 couples enjoyed a dinner and a movie, Movie Tavern style. Kids were treated to a fun evening in a building far away to give the adults a care-free atmosphere. Popcorn, drinks and snacks were replenished by our wait-staff throughout the movie. The movie touched everyone’s hearts, and many couples have been asking for the movie and “Love Dare” books. This had led to some much needed counseling sessions as well.

b. Our series on the sayings from the cross starts this Sunday in a bilingual service. It will continue through Easter Sunday. We look forward to seeing what we can do creatively to help people understand Christ’s words and circumstances through dramatic readings, video clips, and images. This looks to be a powerful way of presenting the gospel

2. A lot has been going on in our Outdoorsman Ministry this month.

a. A few members attended the Celebrate Recovery Seminar in Kingwood’s Second Baptist. The desire is to begin more groups and encourage a wider support for this ministry.

b. David Beegle and Steven Wells attended the Coalition for the Homeless Conference last week, making lots of great contacts. (***On any given night, 8,000-10,000 homeless individuals are on the streets of Houston.***)

c. Impact has begun its Recovery House program. 7 men are living in a house remodeled as a halfway house. The men are attending specialized groups, meetings, and resident-led devotionals. They are working all over campus as part of their program, but also in appreciation for the help they are getting.

3. Small groups continue well, but we need more leaders. Working on making the role of the facilitator easier to duplicate by giving over more responsibility to members.

4. The surge in attendance since before the holidays has not really died down on the Hispanic side. We had a smaller group at the beginning of January, but our auditorium remains full, and worship dynamic.

a. Three new members were added this month: Efrain Torres, Jose Martinez and his daughter, Jocelyn. Three more of our teens are planning on being baptized this coming Sunday.

5. A busy month is ahead of us with Spring Break and the Impact Garage Sale.

a. Next Sunday, the 7^th Kingwood members are expected to bring items they want to donate in the afternoon between 3:00-5:00pm.

b. The Garage Sale is March 12-14.

c. Spring Break groups will help with the Spring VBS and neighborhood mission projects (along with various Impact experiences).

6. Be getting ready now for our Annual Night of Celebration at Impact. This has come to replace the fundraising dinner. It is set to be May 6^th, 7:00pm at the Impact main building.

Become our friend on Facebook, too!

2010-02-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

Impact Garage Sale, March 12-14

Taking your donations, NOW! Call 713-864-5667

Its that time of year again! We are gearing up for the annual Impact Houston Garage Sale at Trader’s Village. This, along with our Celebration Dinner (see notice below) is one of our biggest fundraisers for the ministries at Impact. We collect and store donations all year long to be able to present a huge selection of ítems of all sizes and value. From sofas to sneakers, from washing machines to water hoses, from books to bureaus, and from toys to table settings, the items are varied are organized for your perusal. All are welcome to come shop for bargains, but the real fun is in volunteering as a vendor, or coming out to help in some other way. Mission groups who come down to paint houses and otherwise reach people for Christ also lend their backs and energies to the craziness of hauling cargo to and from the warehouses and pavilion. The gang from West Houston has honed their skills to produce a well organized events, providing an enjoyable experience for everyone. Not only are there tons of mind-boggling bargains and big-hearted people serving together, but every year new people discover the ministry of Impact. Our hope is that they also see a glimpse of what our Lord has to offer as well.

2010-02-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Impact Night of Celebration 2010!

Our annual Impact Celebration Dinner will once again be hosted on the campus of Impact Houston Church of Christ, and YOU are invited!

Tickets are $25 per person and there are special prices for reserving a table for you and your guests.

This night is “All About Impact,” so bring someone you want to introduce to us. We will let them know what God has been and is doing in downtown Houston.

For ticket purchasing, please call the office at 713-864-5667 or visit us online.

2010-02-09T08:26:00.001-08:00

Representing Impact’s Distribution Center at a news conference for the Houston Food Bank and its partners, David Beegle and Patricia Skinner (circled in top row) hold up Impact signs for reporters.

Have a Heart for the Hungry in Houston!
Some interesting data:

· 81% of the clients we feed are food insecure, meaning they live with the day-to-day
risk of running out of food. -Houston Food Bank

· Even though 2008 was a record-breaking year, the number of people we are serving was up 70% in 2009. –Impact Houston

· 60% of our clients are forced to choose between paying utility bills and putting food on the table, up 13% from the last hunger study. -Houston Food Bank

For more data, search the web: http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/hungerstudy10.aspx

2010-02-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

Celebrating the 43rd birthday of Manuelito Flores is not only a special moment for a special Impact family member, but the church uses this as a great opportunity to praise God for Manuelito’s miraculous life. On top of that, the Flores uses the celebration to bring people together. Fiestas are so important in developing community.

2010-02-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Impact Testimonial: Daniel Zuniga

Impact is blessed to know many amazing young people. I’d like to introduce you to one of them: Daniel Zuniga moved to Houston after fleeing Hurricane Katrina with his family in 2005. He has been attending here 4 ½ years, and has become an integral part of our youth group. He’ll graduate in 2011, and has plans to attend college. He is, more than anything, a servant, and exemplifies what Impact is all about. He wrote these words after interning with our elementary school children this last summer:

“When I first came here to Houston, it was not very easy adapting to the changes that I was forced to encounter. The culture was different, the people were different, even the weather was different despite the fact that Texas and Louisiana are right next to each other. I first had no idea how to go about my life being in this brand new city. Then, all of a sudden and out of the blue, Impact Houston Church of Christ came along.

“We had been attending a Church of Christ in New Orleans, LA, and that’s how we got in touch with Impact. Impact gave me a place to call home in a brand new, unknown city. They gave me shelter – not only physically but spiritually as well, and a spiritual base to start on. Since Impact has done great things for me, I, in return, want to do great things to help out Impact, its members, and to praise God. What better way to start off than to start off giving my free time to VBS and the children over the summer!”

The world would be a great place if all its young men and women followed in the footsteps of Daniel. -Dennis Jaeger

2010-02-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

Impact: A Refuge in the Heart of Houston

We call them “outdoorsmen.” Others use the term “homeless.” It is hard to lump all into one category, but Impact serves a special group of people on a regular basis who don’t have access to basic amenities like showers, laundry machines, or a kitchen. Some of our “homeless” have made homes in tents and garage spaces. Others are more mobile, but when harsh weather hits, like what Houston experienced in early January, Impact wants to be available to all who need assistance. When the temperatures fell to the 20’s for a string of days, Impact opened its doors for those who needed overnight shelter. The Impact kitchen was running almost non-stop making stew, rice and beans, gumbo, and a hearty Chicken Alfredo for a crowd of 76 homeless who needed refuge from the sub-freezing temperatures. Some ministers were around for limited oversight. However, our kitchen staff is so dedicated, energized, and capable, and our guests were so appreciative that all work was being done with ease. Everyone was watching out for one another, and attitudes were incredible. We stayed open from Thursday evening to Monday afternoon, and you would have never known it just walking through our service on Sunday morning. More and more of those we served are making time to give back by volunteering. Others are taking steps to help themselves by using our computers to attain special licenses, or by seeking help they have been putting off. Impact is meeting that enthusiasm with new efforts. A property on Weber St. has been remodeled to house 7 residents as they participate in a recovery program. More ministers are becoming involved in seminars and conferences to gain information, training, and networking from other area organizations that care for those on the streets of our city. Many things like Sunday lunches, midday bible studies, recovery groups, and even the Superbowl Party are things that primarily benefit them, but bless the church in general and give us the opportunity to spend and grow together.

2010-01-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

Impact Report January 2010

Happy New Year! The Hispanic group kicked the New Year off with a fiesta. About 60 came out to celebrate and eat with us, bringing tamales and other yummy Hispanic dishes. Willie from the kitchen was there to make sure we got our black-eyed peas as well. The entertainment for the evening was a small slide show, a time of singing and a Bible Trivia game, and all had a blast. We didn’t stay until midnight in order to allow families to make it to other family and community activities.

December was a successful month! Although fewer churches were involved this year with providing Christmas presents for families in need, all of our Impact families who needed it were helped with wonderful gifts. And this year the process was more efficient, more personal, and much more fulfilling. Adding to the joy was the Impact Children’s Christmas party! Thanks to all our friends from other churches who came and manned stations, who provided guidance and entertainment, and who were there to love on kids. My only “complaint” for December was the time many of our Impact groups were away from each other. Early January reports, however indicate that little to no damage was done. Everyone seems ready for the New Year.

New Year –New Series: I don’t know why I think our sermon series are of any interest to you, here. I guess I am just excited about it. These series help us as a body to have something to concentrate on together which is great when we are all going in so many directions. We are doing a short 6 week study on Psalms Everyone Should Know. Already it seems short, because the kick-off week seems to be making us hungry for more. We may have do a Greatest Hits, vol.2 in the summer.

Stew Weather! This past weekend the Impact kitchen was running almost non-stop making stew, rice and beans, gumbo, and a hearty Chicken Alfredo for a crowd of 76 homeless who needed refuge from the sub-freezing temperatures. I spent the first night with them to make sure things were running smoothly, but soon found out I was not needed. Our kitchen staff is so dedicated, energized, and capable, and our guests were so appreciative that all work was being done in snap. Everyone was watching out for one another, and attitudes were incredible. We stayed open from Thursday evening to Monday afternoon, and you would have never known it just walking through our service on Sunday morning. Willie Barnes from the kitchen worked hardest of all, and still will not take a break until all of our meals are cooked for this week, ending tomorrow. Pray he gets a good rest, and a extra star in his crown!

Ken Lewis came by! Doing exploratory work for Continent of Great Cities, Ken was sharing his plans for helping a team start a church plant in downtown Houston and was looking for information and resources. It was just good to have him with us to encourage us and for us to encourage him. He misses Impact and marveled at the expanse and improvements to the campus he had never seen before.

The Distribution Center is having a crazy month registering families all over again to receive food once a month each month this year. 150 families lined up just this week to get their cards, and the box and bag of food. After a few weeks of depleated supplies, we seemed to make up for it in this week’s smorgasbord.

New tutoring sessions will begin this month at an area apartment complex where we regularly pick up children for church and other activities. Lluvia Flores will be coordinating that effort, but we will all see how we can be used as more opportunities might arise.

Celebrating 20 years of Alejandro! Hispanic minister, Alejandro Arango has served with Impact for 20 of our 23 years in downtown Houston. We will celebrate those years of service with a dinner in his honor, this Saturday, January16 between 2:00-4:00pm. You are invited, too if you know and want to honor Hmno. Arango.

Just keep praying for us! We are expecting a great month, and a great year here. We thrive on prayer more than anything, so keep it up please. And may God bless your service to Him in Kingwood.

When disaster strikes, we pray we can be there to help. Sometimes we get to be there to protect as we have done when hurricanes plowed through our city. Record lows in early January 2010 moved Impact to open its doors to those living on the streets. To avoid dangerous elements, Impact housed a number of outdoorsmen for a few of those bitterly cold evenings. However, TRUE disaster has struck the country of Haiti. So many seem to want to help with the Haiti relief efforts but don’t know where to start. Here is a list of established relief organizations that would be good to have available to anyone with the desire to help.

(Most information was taken from the Christian Chronicle.) All checks should be accompanied by a note that reads "Haiti Earthquake Relief"
and made payable to the organization of your choice below (listed alphabetically):

Christian Relief Fund
P.O. Box 19670, Amarillo, TX 79114-1670
(800) 858-4038 (800) 858-4038
Email: crfinfo@christianrelieffund.org
Website: christianrelieffund.org

Global Samaritan Resources
101 Walnut Street, Abilene, TX 79601
(325) 676-9991 (325) 676-9991
Email: ed.enzor@globalsam.org
Website: globalsamaritan.org

Healing Hands International
455 McNally Drive, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 832-2000 (615) 832-2000
Email: contact@hhi.org
Website: hhi-aid.org

Hope for Haiti's Children
P.O. Box 936, Sugar Land, TX 77487-0936
(281) 240-3550 (281) 240-3550
Email: info@hfhcministries.org
Website: hopeforhaitischildren.org

Rapha International
402 Blue Smoke Ct. W., Fort Worth, TX 76105
(817) 536-3383 (817) 536-3383
Email: office.rapha@sbcglobal.net
Website: raphainternational.org

World Radio / White's Ferry Rd Church of Christ
3201 North 7th St., West Monroe, LA 71291
(318) 396-6000 (318) 396-6000
Email: donyelton@wfrchurch.org or badkins@wfr.org
Website: wfrchurch.org

And other ways to give are through the links below:

World Vision: http://www.worldvision.org/home.nsf/pages/home.htm

Compassion International: Text "disaster" to 90999 to give $10 to Haiti relief efforts or give online at

https://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/disasterrelief.htm?referer=105120SocialSponsorshipBlitz

International Disaster Emergency Service: www.ides.org

2010-01-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

If the Lord Wills...

A new year brings hope of what may come and what may be accomplished. For the 23 years God has allowed Impact to serve in downtown Houston, we have developed ministries and traditions we expect will continue because of the lives they touch and the needs they serve. I believe it is good to expect great things from this year, and I also believe it is good to make plans for accomplishing great goals. However, James 4:13-15 keeps ringing in my ear. It says, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city.’…..Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow….Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” So, that is what we want to do: We want to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, Impact will continue to help the hungry, homeless, and hurting people every day that He gives us.” To be ready to do the Lord’s will, we are doing all we can to continue programs that we have seen benefit thousands of lives.

We continue praying that He guides us in continuing ministries, and blesses us in our special events. We will also invite you to participate in those plans and ask you to pray for how He wants you to partner with us. We will do these things if God allows, because we believe it is His will that we keep serving in the inner-city. If the Lord wills, children will be loved by your children. If the Lord wills, hungry families and homeless people will be helped through our efforts. If the Lord wills, generous hearts will continue to provide in the name of Christ. If the Lord wills, the lives that are touched will be changed forever because of the reflection of Jesus shown to them. Some may think it pointless to plan and dream for so much to be accomplished in a broken world, but our hope for 2010 is to serve the will of God every day that He affords us… “if the Lord wills.”

cover of January issue of Impact News, by Steven Wells for Impact Houston Church of Christ

2009-02-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

Check out our Facebook page and website for updates as we work on this blog:
www.impacthouston.org
Facebook as "Impact Houston"

2008-07-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

One facet of Impact life is our worship services. We have two simultaneous services: one in English and one in Spanish. Both begin at 11:30 am followed by a meal together at 1:00pm. The Spanish speaking meeting area is transformed every Sunday from a meeting area to a dining hall. As soon as corporal worship activities end, Spanish-speaking members empty into the hallway as some of our English-speaking members join a few of our Hispanic members in putting away and setting up chairs and tables for the meal. Even while Impact members are listening to a sermon, members of a visiting congregation will be preparing to serve the meal in the large, industrial size kitchen. This is a great time for all of our members to mingle and spend time together.

Every six weeks or so, we also combine the two services for a large bilingual service where we utilize bilingual members in leading biingual prayers, songs, or readings of the Word of God. Sermons are either translated or presented bilingually.

Visual communication plays an increasingly important role in our time together as we become more and more capable with PowerPoint and Media Shout enhancements in the presentation of songs lyrics, scripture, sermon points, and transitions. Already certain ministers regularly use props, art, and testimonies to enhance their presentations. Posters accompany the current series of lessons.

These are things that we do for edifying the body. They are small details that accompany the main focus: presenting Christ as our Lord! He is the one that can make an Impact in the lives of everyone we serve. We use our tools and our opportunities to reflect His glory, praise His name, and presenting hope found in Christ to a lost and hurting world.

Great uses of Art in worship:

http://www.godtube.com/flvplayer.swf" FlashVars="viewkey=f107026ad0b0be011fa7" quality="high" width="330" height="270" name="godtube_video" menu="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" />

http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf" FlashVars="viewkey=050e84e2a0f0b9fdeea1" wmode="transparent" quality="high" width="330" height="270" name="godtube" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" />

2008-04-04T09:05:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you just need pictures.

2008-04-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Ø This past Sunday (March 30, 2008) we enjoyed another bilingual service where both Steve’s (former bilingual minister, Steve Austin and current bilingual minister, Steven Wells) could be used along with several others to lead us in an uplifting time of service. We finished our “Meals with the Master” series with a hope-filled lesson on the Heavenly Banquet that awaits us. We recognized the new Christians of 2008 and took the Lord’s Supper, then finished a great time of community eating a meal that our High School group cooked and served. Our next bilingual service is scheduled for MAY 18th, and I believe that anyone who may be able to attend would be blessed and inspired.

Ø The GARAGE SALE is just a couple of weeks away! We have already gotten loads and loads of items to sale, but one need still remains: manpower. Tuesday April 15th we get to begin taking our goods over to Trader’s Village, and normally we have a huge group of Spring Breakers along to do so much of the grunt work. Such is not the case this year, but we think we can manage, especially with the help of good friends. (nod, nod. wink,wink)

Ø What not to miss:
o The Annual Impact Garage Sale – April 18-19 (Note: Not during Spring Break, meaning we lose the manpower and work hours of 50-60 young, dedicated young people with big hearts and energetic bodies. Translation: We will be solicited help.)
Celebration Dinner on May 8th. BUY YOUR TABLE NOW!! We need more of you to share in this special time of celebrating what God is doing at IMPACT. I don’t want you to miss this wonderful opportunity.

2008-04-04T08:58:00.004-07:00

If it’s a sunny Sunday afternoon, we can pretty much bet that you’ll find several of our Impact members playing “futbal.” Although the above photograph was taken at a Men’s Retreat, it is not atypical to find a good representation of the mix we have at Impact. Sure, the games are dominantly Hispanic, but we are encouraging more and more involvement from the English-speaking portion of the congregation. This is just one of the avenues we have for coming together as a body, as well as evangelizing in the community. Its great to have something that attracts non-Christians and the un-churched to a place where they can experience the genuine joy and fellowship that can exist among a group of believers in Christ.

It may be the soccer that draws some people, but it is acceptance and friendship that brings people back. Its funny how we still have to learn something so basic. Our Impact groups have been a great training field already in how to interact with people while keeping Christ the center of all that is done. We have to admit that sometimes we just don’t have the right balance of elements. It is so easy to make our time as a group primarily a Bible study. Sometimes it can become just a social gathering dominated by small-talk, or maybe even a prolonged planning meeting. What we learn, as leaders meet together every other week (and weekly for the Hispanic leaders) is that our Impact groups are much more than a study time or a planning session or a party, though each are expected elements of these groups. We may see how one group was so touched in their time of worship that they extended their praise and shortened their time in the Word. The result might bring about hearts so prepared for sharing or for service that big ideas are spoken, prayer and planning ensues, and dreams are pursued. The multiplication that we talk about in Impact groups is SO much more than a growth in numbers of attendees, but growth in excitement and enthusiasm for the body, for Christ, for service, for the community that God is developing! As Les Rose described it this morning in our weekly ministers meeting, there is a Great momentum that is welling up within our members. We need to continue being that church that says, “You are welcome here. We will be your family. Look what God is doing over here. You want to work with us? Come on!” It’s not just an invitation to a place, but to a community and a walk as well. We have much to develop regarding spiritual growth and leadership training that is uniform and church-wide, and we are taking those steps, but until then pray for our wisdom as we develop and lead each other actively in the process.
It seems like just a couple of weeks ago I submitted my last report, and so much was going on. I almost feel that, after having all the Spring break groups come and go and the Garage Sale drawing closer, that there seems to be a slight lull. Not so, at all. It just feels that way after such activity. We remain very busy with activities and plans, but most of all we stay busy experiencing the adventure of encountering interesting people, offering whatever we have, and seeing what God will do.

2008-04-04T08:58:00.003-07:00

HIGH PRICED FUEL!!?? Just yesterday (3-13-08) oil was at $110.00/barrel. One estimate was that gasoline could move to $3.50-$4.00/gal. At that price it will cost over $300.00 to fill a bus this summer. We have 5 buses. In addition we have another 12 vans. Used daily for our summer program, we will incur fuel costs approaching $1000.00/day. Multiply that by 4 days/week for 4 weeks plus camp trips, trek, mission trips, etc. in June and we are a bit overwhelmed at the prospects. Barring an oil well being drilled on our property, we seek encourage in relief of our dilemma. - Doug Williams

2008-04-04T08:58:00.001-07:00

Spring Break brings “Spring Breakers.” Groups from Pepperdine, LCU, OSU, ACU and Sunset came to help with youth projects, work projects, evangelism, and general Impact involvement. Buildings and houses were painted, the lonely were visited and loved, the grieving were comforted, children were made to feel special, communites were reached, and the list goes on. For this to take place, much coordination is needed between ministers and ministries and even outside volunteers. Everyone ran around like bees between hives, but much work was done, and God’s love was spread around.

2008-04-04T08:57:00.001-07:00

In Memory of…
Already this year Impact has lost some very special people. We want to remember them by sharing with you who they are.

Wilbert Gentry: The cousin of Impact elder Harvey Davis, Wilbert came to know Christ shortly before passing away. His funeral was a touching celebration of a rescued life.

Shirley Lowe: Longtime Impact supporter and worker, wife of Bob Lowe, Shirley showed her love for Impact with faithful service especially at the Impact Distribution Center.

Louie Welch: Former mayor of Houston, not only did Louie make a great impact on this city, but his support of Impact from its beginning made eternal impressions on the church as a whole and in the lives of many individuals.

R. J. Malachowsky: After years on the streets and being served as one of Impact’s outdoorsmen, RJ developed a special mentoring relationship with Doug Williams, eventually settled into an apartment, and continued attending Impact until the recent sickness that took his life.

2008-04-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Making Memories Together

Impact harbors the homeless, cares for the poor, provides for the needy, and loves the rejected. There are many programs and outreaches through the work at Impact, but we must never forget that Impact, too, is a living body of Christ. This year has been full of exciting opportunities to be together. The High School boys got away on a hiking/camping trip to grow as a group and learn to depend on one another more. The high school and jr. High girls attended Girls Reflecting Glory. Impact groups are having special events outside of the scheduled meeting to fellowship. Several groups got together for the Superbowl. (Two cells combined on the English side for a Superbowl party and to encourage each other. Several members hosted the homeless for a Superbowl party at the church building.) Multilingual retreats for the Men of Impact at the Gulf Coast encampment and a separate one for Women occurred at the end of February. Other get-togethers happened on smaller scales. The Hispanic members hosted a Valentine’s Day Couples Banquet, and others joined a group of ladies on a trip to San Antonio to attend the Women of Faith conference. New Bible classes like a new New Christians class and a study on the book of Acts give groups something to look forward to. Every week our Impact groups provide fellowship, study, and opportunities to serve. We have 11 of these groups so far and are in the process of developing leaders and group members to open more groups. The desire is to have a small group for everyone at Impact to connect with a smaller community of Christians so that no one is overlooked and everyone can be involved inthe work and growth of the church here. So, whether it is an organized, structured gathering or a casual, on-the-fly happening, Impact people are getting together, memories are being made, and the life that Christ desires for is body is being experienced.

2008-04-04T08:55:00.001-07:00

Mixed Feelings about Houston Makeover
You’ve seen it happening. New towering town homes sprouting up next to rickety, run down structures. Beautification projects in the parks and neighborhood and police campaigns of “clearing out” the parks and woods surrounding the area are all part of the plan. There are some that are excited about this makeover, but some are devastated. The homeless have felt the sting of recent crackdowns. Many of the houses that have been repaired or painted by Impact groups have either been demolished or remodeled for richer tenants, while former residents have had to relocate. The people we help are having houses taken away from them. Sure, the places they have are often in horrible conditions, but for some at least it is a place they can call “home.” The face of our neighborhood is changing but our mission is still the same: minister to the poor, the hurting, and the overlooked. We want to provide the best kind of ministry and connect people to Christ. We continue to offer help to those who are struggling in this and surrounding areas, but pray for guidance in how to reach our new neighbors and invite them to participate in the plans that God has for central Houston. Houston may want an Extreme Makeover downtown, but no real change occurs if the heart is not willing to be transformed. Keep praying that God touch the very core of Houston so that a true metamorphosis is realized. “Many are the plans of a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” -Proverbs 19:21

2008-04-04T08:54:00.001-07:00

Conversando Entre Amigas

The Hispanic Ladies group at Impact called “Conversando Entre Amigas” began its year with a 7-week class called Familias con Confianza (Families with Trust or Confidence). This course was provided by the ESCAPE Center; Resources for the Family. This group is made up of at least 30 mothers of families. Just walking through their first class, I was struck by the professionalism of the teachers and the attention they commanded. The women are excited about learning techniques that can help them through difficult days, and have already been surprised with how directly the class hits home (no pun intended.) The Ladies group began to provide housewives a break during the day to get to know one another and open opportunity for bible study or Christian community. The class from ESCAPE was provided by an anonymous donor through the Family Resource Center. The class is designed to provide information and train students to be the best parents they can be. We have been blessed to have such a wonderful opportunity that has already proven effective as an outreach to the community. Steven Wells & Madalena Gallindo

2008-04-04T08:53:00.002-07:00

NEW MINISTERS AT IMPACT

Dimas Velazquez had, as a young boy growing up in El Salvador, a dream about working in the church. He tried to go to seminary and worked toward becoming a priest, but due to political reasons was not able to finish. Having moved to the States more than 20 years ago with his wife, Antonia, his dream was all but forgotten. In time, former Impact minister Calvin Henry knocked on his door seeing if he needed groceries and/or prayers. His wife started to attend Impact and soon convinced Dimas to check it out. At first uncertain about the church and the different customs, he became more and more involved, and was baptized within several months. Since that time, he has been one of Impact’s strongest members, serving as an elder for 8 years. He was living his boyhood dream, yet God was calling him toward more. He was invited to study at the Texas Gulf Coast Bible Institute and after two years of intensive training, graduated “with honors” as one of the Institute’s first graduates in December of 2007. Now Dimas’ dream is to serve God full-time at Impact as a Hispanic minister. He still serves as an elder. He still preaches, teaches, and helps out like he has been for years. The only difference is, this is all he does now. It is all he wants to do. He is living his dream. -Steven Wells

Audra Moore: This January we have been blessed to have Audra Moore join our youth team as a year-long girl’s intern. We have many young women in our youth group who are wanting to grow deeper in the walk with the Lord, and they have been in need of a solid Christian woman who can walk with them. We have many great women volunteers, and this addition of Audra to our staff is a tremendous blessing.
Audra first came to Impact 4 years ago with a group from Lubbock Christian University, where she received her bachelor’s degree. She interned with our High School Youth the following summer and was a wonderful mentor for our youth. Since graduating, Audra spent more than a year doing mission work in Uganda, and is now pursuing her master’s degree in public health at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston. Audra joins us with full support from her home congregation, Central Church of Christ in Amarillo, TX, who we are very grateful to. We’re looking forward to all the amazing ways God will be using her here at Impact! -Dennis Jaeger

<— David Beegle: “COMINGS AND GOINGS” Barbara Mantooth has been our Director of the Distribution Center for only a short time, but has been outstanding in that capacity. Her husband’s work transfer has necessitated a move making her continued participation here more difficult. She will find another challenge closer to her new home requiring us to find a suitable replacement. God has provided!! Already here often in working with those in the process of recovery, David Beegle (wife, Margaret) was quick to place his name in for the vacant position. That being a part-time position, he is still seeking funding to devote more time to the recovery program and an added outreach for job placement. He will assume his duties on Feb. 1 following a month of training with Barbara. He brings a wealth of experience in this type of endeavor as well as a long history in sales to the retail food industry. He hopes to be able to utilize some of those contacts in enlarging our sources for commodities to offer in the distribution center. -Doug Williams

2008-04-04T08:53:00.001-07:00

Reconnecting a Family

Having enjoyed a short, but pleasant time with family over the holidays, I was reminded how blessed I am to have family to be part of and to have in my life. There are many who spend this season adjusting to the loss of a loved one. Many of the Outdoorsmen we serve at Impact, those who live on the streets of Houston, have not seen or had contact with family for years.
This past month, the ministers who work with the homeless were blessed to help one of our regulars receive quite the Christmas present. This particular man was suffering with some medical problems and needed care, yet without any identification could not receive any help. With some persistent investigation, Doug Williams, who has worked at Impact from the beginning, made some important discoveries. After over 30 years of separation, a family was reunited with a simple phonecall. The joyous connection also led to information that opened unexpected doors of available help. Praise God for the help and happy reuinion. Pray that we keep connected to and serving our Father.

2008-04-04T08:51:00.001-07:00

Still more January news:

Ø What better way to start off the 41st year than with three baptisms. On Jauary 8th, while the congregation was gathered for a bilingual service, Susana Quintero and Claudia Morales were added to the kingdom. Claudia was able to celebrate another “new birth” 5 days later as she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. A couple of days later, D’meisha Woods was baptized by one of her peers.
o A new Christians class has begun again for the most recent additions to our body. This is an 8-week class designed to give new Christians the tools and disciplines to continue to feed themselves and grow in God’s purposes for them. It also affords good encouragement and accountability to each member of the class in some of their most vulnerable moments. My wife Ami and I facilitate this class, and already feel that we will be receiving as much from this class as anyone else.

Ø Get-togethers are so important to a congregation’ body life. It leads to greater connection and growth. We have enjoyed some great times of fellowship this month:

o The High School boys got away on a hiking/camping trip to grow as a group and learn to depend on one another more.
o The high school and jr. High girls attended Girls Reflecting Glory
o Impact groups are having special events outside of the scheduled meeting to fellowship
o Several groups got together for the Superbowl:
§ Two cells combined on the English side for a Superbowl party and to encourage each other.
§ Several members hosted the homeless for a Superbowl party at the church building.
§ Other get-togethers happened on smaller scales.Almost the entire congregation came to celebrate Manuelito Flores’ birthday. We enjoyed the food, the games, the toys and candy for kids, and a piñata. Manuel had a great time. Confined to a wheelchair and with limited ability to communicate and control his motor skills, Manuel none-the-less makes a huge impact in the hearts of so many as church. Sure, he may make your head turn as he screams out with glee at any given moment, but he is all smiles and always thinks of others. He loves to be greeted, hugged, and petted and always takes your hand to whoever is at his side to make sure you also greet someone else, too. His sister, Estrella calls him her son and cares for him valiantly and wanted his miraculous 40th birthday to be something special. And it really was.

2008-04-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Surrounded by a Great Cloud of Witnesses

Today at Impact, during the weekly ministers meeting, we were asked what we thought our “gifts” were. Of course, because of who they are they humbly replied with inadequate answers. I wanted to stand up and start rattling off, “Hey, but you forgot this.. and this…and this….,” because, really, I am surrounded by a very talented group doing incredible things in very different areas. Impact is an amazing place, but it takes that large group of amazing people to love it and serve there. It is humbling to just hang out with these heroes of faith, and it is edifying to just “hang in there” with them as well. As Paul Woodward quipped, “There may be a lot of ministers working here, but the work is ‘labor-intensive’ to put it mildly.” God has done some amazing things through Impact supporters, and has done some amazing things in the lives of members here, but this group of workers/ministers is also a great testimony of God’s amazing love, grace, and power.

2008-04-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

AMAZING COURAGE
An impact high school youth was convicted in his heart to ask his youth minister, Dennis Jaeger, for help after a July summer devotional. God was moving him to be courageous and take a leap of faith. He disclosed to Dennis that he wanted help in reading.
What an amazing step of faith and love! He felt safe to confide in his youth minister of a serious problem that he was willing to take necessary steps to change his course in life.
The impact high school youth is a young man, by the name of Demetrius very sweet and bright person. I have the pleasure of tutoring him one on one for the past few months.
The background of his life academically was of that of many of our Impact kids. They (HISD school system) lack the time, care, and consideration to truly raise life long readers in the HISD school system. He is considered “special needs” by HISD, however; I have assessed him and his performance on reading test does not indicate “special needs” label.
He does have a very mild stuttering problem that can be overcome with a constant reading of books out loud. He has the basic foundational skills of reading.
In tutoring, I challenge him by exposing him to different reading materials and writing activities that requires us to go on reading adventures such as parks & museums.
Demetrius enjoys the opportunity of having someone motivate and encourage him to read.
I am so blessed to have this opportunity to work with him one on one. ~Chevone McKinney

2008-04-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

More January items

Ø The Reuniones de las Damas on Thursdays continue to be an encouragement, and an outreach. God is blessing the persistence and faith of the ever-bubbly Magdalena Galindo. The events are not only well attended, but well planned, and provide opportunity for others to serve. This week we were blessed to arrange classes for area housewives through the Family Resource Center. An anonymous donor paid for teachers and materials for a 7-week course on dealing with the stresses of everyday life in the home. Classes range from Finances to Child Discipline to Dealing with stress, to Conflict resolution.

This past weekend I (Steven Wells) was privileged with the opportunity to be with the Webb Chapel Church of Christ for their Friends Day/Bilingual service. They wanted to know about cultural differences, and we were able to point out not only the striking differences between the Hispanic and North American cultures, but we also got some insight as to why. We were encouraged in how best to edify one another, wait on one another, and laugh at ourselves, too. During the worship hour, I repeated a visual lesson I did during Impact’s last bilingual service: painting two panels with images almost mirroring one another, one side in English and the other in Spanish, then when the lesson was complete, both panels combined to show the face of Christ.

2008-04-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

January News

Winter Wonderland at Impact
Imagine 28 stations of fun, activity, and attention. Add a little candy, some toys, and the mystique of Santa Claus and you’ve got a veritable wonderland for boys and girls. Sure, carnivals and festivals and parties enchant us all in our childhoods, but when you sleep in house without heating and sometimes on the floor, the experience may be even more magical. Of course this is not the case for all the kids, but among this group of youngsters are those whose day-to-day existence is far from magical. But thanks to efforts of the various churches who volunteered time, people, and expenses to participate in events like this, these kids can look forward not only to a holiday season, but to the people who believe in the one who came to bring life in abundance. Those same people who provided toys to 300 families, who organized the largest party of the year, who donated tons of clothing and food for the distribution center, who made hundreds of blankets available for the homeless, and who fed the hungry on days typically set aside for feasting with family, these are the ones who are shining a light of hope that can lead the needy out of darkness and into the light of Christ. Thanks to all who shared the light and love of Christ through Impact.

tidbit:
Daryl Washington sings along as Impact members carol at some apartments in 5th Ward to a pleasantly stunned crowd. The neighbors are still talking about it!

Mixing up a dish to serve, this member of Missouri Street is just one of hundreds who came to serve food in December at Impact.

2008-01-26T09:06:00.000-08:00

Houston Marathon 2008:

We are proud of our Impact Ladies who participated!

Way to go!

2008-01-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

Impact en Mexico

Dimas Velazquez, an Impact elder for 8 years now, recently graduated from the Texas Gulf Coast Institute of Biblical Studies and is hoping to work at Impact full time as a minister to the Hispanic community. The following is an account of a recent trip he took to carry the gospel to some villages in the mountains of Mexico.

"In the last week of 2007, I (Dimas Velazquez) was in the ranch of Acuna, of the village called Doctor Arrollo, in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico to help Brother Ignacio Barcenas on an evangelical campaign, and get to know the other communities in the area. I was surprised to find in the ranch, El Refugio (the Refuge), brothers in Christ who were working in the highest calling in one of the highest places. This little village lies up in the mountains 25 kilometers from the nearest city and normally takes 5 or 6 hours to get there by car, but the Christians there have the blessing of using Impact's "van number 7" which was donated to them to move around in. As you can see in the photo, it still carries the Ipact logo. The bretheren are very thankful to us, because now they can reach more communities with the gospel, and the people there whom we visited are people with great needs, waiting on all kinds of help. If there is any possibility, they could definatively use more vans. Our hope is to return the second week in July, if God permits, to hold a campaign. We would love to take a group of our family to support our brothers and sisters there. They are very grateful to Impact, and send you salutations." -Jose Dimas Velazquez

2007-12-29T12:23:00.000-08:00

Caroling in the City

Yes, Christmas is over, but there is so much to report! So much happened at Impact during December to warm hearts and encourage people. Of course, the Christmas party brought joy to many children, but the collaboration of volunteers from various churches not only encourages us and those served, but plants seeds of ministry in the young and old alike. The effects of these efforts may never be fully tallied. Let me list a few more highlights from December.

The TOY DRIVES!!! Churches from all over Houston contributed to making the holidays happier by making it possible for families to provide gifts for their little ones and each other. Several churches, like Kingwood for example, committed to go Christmas shopping for over 100 families, then had those gifts sent to Impact to be distributed family by family. Bags of presents were labeled by family. Each family member that applied to receive something gave their name, gender, age, and sometimes a specific wish or need. Many wishes were granted and gift cards were often provided to help in other areas. Other churches and individuals help hundreds more families by sending in new toys to the Impact distribution center.

Christmas parties were held here and there. Various members got together in big groups and small. The Impact staff even had a gift exchange at the office, following their monthly birthday celebration.

I, personally, love to go caroling, but not alone. I was blessed to have the Miller family be willing to hit a few homes with me, so off we went to sing to friends and strangers in Fifth Ward. Apparently, judging by the reaction of the folks who witnessed this group of troubadors, caroling is not that common in their neighborhoods. We got a lot of strange looks, curious onlookers, but mostly appreciation for stopping by to sing. Several families were Hispanic, and although not everyone understood the lyrics, the sentiment was obvious, and thus reciprocated. I have to include my personal gratitude to the Miller family, who not only showed up to carol and croon, but who chose a repetoire of choruses, but arranged and practice each choice to make the presentation an extra special treat for their audiences. We visited a family who recently lost a house to a fire, a young teen who has been in and out of the hospital for months now, a family of 8 who are fitting into a tiny house, and several other members who we thought could use an extra dose of cheer. One apartment complex was especially touched by the tiny concert. Although we were unsure how we would be recieved by all, we knew the person we were there to see would be thrilled. Our friend Darrell not only came out all smiles, but he joined in and commenced to direct us, making us an even greater spectacle. Sure, many came out wondering what in the world was going on. Little by little a crowd gathered. Curiosity turned into joy as more and more joined in and some shouted out requests. It was an evening of blessing, at least for me.

Outside of toy drives, parties, caroling, and shopping for others, Impact was also able to continue serving as usual, and was even able to arrange a special Christmas meal or two for the homeless, in addition to the normal routine. These activites make momentary differences, but as I mentioned earlier, we never know the extent of a single action. By continuing to do the things that serve others whenever we can, we develop habits, character, friendships, opportunites, and gifts that God can continue to use in whatever way He desires. We celebrate all such activities, because they celebrate our Lord. A belayed "Merry Christmas," and a "Happy New Year" to you!

2007-12-15T21:27:00.000-08:00

Impact Christmas Party '07

Although our amazing Christmas party is an annual event, it continues to develop, it continues to involve a variety of local church groups, and it continues to enchant and bless so many children in the downtown Houston neighborhoods. Sure there are sweets, toys, games, songs, and a time with Santa, but the greatest thing they receive is special attention and love. Thanks to all the volunteers and supporters who made this possible, and thank God that events like these continue to reach families and touch the hearts of so many. People are moved, and Christ is the reason.

2007-12-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

2007 in Review
As people could say about other times, 2007 was a year full of joy and things to celebrate, but also a time of desperation and loss. We would like to mention some of the things that help define and paint the picture of what these last twelve months were like for Impact Houston.
Many of you joined us last year to pray for Maria Mendez, a young girl who needed and later received a quadruple transplant surgery. We celebrated with her as the operation was a success. She could now eat solid food for the first time in her 16th year. Complications arose more than once, but the family and our congregation were faithful in their prayers. Recently her sister, Clara Escobar gave me the picture above showing her on her own without machines or equipment, and growing into a beautiful young lady

For Paul Woodward and many others, a highlight of the year was "the baptism of Flora and Linda Garcia. Beside the obvious reason, this was an especially exciting highlight because I believe that Flora and Linda falling in love with Jesus was directly related to theirthe body of Christ lovingly serve their terminally illfamily memberBarbara Garcia. Over and over and over again God's people at Impact quietly, lovingly, creatively, andserved Barbara in her last years, months, weeks, days, and even herhours. When the church behaves like the body of Christ great things happen."

At the beginning of November, four families were displaced by a devastating fire on Summer Street. No one was injured and many individuals and organizations were on-hand to help, but almost everything they had was lost. Keep praying for Sandra Perez and her family, and Imelda Saldana’s family. These houses had a history with Impact mission groups. (Many churches and organizations have blessed these families with so much help, thanks to newspaper articles, tv interviews, and efforts from Impact. Thanks to all who lent a hand.)

The revitalization of area surrounding our facilities has been going on for a few years, but 2007 has seen some drastic changes. Old houses are being torn down and town homes are going up, right up to our doorsteps it seems. Businesses like Target, Chilis, Starbucks, and a few banks have magically appeared only seconds from the campus! New growth brings new prospects. Pray that our plans are ever mindful of ALL our surroundings and neighbors.
Jack Weems has been busy himself at helping where our buildings need attention. New lighting and some landscaping has made our entrances safer and more appealing. If you can stop Jack long enough, thank him for his constant efforts.
With every new year, life is evidenced by new visitors, new brothers and sisters in Christ, babies being born and all the excitement brought by each. However, with life comes death, and Impact has experienced some losses. Among those who have left us are Robert Taylor, Michael Broussard (pictured on the left), Barbara Garcia, and the firstborn of Juana Monjarres.
I’m sure if I asked around, there would be so many notable moments that we could fill a book. Annual Events like the Garage Sale, Seasonal Parties for children, the Celebration Dinner, VBS, and supply/gift roundups continue to see success and bring blessings to so many. The groups that come and give their time to Impact leave lasting impressions and we continue to see fruits of those efforts. For example, Jenaro Thibideaux shared his conversion story at thecelebration dinner. "JT" made a moving speech about his first encounter with Impact and then talked about his journey toward Jesus, which culminated in his dedicating his life to being a Jesus follower. Joy upon joy "JT" will graduate on December 15 from San Angelo State University, which is an amazing accomplishment, considering some of the obstacles he's had to overcome.
Making a difference in each others’ lives is the focus of all our parties, programs, celebrations, and projects, and we only hope to do more and more. Discipleship programs, meeting in house churches and small groups, and making plans for training more and more leaders are other efforts that Impact has seen grow this year.

2007-12-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

Kitchen Staff Stands the Heat

When our building was being renovated, it was important that space be allowed for a sizable kitchen because of the importance of food in our ministries. We did so well that the City of Houston deemed our kitchen as "Commercial," meaning that we have to adhere to applicable City and State codes dealing with the handling and storage of food. We have also hoped that we might someday have a full-time staff person in the kitchen. A combination of part-time and volunteer staff mean that we do, indeed, have full-time coverage of our kitchen. Felton Benton and Daryl Washington are Certified Food Managers by the City of Houston. Winston Bridges and Patrick Lavelle handle cleaning, preparation, and serving responsibilities. Thousands of meals are prepared in our kitchen each year. As we approach the Holiday Season, we are preparing for large Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to be served to the homeless and residents of facilities that house disabled clients, many of whom attend Impact.
-Doug Williams

"A generous man will find himself blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9 NIV

top: Taking charge of the kitchen are faithful volunteers Felton Benton, Patrick Lavelle, Daryl Washington, and Winston Bridges.

middle: Taking care of the Outdoorsmen every Monday and Wednesday, Winston Bridges (a veteran circus worker) juggles foord prep, fielding requests, and keeping the peace. His heart for serving Christ shines through.

Right: Showing appreciation for the services the receive, many of the regulars, like Ricky and Fred here, love to volunteer for daily chores as they wait for the afternoon Bible study.

2007-12-12T16:46:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends –
Impact is into its 21st wonderful year. And now, as always, we are indebted to you. Your gifts of all kinds – time, energy, money – make real what was once a dream. You make it possible for the Impact family to thrive and grow.
I think it’s a good idea to do as little record-keeping as possible in measuring the success of our work in the kingdom of God. We should celebrate at all times, even the discouraging ones, knowing that God is in all things, recognizing that sometimes what we judge to be success may in fact be failure and what we think has failed God uses to do his will.
But maybe we can be forgiven if we especially rejoice in the fact that 18 Impact young adults are attending universities. EIGHTEEN!! Each of them has worked to get the opportunity that we believe will transform in positive ways both them and Impact. To know them, to know the neighborhoods from which they come, to realize what they’ve already accomplished is to be optimistic about the future. To put them and the fact that they’re going to college into a word is to say "Wonderful!" Sometimes I want to shout "Wonderful!" for the world to hear. Other times I want to whisper it quietly to myself.
Adding to the wonder is the realization that their accomplishments are theirs, but that they are under girded by others, including you. In most cases I’m not at all sure they’d have gotten to where they are without Impact. And I certainly don’t believe Impact would be what it is without you.
We write a letter like this annually, asking you to help with the year end contribution which is so important to us. Please know that our gratitude is real and deeply felt. Do what you can.
Through Christ,
Charlie Middlebrook

2007-11-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Fire displaces families

Last week 4 families were displaced by a fire about 4 blocks from Impact's campus. Two of those families have attended Impact for years and many of the children have grown up going to Impact's VBS, fall festivals, and Christmas parties, etc. At least one of these houses had been painted by past mission groups.

Little George gives an interview on the following link describing his eye-witness account. His big sister, Alejandra is in the picture above.

http://www.chron.com/disp/commnts.mpl/metropolitan/5273853.html?plckCurrentPage=1

Sandra Perez, the mother of 7, and all of the other families could still use some help. If anyone would like to help, just call the church office at 713-864-5667.

2007-10-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

DON’T LET ANYBODY PUT YOU THROUGH STORM AND STRESS,
(an excerpt from "Urban Wisdom")
Be careful that nobody tries to move you from your faith to the fear factor.
Protect your soul if you are often feeling like you’re in drowning waters of tears.
Don’t let anybody put you through storm and stress by trying to pull you down or drag you through confusion.
Know that Jesus is our life preserver when we give Him a deep cry for assistance during our storm.
So rest assure He’ll give you sophisticated comfort from trouble and doubt.
Don’t let anybody put you through storm and stress if it seem like we are going astray.
Stand in Christ as we count the ultimate sacrifice that can lead us into something prosperous.
Because we shall rise above our trauma with triumph and you’ll see or find that the presence of prayer is the most incredible powerful tool we can use.
Get perseverance if you’re going to make it through. Engage in spiritual combat to conquer anything through your storm. Have a realistic hope and you’ll never fail. Prosper spiritually as God becomes a great counselor when difficult situations arise.
Don’t grow weary if your road is hard to find. Know you can always come to smoother roads with a special relationship with the Lord.
Don’t let anybody put you through storm and stress over things that are not in your situation.
Just pay attention to the Lord to reach above your madness while trusting in your faith.
Know that God is so captivating He’ll never forsake us through our storm. But if times are hard have a valid spirit in the footsteps of faith Amen.
Pray your way through every kind of danger to have a strong foundation that’s suitable for any situation.
Don’t let anybody put you through storm and stress. Just pursue and plug into what is good.

BY, PATRICE LONDON THOMAS.
Copyright 2003

2007-10-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

ZOE conference!

Last weekend, Impact took its second group to a ZOE conference. This time it was in Nashville. Patrick Lemmons and Laurie Templeton took a completely new group this time allowing for more of our members to experience the ZOE experience. Unfortunately, there are no real ZOE photos, but notice that this group included four from our youth group who are very involved in worship planning and "worship technology." The group had a great time together, and came back excited about the things that they learned.

2007-09-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Just Being Together

Not too long ago, the Hispanic part of the congregation hosted a get together at a park. Nothing big, just burgers, families, some playing soccer, some moms just walking around following their toddlers, others just hanging back chatting at the picnic tables, breeze blowing, storm blowing in.

There was no special event. Just families and friends together. We don't get enough of that it seems. No matter who we are. And you know what? The more we do that, the more we realize how great it is. We are just itching to be community. Enjoy the pics, and -hey, why not throw a party and invite someone (me) over?

Oh, here's an "aside." Yes, the rains came, right in the middle of cooking burgers and playing soccer. Not much changed. We covered up the grills, huddled a bit closer under the large pavillion, the rains were stomping down, but only ONE soccer player came in from the deluge, and HE had been playing in slacks and dress shoes. After 7 minutes or so the storm let up to a drizzle and we got back to grilling and eating. It was a truly laid back afternoon.

2007-08-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Living His Word

by Dennis Jaeger

Jesus told his disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples” (John 13:34 -35). I am, at the same time, both proud and humbled to be surrounded by true “disciples.”
Impact’s High School Youth once again ended their summer with a journey to Tulsa , OK , where we conducted a Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children at two different apartment complexes. What I had the opportunity to witness, though I should have expected it, blew me away. It’s one thing to sit in a classroom and talk about love, community, and reaching out to others, but it’s an entirely different story to actually put it into practice, especially when it goes against the deeply rooted, selfish culture we find ourselves living in.
Before and during Mission Trip, we often discussed our attitudes when we were with the children at the apartment complexes. We were going to get plenty of sleep so we could devote our time and energy to the children we came to Tulsa to see. We were going to be full of smiles, laughter, hugs, songs, patience, shoulders and laps to sit on – we were going to make absolutely certain that these children knew what it was like to be loved by Christ through our interaction with them. The increased numbers throughout the week, the smiles, the hugs, the laughter, and the tears when we were done all said one thing: “ Mission accomplished.”
This did not surprise me. Our youth have grown up being part of a several week VBS every summer run by 25 summer interns and 4 different youth groups each week, and about 15 of our youth intern with VBS each summer – they know how to run a VBS! What surprised me about the trip was how much our youth have grown in their love toward each other.
I should have recognized their growth, but it took Erick Delgado, one of our youth, leading a devotional one night on Mission Trip to point this out to me. He eloquently stated that he not only saw Christ through the way we reached out to the children, but also through the way we were treating each other. He was right. I have never been part of a group who is more encouraging to each other than this one. When we were tired and worn out, there were encouraging words, waters distributed, hands lent and shoulder massages given. When there were several people one night dealing with the horrors of their past, tears were shed, prayers were said, and encouraging hugs (more than any words could say) and shoulders were given freely. I could go on and on at the selfless hearts I saw at work that week and throughout the whole summer. God is moving among our youth, and he will continue to move through them as the school year begins and they continue what they’ve been doing in their homes and schools. May hearts continue to change and God continue to be praised because of these “disciples.”

2007-08-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

In Loving Memory of Barbara Garcia

Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

For more about Barbara and "her" amazing story: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/deaths/5051183.html

ForDonations in Memory of Barbaraand/orDonations for Noe (Barbara's Son) Trust/Education Fund, (please contact Charlie Middlebrook, Paul Woodward, or Sonya Guice)(or simply donate online)

Thank you for your gift.

2007-08-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

Felicidades al Equipo Impact!

En su primero juego de futbol de la temporada, Impact vencio a Alvin, 9-1. HAy muchas iglesias entre las iglesias de Cristo Hispano que han formado una ligera para disfrutar un tiempo asi con sus hermanos diferentes en Cristo, y para conocer y invitar mas personas y amigos. Ya tenemos bastante interes en jugar entre los miembros de la iglesia y unos de sus amigos. Esperamos que el tiempo que tenemos juntos producira mucho fruto. Gracias a todos quien ayudo' con los uniformes, y a todos que nos apoyan en otras maneras. (Nuestras porristas espirituales) Que Dios sigue en guiarnos en este ministerio tan divertido.

-todo a Su gloria,

Steven

Congratulations to Team Impact!

In their first soccer game of the season, Impact beat Alvin, 9-1. There are many churches among the area Hispanic churches of Christ that have formed a league for enjoying a time like this with their different brothers in Christ, as well as getting to know and invite more people and friends. We hope that the time that we have together will produce a lot of fruit. Thanks to all who helped with the uniforms, and to all who support us in other ways. (Our spiritual cheeleaders!) May God continue to this wonderfully fun ministry.

-all for His glory,

Steven

2007-07-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

the following are a couple of newsletter articles about our Summer activities:

The Hot, humid summer days at our campus in downtown Houston are a rollercoaster ride of fun and service. What goes on at Impact during the Summer is credited to God, but we also are thankful for and indebted to the many volunteers and servants who come to combine their efforts in making our Summer Youth Program fantastic! About 15 college students arrived from various universities to spend the summer as interns. Many are from Christian universities, like ACU, Harding, LCU, and OC, while some others came in from OSU and even from so far away as Canada. But the collaboration does not stop there. Helpers came in June to take kids on trips, assist in this Summer’s Reading Camp, and provide extra hands for special activities as various church groups are there to bear the load of activity. 20-30 High school interns from Impact join the other interns to man the myriad of activities that is VBS 1 and VBS 2. Groups also came to camp out on campus as they lent their groups and various talents to us. Churches and ministries descended upon us from Oklahoma to Kentucky and from Kansas to Alabama, each bringing their own special blend of blessing and talent. Some of these groups have been coming down for years. Others are new supporters, like one group who just happened across our webpage this year, became interested in us, and organized a large group of kids to drive in from Missouri to serve in this area. We received so much help from these efforts (close to 400 volunteers in all), but we have also learned that they take something with them when they leave. They grow in their passion for ministry to others, they dream of more ways to care for their cities, and new works and servants of the Lord develop from what was experienced during a hot sweaty summer. Please pray that what happens at Impact does NOT stay at Impact. Pray that the effects of this summer extend to many more people in many more places. God is faithful and He will do it. Our schedule is crowded and so will be our building and facilities, but don’t let that keep you from stopping by. There is always room for YOU at Impact!

..........As we think of Summer, things like baseball, camps, cook-outs, and fun in the sun come to mind. Here at Impact, we wrapped all that up in God’s love.
Monday, June 4, was in many ways our first official day of summer, and as first days usually are it was pretty hectic. The youth group from Conroe Church of Christ arrived in the morning to pick up thirty of our elementary children and take them to Gulf Coast Christian Camp to spend a week at camp together. Impact’s middle school youth group, led by our middle school minister Wes Fikes and several of his interns, loaded up an Impact bus to head to Galveston for their summer kick-off. And later in the afternoon our VBS directors and I, along with a visiting youth group from – in Amarillo, went to the Irvington Village apartments, where many of our kids come from, and picked up a busload of kids (and I do mean busload) and took them to play at the park, an event we used to help finish signing kids up for our upcoming VBS and Reading Camps. And all of this was happening while our high school youth group was hiking in the mountains of Colorado on Wilderness Trek.
All of this activity (and the God-breathed impact this activity has on the hearts of His children) takes lots of resources, including financial ones. Many of you been great supporters and partners of God’s work in Houston in the past, and we hope and pray that partnership can continue.

2007-07-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

Walking Where Jesus Walked

After many years of dreaming about going to Israel, my dream became a reality in June of 2007. It was so difficult to even imagine that when we were descending from the plane I had to ask my wife to pinch me so I could know that I wasn’t dreaming.

Israel is a beautiful country and the people are very friendly, and what made me feel even more comfortable was going with 16 brothers, going with the same objective and spiritual focus. We took the opportunities to pray, sing, and have devotionals in the same places that Christ prayed. On the Mount of Olives, we listened to the Word of God as presented by our brother Steve Austin at the same spot where the Apostle Peter gave his first sermon. All the places we visited just kept filling us with more and more excitement, from getting to know the city of Jerusalem, to visiting places we knew from the Old and New Testament, and passing through places where Jesus walked when he was here among us. We were nonetheless thrilled to tour the area of Galilee, crossing the sea in a boat similar to the ones the disciples of Jesús used for fishing. We went to the Jordan River to a place called Yardenit where it is believed that Jesus was baptized. All in all we visited 60 official sites. Our main objective as TGCBI students, I believe was accomplished as with all the photos that we took and the information we absorbed gave us more confidence and inspiration to preach and give classes.

I could spend hours and hours detailing all the different locations, but my main hope here is to give endless thanks to those who helped make this dream possible: Steve Austin, the team at Impact, especially my fellow elders, all my brothers and sisters. Thank you for your prayers. They took us, carried us, and brought us back. May God bless you. –your brother Dimas Velazquez

VISITANDO ISRAEL.
Después de muchos años soñando, en ir a Israel, finalmente en
Junio del 2007, mi sueño se hizo realidad, era difícil pensar incluso entando haya, que no estaba soñando y al bajarme del avión le pedí a mi esposa que me diera un pellizco, para darme cuenta que no estaba soñando.
Israel es un país hermoso y la gente muy amable, y lo que hizo sentirme mas cómodo es ir con los 16 hermanos, que íbamos con el mismo objetivo y la misma espiritualidad, tuvimos la oportunidad de orar, cantar, hacer devocionales en los lugares en que Cristo oró, como en el huerto de los Olivos, escuchar la palabra de Dios, desde el lugar donde el apóstol Pedro dio su primer discurso, predicada por nuestro hermano Esteban Austin.
Todos los lugares que vistamos, nos llenaban de mucha emoción unos mas que otros, como el conocer la ciudad de Jerusalén, conocer los lugares que tuvieron que ver con el Antiguo y Nuevo Testamento, sobre todos los lugares que tuvieron que ver con Nuestro Señor Jesús cuando el estuvo entre nosotros. No menos emocionante fue ir al área de Galilea cruzar su mar en unas de las barcas parecida a la que usaron los discípulos de Jesús para pescar, el rio jordán el lugar conocido Yardenit en donde se cree, que Jesús fue bautizado. Y muchos otros lugares que visitamos que oficialmente fueron 60.
La meta más importante por la que fuimos, como alumno del TGCBI, yo creo que se cumplió al cien por ciento, fotografías y mirar los lugares desde el lugar de los hechos nos da mas confianza al predicar y dar clases.

Yo podría pasar horas y horas detallando cada uno de los lugares, pero mi objetivo principal en esta ocasión, es de agradecer de manera infinita a los que hicieron posible mi sueño, al hermano Estaban Austin, a la administración de mi congregación IMPACT, especialmente a mis compañeros ancianos, a todos mis hermanos, que gracias a sus oraciones fuimos y regresamos con bien.
QUE EL SEÑOR LOS BENDIGA. Hermano DIMAS.

2007-07-25T18:01:00.001-07:00

Hispanic Family night was a great success as far as numbers of new families go. Many parents of children who are planning to attend VBS were able to learn more about the Summer program, learn about Impact, and meet many members. Tacos were served, workers were serving and mingling, parents were reminded of how seeds planted in the hearts of their children now could bear incredible fruit for God in the future. A salsa contest, actually a hot sauce recipe contest, rounded out the evening affairs in a memorable way.