Impact Homecoming!! Come One, Come All!

Come reunite to celebrate 20 years at Impact! June 8 - 10, 2007.

Events include:

* tours,

* a "catch-up" dinner,

* breakfast and ballgames at the park,

* Impact ministries showcase,

* an international dinner,

* storytelling,

* a special Homecoming Sunday service,

* and more!

For more details, contact April McBrideat aremcbride@yahoo.com or 405.761.7666

Come be a part of Impact History! Celebrate what God is doing today! Pray for the future God wants for Impact!

What Liberty Island Means to Me
by Jessica Foust


It’s difficult for me to put into words what the people of Liberty Island have meant to me in the last few months. The first time I participated in the Monday night devotional, I was blown away by the presence of God. Here in front of me were people that are easily overlooked by the world, and who rarely have ownership over their own lives. But for an hour on Monday night, they lead their own worship service. One night of worship with these amazing people, and I was hooked.

The residents of Liberty Island have long since become my friends and my brothers and sisters. They share what is on their hearts and encourage each other with their songs. What a powerful testimony to the power of God’s spirit to live in even the simplest of hearts! I am challenged by the simplistic honesty of Clark’s prayers and the passion of Rodney’s songs. The beauty of Mary’s voice and the smile on Millie’s face bring to light God’s grace and love for others. And watching Les, Kirk, and Michael serve these brothers and sisters with love and compassion, without pretense, inspires me to live with humility. I thank God for showing me His power to make each life an invaluable instrument for His kingdom.


Every Monday night, Impact leaders go to the assisted living facility known as Liberty Island to spend time with the residents, lead a time of devotion to God, and share with those they serve in a time of worship. Jessica, who also lends her time as a Bible class teacher, is one of many who have been Impacted by this unique ministry and these special people. If you would like to participate, just call the office and make arrangements.

Congratulations to Wes and Trish Fikes!
Micah James Fikes was born on May 2, 2007. (In the photo, Samuel examines his new baby brother as father Wes proudly holds his two boys.)
-sorry for the tardiness of the post!

Loving the Legacy
Impact's 2oth Anniversary Celebration Dinner - "Legacy of Love"
The 2007 Impact Celebration Dinner, "Legacy of Love," was a big success as we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Impact church. All glory and honor is due to our profoundly wonderful and forever faithful God. God was honored as we celebrated the contributions of so many of His faithful servants. The University of Houston Hilton ballroom could barely accommodate the overflow crowd of 550, as we listened to inspiring testimonials from across the spectrum of those that have been touched by the Impact church. Featured speaker, Brian Mashburn did a super job of reminding us what a joy it is to serve God by serving people. The Melo-d-heirs singing group did their usual outstanding job praising God and encouraging all in attendance. We look forward with anticipation to see what God has in store for the next 20 years. It will surely be as fascinating and exciting as the last 20. Special thanks are due to Sonya Guice and Jim Brooks as their tireless efforts made the dinner possible. -Paul Woodward

There are so many outstanding families and individuals at Impact, it almost seems unfair to single anyone out. However, in order to give an idea of how God works in people’s lives here, Clara Escobar’s story is timely and covers a lot of territory. Like so many of a growing percentage of Hispanic families that are in the Houston area, Clara’s family is relatively new to the U.S. Clara and her husband, Melvin, have been here long enough to learn enough English to communicate fairly well, but language is still a struggle. Life is a struggle when the roots are not deep in the culture. Work is hard to find and sustain, other things that can be handled fairly easily for a typical resident are more complicated when documents are not in order or missing. Somehow, Clara made a connection with Alejandro Arango, Impact’s Hispanic minister of 15 years, and began to study the Bible. This shy apprehensive young lady started to open her eyes to the blessings of God through Christ. Her face that often seemed stern and protective, started to soften, as did her heart. She invited her Aunts Virginia and Maria to the study times. She began bringing her family and extended family to church. The fact that the ministers accompanied her to visits with her brother in a Texas prison helped her see that there were people there to help. The distribution center met needs of her family from time to time. It was God’s message to her that made the biggest difference. She was baptized in the Fall of 2005. Since then, she has brought many family members to church and activities. They have helped with the Garage Sales, worked at the distribution center, and volunteered for various things in the church.

God has made a change in Clara, but the blessings of God have been transferred to those around her. Two of her aunts, one brother, and her mother have been baptized. Neighbors have been introduced to a church family that loves them. Melvin, her husband, even bought a van (at a special price) specifically to be able to bring neighbors and friends to church. Clara’s sister, Maria Mendez was brought to the church for prayers, and ever since, that family has benefited from a chain of prayer support that has sustained them through a journey of surgeries, complications, and the eventual healing of Maria’s body. But it wasn’t just her sister who needed the prayers. The entire family was affected by Maria’s hospital stay and medical situation. The church helped in some ways, but it was the prayer support that Clara’s family was most impressed by. Clara really learned how to communicate prayer needs and encourage people to pray. She learned more about the power of prayer in the process.

It is difficult to choose just one family at Impact to write about, but Clara Escobar and her family seems to be able to reflect in broad way the way God is acting through Impact. Feeding and clothing those in need, consistent Bible study and spiritual support, marital counseling, opportunities to serve, bringing people to Christ, visiting the sick and those in prison, and growing in the direction of service to God, and ultimately shining for Him are things the Bible teaches us to do. These are things that happen regularly at Impact with many families. These are things that are reflected in Clara’s story, and no one can ignore the joy of Christ that now is reflected in Clara’s face. Praise God for what He is doing to change lives at Impact.

Member Profile: Laura Hamilton


I am not a fan of my needs and weaknesses. I would prefer, instead, to plow my way through life independent, brave and with a big “S” on my chest. But I can’t. My Heavenly Father has humbled me and life has knocked me around enough that I cannot hide from the reality of the depth of my needs. I need to be loved unconditionally. I need a “gang”- somewhere I can fit and belong and find protection. I need a reason to live, a reason to keep going when it would be so much easier to throw in the towel. I need a shoulder to cry on when my heart hurts in ways I can’t explain. I need someone to celebrate my victories with me and tell me that I’m doing a good job. I need purpose in my life- a cause to work for that is far greater and more important than just me.
These are the needs that have brought me to Impact. And I can say with much joy in my heart that these needs are met by God on a continual basis at Impact. I am loved unconditionally by my family at Impact. I have my gang, my place of belonging and protection. I have my reason to live- I am loved more than I can imagine by my Creator even though I have done nothing to deserve it. I have a shoulder to cry on- not only do I have a phone book full of “3 A.M. friends”, I have a shoulder to cry on that carried a Roman cross 2,000 years ago. And my cause couldn’t be more precious. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 Maybe needs and weaknesses aren’t so bad if they usher you into the presence of the One who loves you most. -Laura Hamilton

Holding one of Impact’s newest family members, Laura Hamilton beams for the camera. Laura was also a key player in providing for Impact ministers a much-needed spiritual retreat.
Thanks Laura for all you do!

Time Out!
The Young Professionals Group at Impact gifted the Impact ministers with a time to step back, relax, and reflect on what God is doing with them. Ross Cochran from Harding drew from his expertise on the Life of Christ to help the ministers see how God provides when we don’t think we have “enough." God used Ross and his prtrayal of the account of Jesus and the loaves and fishes to encourage those who give on a constant basis to realize the blessing of ministry, and the confidence to know that God provides in the areas where we lack. When we think there is nothing left to give, Jesus steps in and blesses what you have, and then He shows off. The retreat, full of activities ranging from songs to s’mores, to games, to prayer activities, to rock-climbing, was fun, refreshing, and fulfilling. Special, thoughtful servants saw the need to give to others servants. Giving abounds at Impact.

ANSWERED PRAYERS!
Since November, the Mendez family, Impact members, and other Impact friends and supporters have been praying for Maria Mendez. She was blessed to have a quadruple transplant surgery in November, and this past Friday was finally released to come home. The recovery has been difficult, but we thank God for the healing He has given her. She faces a long road of therapy and adjustment with her new organs, but throughout her time in the hospital her family learned to depend on God. Her mother wants to thank all who have been praying for them. Those prayers sustained them.
Keep Maria and her family in your prayers, and praise God for what He has already done.
For more info, see the following link:
http://www.click2houston.com/news/11620950/detail.html

Easter Sunday church participation.

MAN TIME

Hispanic Men's Retreat 2007

This past Easter weekend, enough men were free enough to spend the weekend together getting to know one another better, and hearing what God has to say about being a man from His word. Charlie and Mollie Middlebrook were kind enough to provide a place near Galveston for us to lodge. The plan was to do some fishing and play around at the beach (soccer, etc.), but the weather was a big surprise. 40 degree temps and rain just didn't match up to the things we had on our agenda. There were even table games and cards to take advantage of as well. However, all we seemed to do outside of the planned lessons and worship was cook, eat, and talk. We talked late into the early morning. Its not what we had in mind, but it turned out to be one of the best things we could have done. There were some guys there that really needed to make the connections that were made. Now, I don't want to take away from some of the powerful times we had in the presentations and discussions. There were some things that really hit home and encouraged us, but the hanging-out that occurred may have been were God moved the most. Thanks for your prayers for this retreat.

$41,000.00!!!!

Join us in praising God for the success of this year's Garage Sale that will benefit the operations of Impact. It takes a lot of cooperation to keep things running, and it takes a lot of cooperation to pull of such an immense project as our annual Garage Sale at Trader's Village. Thanks to all who contributed to this effort. Thank God for His provision.

Spring Break Pics!

No Break for Spring

Its Spring Break, but that means no resting at Impact. We are busy with many wonderful activities right now. We have been blessed with wonderful groups of students who have dedicated their brief moments away from studies to come be with US and serve in the downtown Houston area. This week, our second Spring Break group (a mix of students from Tech/LCU, ACU and SFA) is helping out wherever they can, but primarily giving the Literacy Program a boost with a mini-reading camp similar to a VBS program. They are splitting up to get as many things done as possible. Last week, the Pepperdine group spent a lot of time with people, getting to know and reach out to our neighbors and friends. Next week the Oklahoma group will be fully engaged with the rest of the church in preparing for the Garage Sale. All groups, however, are getting a good taste of what goes on here by going out to Liberty Island with Les Rose to sing with and encourage the handicapped and otherwise challenged residents there. They are involved with many campus improvement projects, like cleaning, painting, spreading gravel, and equipment installation. They lend a hand at the Distribution Center organizing the clothing area as well as prepping for the upcoming Garage Sale. Each group receives hands-on experience in the ministry here, while accomplishing special tasks that only special service groups have the time to attack. We hope that they leave feeling that they have made a difference, because they have! We hope also that they leave having had a special encounter with Christ and what He is calling them to do.

Garage Sale reminder!

Don’t forget the Impact Garage Sale out at Trader’s Village, March 24-25. Its an amazing experience seeing the biggest garage sale in the world, and seeing so many people collaborating to raise money for Houston’s downtown ministry.

Special Invitation!!!

from the Impact Homecoming Committee:
Come reunite to celebrate 20 years at Impact! Events include: tours, a "catch-up" dinner, breakfast and ballgames at the park, Impact ministries showcase, an international dinner, storytelling, a special Homecoming Sunday service, and more!
Friday, June 8, 9:00am - Sunday, June 10, 4:00pm
Impact Houston Church of Christ1704 Weber, Houston, TX View Map

Impact Represents

At the beginning of March, Impact was able to participate in the Washington on Washington Parade. Many businesses, schools, and churches close to Washington Avenue celebrated Washington's birthday with a parade and got out to support the community. Impact was represented by a float made and presented by Impact members. We try to be as present in the community in as many ways as possible.

Hispanic Youth to Mineola

Recently 18 of the Hispanic youth traveled to Mineola, Tx to participate in a Hispanic youth rally. This gave this section of our Impact youth group a special time to bond, and it opened their eyes to a growing number of Hispanic works within the body of Christ in Texas. Special activities like this not only increase the community of our young people locally, but it also grows their perspective and heart for the mission of the church globally. Special thanks to Miguel Castillo and Abby Arango for chaperoning, and special thanks to all who give to Impact. It is the combination of local servants and helpers-from-a-distance that make so many things possible for the glory of God. Recently 18 of the Hispanic youth traveled to Mineola, Tx to participate in a Hispanic youth rally. This gave this section of our Impact youth group a special time to bond, and it opened their eyes to a growing number of Hispanic works within the body of Christ in Texas. Special activities like this not only increase the community of our young people locally, but it also grows their perspective and heart for the mission of the church globally. Special thanks to Miguel Castillo and Abby Arango for chaperoning, and special thanks to all who give to Impact. It is the combination of local servants and helpers-from-a-distance that make so many things possible for the glory of God.

Greatest Joy and Greatest Need

This past Sunday as we took the Hispanic members of Impact to worship with the church in Kingwood, we had a chance to show some things that were going on at Impact. At the end of the presentation, I was asked, "What is your greatest joy working with Impact, and what is the greatest need that you see there?" My answer to the greatest joy was "The people.." and what God does in their lives. My answer to the second part, the greatest need I see, was to get those people that God has touched to be prepared to share what God has done with others. Of course, that is what we all need to do, and I back that answer, but I know that behind the question was another question, " What can I do to help?" There are many of you asking the same question, so here is a short list:

1. Pray!

2. Donate to the Garage Sale. (see earlier blog for details)

3. Support a child for the Summer Program.

4. Invite someone to the Impact Celebration Dinner.

5. Volunteer as a tutor for our literacy program, Lit Up.

"No Words, Just Action; Just Jesus…”
Violent, not because he has an evil heart. Violent, because he has an illness of not being able to control himself. Hands flying, feet kicking, and head shaking. How do you minister to him? Or do you get with the Eldership and ask them to tell him not to attend services here? But wait a minute… We are in the middle of the Communion devotion when the one who is leading us into those thoughts reflects on the sacrifice of our Lord and gets choked up and teary-eyed. The man who had been perceived violent, with his hands flying, feet kicking and head shaking walks up front, wearing shorts and SILENTLY… --What is he doing? He's going up front! He reaches out with his hand and gently pats the Brother (who is choked up) on his shoulders, then turns around and walks back to his seat. To the ordinary eye it just looked like a nice gesture, but to the spiritual eye, we saw Jesus! All of His love, all of His grace, all of His mercy wrapped up in the act of one man who was considered violent and out of control. No fear of standing up, no fear of what someone in the crowd might say, and no fear of stepping out: just Jesus teaching without saying a word. We continue to pray and with anticipation look forward to Jesus showing up in our services that He might teach us. -Les Rose

Michael Broussard Service, Ind. Hall, Feb. 7, 2007
Sometimes we are like the little boy who was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball & bat. "I’m the greatest hitter in the world," he announced. Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed. "Strike One!" he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, "I’m the greatest hitter in the world!" He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down, he swung again and missed. "Strike two!" He cried.The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat & ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, "I’m the greatest hitter in the world!" Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed. "Strike Three!" "Wow" the boy exclaimed, "I’m the greatest pitcher in the world."

Ron Sellers used this illustration as he spoke of Michael Broussard who passed away recently. Micheal was one of those special Impact members that maybe very few know about, but those who got to know him were greatly impacted by his servant heart and his positive spirit. He was an encouragement to his community volunteering on various activity committees at Independence Hall. "He was always there to help," said one of his friends at the assisted living facility. "Even though he had to cart around his own oxygen tank, he would never let me attempt to carry a card table when we were setting up for something." That is one of a lifetime of examples. No matter the burden he already had to carry, he was looking out for others.

My brother Micheal was part of my Sunday routine. He stayed in the same spot during the Sunday lunches, and it was just part of my rhythm to pass by Micheal, squeeze his shoulders and say "How's it going?" He always had a positive response and a warm smile. The oxygen tank he carried around didn't slow him down. The massive growth on his nose may have hindered his breathing, but it didn't hinder his desire to help. His physical and material situations were no match for his spiritual situation. He was a child of God who served in his community, chose to be apart of the Impact family, and grew and served alongside us here. We will miss his presence and we will miss his spirit, but we are grateful for his ability to show us how to see past what our first glance hits and focus on the blessing and opportunity thatis in the reality before us. Micheal Broussard did not strike out in life. He was an all-star to those who knew him.