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.
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.
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