Miles of Smiles!

VBS is in its second week, but our Summer has been saturated by activities for youth and family. Kids get the greatest amount of attention during the summer, as has been characteristic of Impact from the beginning. So many groups have already come to minister at Impact and will be coming through the end of July. Look forward to more pictures and articles, but lets start with a few shots from the kick-off events from mid to late June where parents were invited to learn more about the summer program and for some get to know Impact. Here are some smiles from the Family Nights at Impact.

The Interns are In!

Our interns have arrived from all over to help make sure the kids of Impact and our neighborhood have a great summer. Here is a list of who came to join in the fun:

Directors: Gabby Arevalo, Chevone McKinney, Jessica Coleman, and Ashely Cooks
High School Interns: Sandra Chavez, Brittney Cooks, Benny Dixon, Deena Jones, Ricardo Manjarrez, Mariah Mijares, Geremy Varner, Marilyn Flores, Edgar Gallegos, Richard Guice, Ezequiel Lopez, Da’Meshia Lynch, RayRay O’Neal, Gerald Varner,Ben Glover, Sheena Jones

College-Age Interns: Deborah Arango – Houston, TX (Literacy Program Assistant),
Lluvia Flores- Houston, TX, Kyle Gredt – Vancouver, BC, Canada, Hannah Guice – Houston, TX, Ebony Tolder – Houston, TX, Clayton Humphrey – Houston TX, Gerald Davis – Marietta, GA, Randall Gabriel – Houston, TX, Taylor Gabriel – Houston, TX, Sid Gutierrez – Snyder, TX, Angel Howard – Houston, TX, Megan McCormick – Snyder, TX, Sarah McSpadden – Weatherford, OK, Erin Newberry – Oklahoma City, OK, Andrea Tharp – Mesquite, TX

Adult Interns: Maria Arzu- Houston, TX, Laura Hamilton – Houston, TX, Derrick Fletcher –Houston, TX, Luke Boyd – Tipton, OK, Zach Hilburn – Houston, TX Chanthavy Chanhnouvong – Ft. Smith, AR, Loren Moore – Houston, TX

Summit Surrendered to Snow

This year's Trek group may have seemed small, but they were big on skills and heart. The group met their challenges, and even when an anticipated challenge was taken away they faced the potential disappointment with snowball fights and enjoyable campfires.

Thanks for all who gave or sponsored this trip. The summit may not have been reached, but the purpose was accomplished.

Celebrating a Commencement

As many people came in from all over to celebrate Impact's completing 20 years in downtown Houston, a small portion of our body was having an extra special celebration of their own. The Impact Kindergarten class of 2007 experienced the pomp and circumstance of passage, in an event organized by their teachers designed to bless and honor these students as they head into Elementary school. Abigail Arango, Rocio Saldana, and Aracely Velazquez have been with this group of youngsters, watching them grow and learn and face challenges. This past Sunday they also lifted them up by guiding them through a commencement program of songs, special words, the handing out of diplomas, and the opportunity to wear funny hats. The kids had a great time and were made to feel very special. It was a great blessing for them and their families who witnessed the love poured out to them.

Impact Reunion!
Thanks to all who came and made it such a special time!
(More pics and an article to come.)

First Colony Hits a Home Run at Impact!

What better way to kick off the Summer than going to a baseball game! First Colony is #1 in our eyes as Impact was blesses with hundreds of tickets to see the Astros take on the CArdinals at the end of May. The night before, the 'Stros ended a near-record losing streak by gaining a victory against St. Louis. Impact fans got to ride the wave of excitement as Houston produced a strong and exciting 8-3 win over the visiting team. NOt only was it a blessing to watch the home team stomp the opposition, but to have a section full of Christian families bringing their friends and family and reveling in the excitement of a great national past time was like eating a fresh slice of warm apple pie topped with a huge scoop of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream.

Ok, I have to say that it was just extra special for me. I got to see so many Impact kids and Hispanic families come out and really enjoy their time. Thank you God and thank you First Colony. But even more special, I got to bring my son to his first ball game. It was just wonderful pointing things out, explaining things, and seeing him get excited about the things he was discovering and noticing. The game became alive. Well, on that particular day, I was also blessed to have my brother and sister-in-law, another couple from Brazil, and two
Hispanic youth. This was their very first baseball game as well. As soon as we stepped into Minute Maid Park, Claudio remarked how it was just like being in a movie. Imagine your first experience like this: the immense park, tons of people moving smoothly along on escalators, the billboard entertainment and statistics, the hot dogs and chili fries and fresh roasted peanuts, the wave, the sound effects, the "TAke Me Out to the Ball Game," the wonderment of the 7th inning stretch, and of course, the players and the beauty of the game! Watching all of these people discover and fall in love with something new made the experience that much more satisfying for me.

Imagine, also, what it was like, and could be for others, the first time that God really opens our eyes to His love and the great blessings that await us in a new life in Christ. The newness is incredible, but the great thing about this walk with God is that as we keep participating in His work, we appreciate more and more what He is doing. What was once an exciting new thing, only continues to be better and better. Lord, take me out to the "ball game."

Again, many thanks to First Colony for buying an entire section of the park and permitting a great opportunity for many people. Sure, its just a ball game, but you never know how a simple moment can make an large Impact on someone's life.

This week, as we have done for a number of years, Impact will take a group of High School students from inner-city Houston out to the wilderness of Colorado to hike, repel, and reach the summit of a mountain as a group. Below is a speech given by one of last year's group and a recent Impact graduate, Edgar Gallegos, at a Fundraising Dinner this Spring:

Wilderness Trek was one of the most wonderful experiences I had the opportunity to be a part of my life. Getting to do something such as climbing a 14,000 ft mountain with our church’s youth group is something you don’t do everyday. Trek is a good way to see God’s world in a different view than were used to. It’s an opportunity to look at life in a different prospective and to see what he made for us to enjoy and call home.

During this trip the Lord taught our youth group many things. He helped us work together as one to reach our goal, which was making it to the summit of the mountain. All the time that we spent on the mountain God taught us the most important thing you needed on the trip; which was patience. During the climb patience was the last thing we had with our guides and ourselves. They would tell us “keep on walking, we are almost there” but we would just get mad at them and stop to take our own little breaks. The reason we couldn’t take lots of breaks was because we had only a certain amount of sunlight and we needed to get to our campsite so we could set up our tent in with light instead of in the dark. After the whole day of fussing and wishing that we have never should of gone, we took the time to actually think about what we had accomplished in reaching the summit and enjoy ourselves on top of a mountain were we’ve never been before. God helped us reach the mentality that with His awesome power we could do anything as one.

Going to Colorado and getting to climb a mountain is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This trip alone has made me realize that nothing is impossible and experiences like this one made me grow into stronger Christian. In this trip, I was one of the two leaders to help encourage every one to give it all they had and to make sure no one was left behind. Even though the whole group, including myself thought the goal of making it to the top of the mountain was unachievable we kept on encouraging each other to do our best and to keep on going. Seeing everyone helping out each other made me realize that everyone was a leader in some way. The trip also made me feel more comfortable being with the group. I have been in the youth group through my four years in high school and this trip made me feel more confident with myself and being with the group. Before this trip I felt left out from the group, I felt like I was not wanted but this experience made realize that were all in this together and what life throws us at us we have to challenge it together as a family.

The point of the whole trip is to show our youth group that with faith and with a lot of patience we could do what seems impossible like climbing a 14,000 ft mountain in 3 days. This experience has made our youth group become intact with each other. Wilderness Trek is a perfect opportunity to prepare you for real life. It also shows you that with the Lord by your side, anything is possible.

~ Edgar Gallegos

This past Sunday, Impact celebrated its graduating Seniors. Just growing up downtown is hard, staying in school becomes an acheivment, and still participating in church activities makes this group all the more special. We thank God for these young people. We celebrate this milestone with them. We pray the best of God's blessings for their future.

The graduates:

Jose Alejandro Arevalo

Taylor Blizzard

Sandra Chavez

Edgar Gallegos

Benjamin Glover

Deena Jones

Sheena Jones

Leland Rose

Diana Saldana

Priscilla Saucillo

Michelle Saucillo

Don Victoria

Congratulations Seniors '07!

Barbara Garcia meets with Governor Perry

Impact member and cancer victim, Barbara Garcia recently met with Gov. Perry at the state capitol to show her support for his HPV order. Follow the link to view the video: http://www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/050807kvueHPVupdate-cb.4cd0ceec.html

excerpt from press conference: "The cost of providing this vaccine to eligible young women through the Vaccines for Children program and Medicaid is less than $13 million in general revenue each year, while the cost of treating HPV-related cervical diseases is $173 million in direct medical costs each year.
I am also mystified by the argument that making this vaccine widely available encourages promiscuity, especially from legislators who voted for a needle exchange program that encourages drug addicts to continue to abuse illegal drugs...... And it is the tone of this debate that has disturbed me most. The notion of forgiveness and grace has been totally lost in this debate. People make wrong choices. Our society is full of such individuals who have found redemption from past mistakes......
And this is not some arcane policy debate. We're talking about real lives. Lives like Barbara Garcia, whose battle with cervical cancer now confines her to a wheelchair. She won't live to see her 9 year old son one day graduate from high school…or ask his sweetheart to marry him. Barbara, thank you for being here today. That's what this is about my fellow Texans, ensuring that other women don't have to face the same suffering."

Fotos taken from following link: http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/05/09/9hpv.html

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.