Change Matters: Make Yours Count

CitiIMPACT invites you to take part in our “Two Dollar Project”.  A lady in Chicago is doing a documentary on whether or not change can really make a difference in a life, an organization, or a community.  We happen to believe that if we all “change” together there will be an amazing IMPACT.  Join us in  “changing” our cities with real Hope.  I know that many people don’t have a lot to give right now but let’s see how fast our change can add up.  We will split the change between CitiIMPACT and the city for which the donation was earmarked. You can help us decide what to do with the change based on needs you see.  We will then share stories on how your change brought change!  This CHANGE CHALLENGE will go through August.  Let’s change our individual pennies to Kingdom pearls! Donations can be made through PayPal or by check to CitiIMPACT. Donate NOW

I’m sure you’ve all heard that change is the only constant  in our lives.  Sometimes change is good, sometimes not so good, or sometimes it appears bad but surprises us with amazing opportunities.  This country is certainly in the midst of unprecedented change; both economic and spiritual.  Maybe you have seen the bumper sticker, “I’ll spend my own money and you keep the change.”  Obviously it is referring to the governments spending and promises of change.  Regardless of your political views, I hope you know that the government is not the answer to our hope.  With so much change and uncertainty the natural tendency is to shrink back instead of reaching out.  Yet, what an epic opportunitiy we have to share with those that need hope, homes, help, and healing. 

 

Last week we saw a horrific site that captured utter hopelessness.  We were driving in Virginia.  Just as we got onto a large bridge we saw a man jump off.  We later learned he had died.  How we wished we could have been a few minutes earlier.  What led him to this?  Why did nobody else stop to help?  Something must change.

 

How can we help you to BE the CHANGE you want to see?  CitiIMPACT has been doing compassion ministries for over ten years both in the inner-cities and following natural disasters.   We are available to offer you training in disaster preparedness, first response and disaster relief.  In addition, we would love to talk to you further about starting a CitiIMPACT affiliate in your city. 

 

If you yourself are in a time of hopelessness please email us.  We would be honored to pray with you and for you. Your request will remain confidential unless you specify otherwise.

info@CitiIMPACT.org

 

Update:  Shavona Many of you have been praying and asking about Shavona (16 year old girl who was in our inner-city camps).  I’m happy to report she was matched with a kidney just last week and had surgery the same day!  She is recovering well.  We hope to see her this week.

Builds Hope, Homes, Friendships . . .Treasures

1 Timothy 6:18-19 (New International Version)¹⁸Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Citi IMPACT Builds New Orleans and Texas  – Citi IMPACT typically works with teams formed out of local churches, schools, or communities.  However, many individuals are not able to form a team so we have set aside three weeks this summer just for them.   Please see our Volunteer info page for more information on this wonderful opportunity to build homes, hope, and friendships!  If you are not able to go this summer please consider donating funds to allow someone else the chance to serve that has the time but not the resources.  As you know, mission trips change the individual serving as much or more than those they go to help.

Boliver Peninsula, TX -  suffered the worse damage overall from Hurricane Ike.  JD just met Shawn whose family has lived on the peninsula for four generations.  He is an EMT who was called back to Boliver right after Ike passed to help rescue people.  He recalls many bodies floating in the water and many friends he lost.  These people desperately need help.  This will be an area that the Galveston Build teams will work on as well.   Please consider bringing a construction, clean-up, VBS, or other outreach team to this area of great need.

Citi IMPACT Affiliates -  Discussions are underway in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR as our first official affiliate cities are preparing to launch.  If you live in these areas let us know if you’ d like to take part in ongoing conference calls.  Likewise, if you are in another city and would like to be part of a team to pursue such an affiliate in your region please contact Citi IMPACT.

JD was able to meet up with three teams on the ground last week and was greatly inspired by the hearts of those that came as well as those that were helped.   Here are just a few highlights:

 A team from Westover Church in Greensboro, NC worked to get Maria, a 75 year old Veteran, back in her home following Ike.  Maria’s father built the house in 1944.  She was so grateful for the teams help that she made lunch for them daily. 

Josh, is currently unemployed,  but chose to spend his time helping others despite his own hardships.

New Covenant Christian School in Lansing, MI chose to work on houses during their Senior Trip instead of the typical beach or theme park adventures.  The smiles on their faces as they painted and sheetrocked looked amazingly fullfilled and proud.  Who needs rollercoasters?!?

Redwood Hills Church from Seattle brought a group of skilled adults who took time off work to help a single mom get her family home again.

Thanks to all of you who have given of their time, talents, and resources.  As we unite in building homes we are building up treasures in Heaven!

CitiIMPACT Ministries has seen that needs related to outreach, compassion, and disaster services (natural, economic, health) are best met by the local body of Christ in any given region.  However, in most areas there remains need of such synergy of efforts, training, or network. With all that we see happening globally, it is ever apparent that our own “Jerusalem” needs Jesus, each local community.  The newspaper headlines are filled with issues related to: Job losses, Recession, Foreclosures, Swine Flu, Fires, Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Terrorism, etc.  Who is pointing to the hope in Jesus?

CitiIMPACT Ministries is launching with various individuals, churches, and likeminded organizations CitiIMPACT Ministries Affiliates.  These affiliates would be made up of individuals from many different churches, denominations, and ethnic background – a true representation of The Body of Christ in that city, community, or region.  These affiliates would come up with their own ongoing outreach emphasis (inner city, housing, homelessness, at-risk youth, affordable health care) based on the needs they see in their community.  The group would also be trained in disaster preparedness and form a plan on how to respond to any disaster that may affect their community or region.    Real work and significant fruitfulness takes place at the local or regional level. It is at the local level that decisions must be made, funds raised, volunteers recruited, and families selected, nurtured, and discipled long term.  These are the tasks of the CitiIMPACT Ministries Affiliate(s).

CitiIMPACT Ministries’ headquarters will assist affiliates with information, resources, training, publications, prayer support, and fund raising.   In addition, as disasters hit your area CitiIMPACT Minsistries would mobilize our national networks of volunteers and supplies. Likewise, your group might be the first asked to mobilize to a nearby region. Together we will make gentrification with justice issues a matter of conscience wherever we serve, bringing awareness to the gospel in real and meaningful ways. 

Contact us to begin the process of forming a CitiIMPACT Ministries Affiliate for your locale today!  Let’s throw an anchor to those tossed in the storms of life.

America Needs Christ’s Hope Overcoming Real-life Storms

www.CitiIMPACT.org

info@CitiIMPACT.org

Beacon In The Storm

Following a few weeks of quiet resolution before the Lord, we want to encourage you with the encouragement we have received. You often read our pleas for volunteers to assist those families affected by disasters in life; hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.  Now an economic tsunami has washed across our country.  Many individuals, families, and communities are facing feelings much the same as those suffered in the aftermath of Katrina. The sense of great loss, despair, fear, and overwhelming hopelessness  surrounds us daily.  People are searching for a beacon of Hope in the midst of this gloomy storm. The Lord has encouraged us to give an answer to the hope that lies within us. 

How To BE a Beacon:

1. Stand firm in your FAITH IN GOD, not in what you know or understand in the natural.  Isaiah 7:9 (NIV)

    ”If you do not stand firm in your faith,
       you will not stand at all.” 

2. Man’s help is worthless compared to the victory you have in Christ.  Psalm 60:11-12 (NIV)

 ”Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”

Therefore, we must not put hope in the government, banks, stock market, family, friends, or our own abilities, talents, and resources.  Our HOPE is in Christ alone.

3. The LORD is our focus – not the world around us.  Isaiah 8: 13-14a

      The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
       he is the one you are to fear,
       he is the one you are to dread,  and he will be a sanctuary

4. Even old time prophets and people of God went through hard things. Of course Jesus Himself paid the ultimate price for us all. Yet we have peace that passes understanding and Hope!  1 Peter 3:14-16 (NIV)

    But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer  to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

5. A call to prayer and spiritual disciplines are required at all times, but this is an URGENT call highlighted in times of desperation. Are we desperate enough yet for our neighbors and country and world, to call out to God in earnest expectation and HOPE of His move of grace?

 As we enter into the time some know as Lent, perhaps a unified time of prayer and soul searching would bring us to the Hope that lies within us.  See our ministry partner Steve Hawthorne, at www.waymakers.org  for information on joining a global prayer initiative.  Join with us!

Psalm 43:4-5 (NIV)

  Then will I go to the altar of God,
       to God, my joy and my delight.
       I will praise you with the harp,
       O God, my God. 

 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
       Why so disturbed within me?
       Put your hope in God,
       for I will yet praise him,
       my Savior and my God.

6. We appreciate all of you so much. So we write with a new depth of awareness of how all ministry (any of us are part of) is part of a massive mosaic of Jesus Himself spreading globally. We wanted to encourage every saint, especially when it seems your role is being unproductive, with little hope of impact, or seems so small in time or effect: Never doubt your worth or your part! You have an equal role and reward!

As we pray for one another and others globally, let us humbly thank the Lord for our assignments—each significant as He orchestrates what each brings to Him in His service.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NIV)

    With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count  you worthy of His calling, and that by His power he may fulfill every  good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that  the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to  the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

^{Blessings to each of you and your families,}

JD & Toni Smith

CitiIMPACT Ministries

www.CitiIMPACT.org

PS. Watch soon for more information for 2009 and beyond initiatives for ministries affecting those affected by disasters in life, and ways you can bridge HOPE to those who need and seek HOPE! These include adequate/affordable housing, counseling, missions and more!

God sent His Son . . .

To save a desperate world.   The times aren’t that different now.  Many are hurting, many are hungry, many are hopeless.    There are days that may be even you or I.  Yet, we know that through Jesus there is Hope for the Hopeless.   We know the one who owns the cattle on a thousand hills and the one who makes the blind to see.  Surely He is able to do more than we can ask or imagine.   We need not live in fear. Look to that babe in the manger.   This is our prayer for you this Christmas, 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”   Romans 15:13

PRAISE- Shavona

Her brother is a match!  They hope to do the transplant later this month.  Thank you for those that have prayed, sent encouraging notes, and financial support.  I was especially touched by the young college student who sent a portion of his paycheck and said he would continue doing so to help cover her staggering expenses.  Please keep the prayers for healing coming.

PRAYER NEEDED:

IMPACT,  like many other non profits in this economy, is struggling financially.  We need about $100,000 to balance out the year and start 2009 on solid footing.   Donations are way down across the board from one time gifts, faithful supporters, gifts in kind, supplies, and businesses.  We got hit especially hard when the support we counted on after IKE did not come through.  

  Thousands will not be home for Christmas this year as they are still struggling to recover from the hurricane that wiped out many towns.  Many children lost all their toys and will likely not receive new ones this year.  They need to see hope in a tangible way. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

GIVE!!  Your end of the year donations are tax deductible and can be done easily through PayPal.  For everyone who donates $30 or more we have a special gift to send to you!  Check out the home page for more info.   We also have a matching gift offer for up to $75,000 for every dollar that comes in during the month of December.

SHOP!!   Sign up with OneCause and when you shop online at anyone of the participating retailers a percentage goes back to IMPACT.  They also send you discount and shipping codes regularly.  Some have specials where up to 25% goes back to IMPACT!!  So do your Christmas shopping AND help IMPACT all at the same time.  There is a link on our homepage.  You may have also received emails.

BRING A TEAM:  Volunteers are desperately needed.  Many volunteer centers are having to close because people just aren’t coming to help and it is too costly to maintain.   This is heartbreaking when the destruction is so evident and the pain so real.  Please talk to your churches and other groups about sending a missions team or sending finances designated towards rebuilding a specific families home.

PRAY –  that 2009 brings many to know the Hope of Jesus Christ our Lord.    That He shows HIS Hope to the homeless, hurting, hungry, and helpless.  That they will know it to be HIM and not human hands.

Blessings to You and Yours,

JD and Toni Smith

Thanksgiving Wishes

GIVING THANKS FOR YOU . . .

You will all be sitting around the table with family and friends next week passing the turkey and mashed potatoes as you celebrate Thanksgiving.  What are your thoughts and prayers as you prepare for the holiday?  For many the concerns of the economy and future loom heavy on their hearts.  Our prayer is that we will not allow the fears and concerns of this world to rob us of the joy of Thanksgiving.  What are you Giving Thanks for this year?  We will each have our own list.  However, I would challenge you to consider that through the act of Giving you will have more to add to your list of Thanks.   Giving to others who are less fortunate than yourself always blesses the giver in return.  Remember, you can never out give God.

Giving is down across the board for all nonprofits, IMPACT is no exception.  Both funding and volunteering has decreased dramatically. People are turning inward and holding tight to all they have.  This will only hasten the downward spiral of our nation.  We must instead look beyond our own problems and help each other.  No one is immune right now.  We need each other.  As ministries this has forced us to greater unity.  Alone it is impossible to do much but together we can make an IMPACT.  Don’t ever think that your dollar or your hour of volunteering is meaningless.  God is a God of multiplication.  What is your part to give?

Calling Upon The Church

We are in desperate need of volunteers and funding to continue serving those devastated by IKE.  We know American’s are in a state of turmoil and fear based on the current economy.  Know there is many hurting worse than you.  We challenge you to look upward and outward.  

Please read our latest prayer update for further info.  Let us know that you are praying for our country, The Church, our ministry, and the thousands who don’t know how or IF they can go on.  May God heal and Bless our land.

Pressing in for Breakthrough! « Impact Ministries Prayer Updates

IMPACT Opens Up In Galveston, TX as Residents Return

Galveston residents were allowed to return “home” today.  Although, “home” is quite a relative term. 

IMPACT Ministries’ JD & Toni Smith, in collaboration with many local ministries, is opening NOW an outreach center for ministry in Galveston on Galveston Island, south of Houston, Texas. The center will house volunteers for serving the Hurricane Ike residents, a feeding center, a community distribution center for residents needed supplies, and daily worship space. Also, there will ongoing counseling and case management for the residents in the offices for IMPACT Ministries and its local, regional and national partners. This IMPACT Regional Ministry Center will serve the entire area south of Houston and Galveston Island.

Our second TEXAS volunteer center will also open this week in Beaumont, Texas with a collaboration formed there with the local churches, local government, and some of IMPACT’s other partners from around the country. Our first semi-load of supplies will arrive there this weekend. At 8:45 pm CDT Wednesday night, the mayor of Beaumont gave clearance for any and all activities that IMPACT desires for his city and the many surrounding towns and cities. 

A team of volunteers from North Carolina has transported a kitchen trailer, and other equipment into the region.   IMPACT is ready to take teams now and in within this very week can house a thousand people a day, in various locations across the Guf Coast in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

The devastation is massive.   Hurricane IKE Devastation pictures

Obviously, the news media has significantly downplayed the coverage of the physical destruction since the death toll was not (thank the Lord) anywhere near that of Katrina.  This is commonly called the “Katrina Effect”.  Yet the human suffering is so traumatic.  In Beaumont, TX many residents had just gotten back in their homes from Rita.  This was the case with Bryan, a local ministry leader, and his wife, Angie.  Not only did they loose their home again but their daughter and her husband also lost everything they owned.  Amber, the daughter, then gave birth to a little boy named Brendan just two days ago.  All the baby supplies she had prepared were lost and Brendan has no home to go home to.  Bryan, Angie ,Amber, Frank, and Brendan are all living with Bryan’s mom for the foreseeable future. 

Bryan was ready to quit it all.  JD spoke to him today and encouraged him that he did not need to walk this walk alone.   To start, IMPACT Ministries will be delivering a semi load of food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items this weekend.  Bryan is thrilled and has begun rallying the community to distribute.  

Bourg, Louisiana residents also received a semi-load of supplies on Sunday morning, September 22nd.  The entire truck was unloaded and distributed to people who need it in only two hours!!  The reports are that there were lots of smiling faces, thankful hearts, and praises to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

PLEASE click here to DONATE NOW: WWW.CITIIMPACT.ORG/HTML/DONATIONS.HTML

Sept 17th

IMPACT is in the midst of setting up a command base, volunteer center, and distribution site in Texas City, TX on Galveston Bay.  This will allow us direct access to help residents when they return.  This will be done in collaboration with other ministries, churches, networks and YOU the volunteers.  The need is huge and it will take the Body of Christ working together to make an IMPACT.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS FOR IKE RECOVERY:

• Volunteer Teams – over 18 only for the first month at least
• Funding for fuel, supplies, food, operations, etc. 
• Gas Cards
• Donations from manufacturers of palletized food, cleaning supplies, water, etc.
• Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes gift cards

DONATE NOW:  IMPACT Ministries – Donations

UPDATES On IKE

Kim Voisin, said last night that at least on levy broke near Bourg, LA.  He’s lived there all his life and this is the highest he’s ever seen the water.  His personal house and church are OK and are equipped to serve the community. 

Emily Davault is from Lake Charles, LA.  She evacuated and will return home tomorrow.  She said flooding is extensive in Lake Charles and devastating in Cameron Parish where water is up to roof tops.  Many in this area were still recovering from Rita.

An area in Pearlington, MS also suffered more flooding where they were still cleaning up from Gustav.

We are prepared to send teams and supplies into all three of these sites within the week.  We have people on the ground in Houston and Galveston.  Once secure and credible sites are established we will begin sending teams there as well.

——————————————————–

• We have a semi of food and supplies ready to roll into Bourg, LA to assist.
• Teams are preparing to enter at various points as soon as the water has receeded.  If you can  form a first response team let us know ASAP.
• NEED funds for deploying kitchen trailer, supplies, and food.  Please assist as you can.  You can use PayPal on our website.
• Pray for protection and provision.  IKE brought a huge blow to millions of people.  God is bigger.  Pray His Church heeds the call to help their neighbors in need.  Let’s show them His love.