|
|||
 |
|
||
Posted in 1 | Leave a Comment »
|
|
|||
|
|
||
AUGUST 29, 2005
These images bring back just a glimpse into the devastation physically that occurred when hurricane Katrina made shore on August 29, 2005. With unparalleled scope of destruction Katrina, and Rita immediately following, set all of America on edge with amazement. That amazement turned Hopelessness to Hope!
Many families lost homes and memories, and way too many lost loved ones. Brave men and women forsaking their own situations, good and bad, forged into the arena of devastation to love, “love their neighbors as themselves”. To this very day, we still hear, “If it had not been for the churches we would have had no help or hope.” Yes, you showed your revival fires out loud in engaging with love and hope. We applaud you for your generosity and grace in bringing that hope with persistence and consistency. Please help more if you will, as the rebuilding of lives and homes is still needed.
FAST FORWARD: 2009
The ECONOMIC TSUNAMI of the last year has again unleashed the Church in new and powerful ways to show revival out loud to all of our neighbors closer to home! We don’t know anybody who has not been impacted in some way by this economic chaos, including the next two or three generations saddled with the debts of “bail out” plans.
Certainly a new way is needed to heal the land. Read the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 2:19-22. Surely America, like Jericho in that day, is in a time of being well situated, yet our sources (water) are unhealthy and our land is unproductive in general. Perhaps the Lord would grace us in repentance, to take the broken pieces (lives) and make a new bowl. Place in it hope and help (salt and seed) and then cast it across our land to bring healing and productivity. (See Jeremiah 18:1-11 and 2 Chronicles 7:11-22)
Would you walk with us in belief (faith) of the Lord in this, and help (action) others more than ever before? Not believing and inaction can cause us to lose our voice and song for a while, EVEN when the Lord is fulfilling His promises (Luke 1).
NOW!
Everybody needs help sometime and everybody can help sometime. Recently a church Pastor named Kim Voisin in Bourg, Louisiana and his church, Vision Christian Center, took up a special offering to assist a family in North Carolina. Last year the same church took up an offering to send a much need water filtration unit to Myanmar after the typhoon there saving thousands of families. Vision Christian Center and its families in Louisiana had been heavily impacted by hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. Pastor Kim lost his own home in Rita. The church and community received help during those storm events, helped others through those events and are helping others beyond their own geographic backyard all the way to Myanmar and North Carolina! Sowing and reaping in these ways is by the design of the Lord.
Those people from Bourg, and thousands like them, broken and remade into a new bowl to spread the HOPE! This is the change we need more of, don’t you agree?
God is up to something here. Do you see it? Join in by jumping in, there is room for all!! Bring your new bowl full of salt and spread it around. Heal our Land!!!
Posted in 1 | Leave a Comment »
Hi Friends,
First of all, we want to thank you for your many prayers, notes of encouragement, and support during this season of our life and ministry. It’s been a humbling time. We have always had a heart of compassion for the hurting, the homeless, and the hopeless. However, God has given us even a deeper understanding of all three. We continue to pray for our miracle as we pray in earnest for our community, the churches, and our country. We have heard so many stories of people that are on the brink. We get at least a dozen calls a week from people in New Orleans or elsewhere needing help. Our hearts break and wish there was more we could do. We know that the answer to our cries comes from Jesus and through His Bride, not the government agencies. Lord, please hear these cries of your people.
In one of our darkest days, the Lord showed us a beautiful rainbow that had appeared after a big storm. I took a few pictures. We thanked God for the reminder that His promises never fail. In looking at the pictures later, I was in utter awe. For there was not one but two rainbows! Four sets of eyes viewed that rainbow and saw only one, but in the picture it is clearly a double rainbow (maybe there is a logical explanation for this, if so – don’t tell me!). To us it was God’s way of saying that he is working in ways we can not see. That what we see with our natural eye is only a part but that there is so much more in the spiritual realm.
May you too, find peace and comfort this day. God is up to something. Even when our faith is weak our God is able.
Is God nudging you to help others who are desperately hurting? Are you going through a dark valley? How can we pray for you? Tell us here: jd@citiimpact.org
You are Highly Favored and Loved!
JD and Toni Smith
Posted in 1 | Leave a Comment »
Our many friends, volunteers, associates and fellow ministers,
As I write to you today, America and the world finds ourselves very deep into a world-wide economic tsunami in need of much relief. Nonprofit ministries, like CitiIMPACT, all over the USA who serve needy people due to natural and life disasters find themselves overwhelmed with growing requests for help due to those needs. We also, like many other nonprofit groups, have also seen a plummet of financial support, volunteer hours, gift-in-kind donations and even prayers.
The devastating results of greed by some has catapulted all of us into a kairos where there seems to be little to no hope. We find many, and some days ourselves, reacting in fear (unbelief) rather than responding in faith and power (belief). The Church and Christians know in whom we have believed and HE is able to keep us.
2 Timothy 1:11-12 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
2. Toni and I must appeal to you today in humility and truth with grace. For several years we have given and entrusted our life into His hands in whom we believe. We have lived at the kindness of donations and gifts from many as they have watched and witnessed what the LORD does in and through us. We have been blessed to serve such a great people as you. Together we have all watched the Lord build His Church through your efforts and gifts of time, talent and resource.
LOOK at what the Lord has done! Praise! Praise! Praise!
-Thousands of people, families, hundreds of ministries have had seeds of HOPE sown into their lives by your partnership.-Over 50,000 volunteers have worked through CitiIMPACT Ministries over the last 5 years, coming from over 500 different churches, ministries, colleges and organizations.-Over 25,000 families on the Gulf Coast alone have been served over the last 4 years.-Each dollar that has been donated has been multiplied by the Lord to exceed 250:1 ratio. Yes, over $50,000,000 in value delivered for around $200,000 in cash.
3. Toni and I and CitiIMPACT Ministries are at the MOST CRITICAL TIME in our ministry and personal life. Without miraculous provision of our Lord, we are unable to continue on with ministry set before us. I write this broken hearted for the list of needs before us is staggering. It is impossible for us to move on to help those that need it while my family is left unattended financially and unable to pay our own bills.
We have always made a way for you to give, but have did our best to not ever ask for ourselves. My accountant told me last week that maybe we should ask…so we are asking with humility and hopefully, grace.
Please:
-Pray for us.
-Send in your best donation, one time or recurring
-Form a team to serve those in need
-Form a CitiIMPACT Affiliate in your area
-How can we serve you?
Our personal prayer is found in Mark.
Mark 9:22-24 From childhood,” he answered, “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”” ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
If you have found anything good in us, that is Christ. Please believe with us and for us . . . and help us help others. Let us know how we can pray and serve you.
Our prayer for YOU is captured in 2 Corinthians 9:10-14.
Much thanksgiving has risen because of you, and we hope shall continue.
By Grace Alone,
JD & Toni
375 Robinson Road
Mooresville, NC 28117
704-507-6579
Posted in 1 | Leave a Comment »
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.
| 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.
|
Posted in 1 | Leave a Comment »
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!
Posted in 1 | Leave a Comment »
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
Posted in 1 | Leave a Comment »
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
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
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!
Posted in 1 | Leave a Comment »
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
Posted in 1 | Leave a Comment »
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? Continue Reading »
Posted in 1 | Leave a Comment »
