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
