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. 

-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.

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!”

Much thanksgiving has risen because of you, and we hope shall continue.

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

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

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

    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?

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

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?

As you enjoy your feast with family and friends please remember those that have no house to gather in because it blew away in a hurricane, was foreclosed on by the bank, or possibly they never had one in the first place like millions in third world countries.  Affordable housing is a huge priority that is before the ministry of IMPACT at this time.   Has this been on your heart?  Now is the time. 

You can GIVE of your time and talents by forming a team to help those still recovering on the Gulf Coast from IKE, Gustav, and even Katrina.  If you can’t come, you can give of your resources to “adopt a family”.  These folks are feeling forgotten.  The media has been so focused on the economy and elections that they hardly covered the devastation which leads many Americans to believe that there is no need.

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PRAYERS and HOPE for Shavona

Many of you may not know that IMPACT initially stood for Inner-city Ministries Providing for At-risk Children & Teens.  We did camps, afterschool programs, and counseling for eight years.   We still keep in touch with many of the kids.   This week Toni spoke to Shauna who is now a senior in highschool.  Shauna and her twin sister Shannon are getting good grades, play sports, and are making plans for college.  However, their 16 year old sister Shavona is fighting for her life.   Shavona just found out in early September that she has a kidney disease.  Now, just two months later she is in the final stage of kidney failure.  She begins dialysis on Wednesday the 19th, and is still awaiting a donor match.  Their mom, Diane, works hard and has insurance.  Even so, the deductibles for the medicine alone are running between $400-$2,000 per month.  I was shocked to hear they have no help or support and wanted to get the word out to all.  Please pray for this family.  If you’d like to help in another way let us know. 

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Some new partnerships that are launching with IMPACT Ministries are ONE CAUSE, Fuller Center for Housing, Safeway Homes, AmeriCorps NCCC, Harvest for Lost Souls, Friend Ships; just to name a few. Please watch for the details in the days to come!