April 30, 2012

“Strengthening the “little platoons” fosters virtue and it is the bedrock of America’s freedom.”  Chuck Colson

Dear Family & Friends,

            During Kevin and my undergraduate and graduate years, we were challenged by many author’s writings.  Writers like Oswald Chambers’ and his “My Upmost For His Highest” in which he provoked us to walk more intimately with Christ or Charles Spurgeon’s book, “The Power of Prayer in a Believer’s Life” that stated “prayer is the oxygen in which a believer needs to survive.”  We cannot forget the Pastor, Martyr, Prophet and Spy, Dietrich Bonheoffer and his book “The Cost of Discipleship”; “Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession…. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”

            These wonderful authors helped shaped our theology, influenced our ministry philosophy and challenged us to think beyond societal norms.  But, I did not mention an author that passed away a couple of weeks ago that inspired us in structuring City Impact.  That author was Chuck Colson.  Chuck was the Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973.  Known as President Nixon’s “hatchet man”, Colson gained notoriety at the height of the Watergate affair for being named as one of the Watergate Seven, and pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice.

            But, GOD – Chuck became a Christian in 1973, and the following year served seven months in the federal Maxwell Prison in Alabama as the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for Watergate-related charges. Chuck’s mid-life conversion to Christianity sparked a radical life change that led to the founding of his non-profit ministry Prison Fellowship and to a focus on Christian worldview teaching and training.

            It was Chuck’s book Kingdoms in Conflict, that he expounded upon Edmund Burke’s philosophy called the “little platoons: the groups where we meet people face to face, and form our most intimate relationships.”  These social groupings like family, church, and neighborhoods— “little platoons” fosters virtue which is the bedrock ofAmerica’s freedom.  More importantly, it changes the climate of society by pointing to Jesus Christ’s example in living.  Little platoons – that is what City Impact is!  A group of 45 staff members, 10 board members, umpteen volunteers, partnering with churches, non-profits and other like-minded community groups to make an impact.  Yes, an impact caused by Jesus Christ.  Thank you Chuck for your example – thank you Jesus for your grace in saving the life of Chuck Colson and so many others.

Because of Him,

Betty Alvarez Ham, President

March 26, 2012

The Gospels do not explain the Resurrection; the Resurrection explains

the Gospels.  Belief in the Resurrection is not an appendage to the Christian faith,

it is the Christian faith.    John S. Whale

Dear Friends,

I love springtime – the flowers in bloom, the many colors that brightly design our landscape and the signs of new life. Yet, it seems to pass so quickly — before you know it summer has arrived the grass begins to brown, the flower petals fall and the heat begins.

Yet, at City Impact we experience Spring more than just once a year.  We see every time a student decides to leave his or her gang and follow Christ.  We see it when a couple that are being seen in counseling decide they need God’s help and intervention to save their marriage, and we see when a parent can grace their child with unconditional love because they realize Christ loves them unconditionally.

Oh do I love springtime – and every time I experience it I am reminded of the love that Jesus showed to me (and you) in His death and resurrection.  Next time you see the beauty of a flower or any other sign of Spring; will you whisper a prayer for the children, youth and families we serve?  So that one day they too can experience Spring.

Thank you for your continued love and commitment to the ministry of City Impact.  May you and your family experience a blessed Easter.

Because of Him,

Betty Alvarez Ham

President

March 15, 2012

 “From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:45-46

Dear Family and Friends,

Everyday, tragedies hit our country – in fact, similar tragedies have affected the whole world.  Yet, this particular incident cut deeply into the souls of families in Oxnard.  I know because City Impact received counseling calls from individuals and families feeling distressed.  Some of our staff were present on campus that day over four years ago – staff and many students have had an emotional impact by shock and then the awful overwhelming grief.

You see, this particular day a 14 year old confused, angry and hopeless young man brought a weapon onto a middle school with the intention of doing harm to a fellow classmate and then himself.  By the end of third period that day, Brandonshot a classmate dead and our community was left with anger, loss, disbelief and grief.  February 12, 2008, Satan felt he triumphed, but I am here to say, Satan is a liar!

There is another story in which Satan felt he triumphed as well.  It took place over 2,000 years ago – it was the day that Jesus Christ died on the cross.  I am sure Satan and his army threw a party over his assumed victory.  Yet, we know that is not how the story ends.  For the text states, “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. . . ‘He is not here; He has risen, just as He said’, Come and see on the place where he lay.”

Just as the story in scripture didn’t end with Christ’s death, neither does our story in Oxnard.  Allow me to introduce you to Josh, who was one of Brandon’s classmates.  As children, they lived in the same neighborhood and played little league together.  Josh became a Christian and took another road in life.  Today, you can find Josh sharing his story with his peers at other schools.  You will also find Josh going to elementary and middle schools encouraging kids to talk to teachers, counselors or caring adults about their feelings.  Josh is also at pastor’s meetings, council meetings, neighborhood watch meetings, any group that will listen and he asks for help to stop the unresolved anger of kids that leads to violence.  Josh says, “the answer to all the violence is Jesus Christ.  He is the one that can save us.”

This Easter, will you consider giving a sacrificial gift to assist Josh and City Impact continue sharing the good news that Jesus Christ is ALIVE and He can turn tragedy into triumph.   

Because of Him,

Betty Alvarez Ham, President

February 28, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week I was reflecting on the inestimable value of “broken things.”  Broken pitchers gave ample light for victory (Judges 7:19-21); broken bread was more than enough for all the hungry (Matthew 14:19-21); a once broken woman pouring out perfume gave fragrance to the entire world (Mark 14:3, 9); and the Savior’s broken body is salvation to all who believe and receive Him (Isaiah 53:5-6, 12; 1 Corinthians 11:24).  God is an expert at fixing broken plans, projects, lives and hearts.  Allow me to tell you about Angel.

Angel is a young lady whose name was plastered on the walls of neighborhood walls.  Yes, she made her mark with artistic skills and spray cans of paint. Angel was also member of a local girl’s gang in spite of her academic ability. This young lady was regarded as reckless and uncontrollable, but God saw her promise and so did her school counselor and a police officer.

That is when I became involved in this equation; her counselor called me and asked if I had time to mentor a “knucklehead” with potential.  The three of us met together and decided on a plan of action.  Angel would be placed in a school group which I was facilitating, her counselor would keep an eye on her attendance and grades and the police officer would make sure she did not make any dumb decisions on the street.

Angel took months (in fact, years) of encouragement, strong boundaries and lots of prayer, but changes began to take hold.  She graduated from high school, started college, got married and had a baby then divorced.  Three steps forward and two steps back – yet, Angel’s determination held out.  She went back and finished college and has a wonderful job which she has had for the past five years.

Last week, our knucklehead called City Impact to check in – I wasn’t there but, that did not stop her from talking to the Vice President of Programs and Counseling Center Intake Coordinator – you see they all know Angel. I love this story because it reflects the years of love and devotion God puts into our lives to mend broken pieces and God flexes at the opportunities of putting broken lives back together.

Thank you for your continued love and support – please know it makes a difference!

Together for His kids,

Betty Alvarez Ham, President

January 31, 2012

“Our hearts of stone become hearts of flesh when we learn where the outcast weeps. To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my shadow side I learn who I am and what God’s grace means.”  Brennan Manning

Dear Family & Friends,

Happy New Year!  I cannot believe January is almost over and February is knocking at the door.  Over dinner, Kevin and I were discussing an experience we both had over the holidays.  It’s been churning in our hearts and minds and we are praying how God wants us to respond.

Allow me to share our encounter – it started at the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council meeting.  It was in November right before the holidays and most of us were excited about starting our holidays and all the festivities that accompanied them.  Right before the meeting ended, Gina Johnson, Ventura County Probation Agency’s Division Manager made a request.  She asked if anyone was interested in judging the decorated rooms in the Juvenile Justice Facilities.  Gina went on to say that the kids have been working hard and many of them had some incredible artistic skills.

This request sparked my interest, but December is a very busy time – between City Impact’s Christmas Hope Toy Drive, Secret Santa Outreach, Chelsea’s 21^st birthday and the Ham’s Christmas trip toNew York City, could we possibly squeeze in one more thing?  So, anytime I think I am over-scheduling myself, I bounce it off of Kevin.  “Wouldn’t this be a great thing to do with those “knuckleheads” before we leave to NYC?  It will put us in the Christmas spirit, if the above activities didn’t accomplish that task.  Kevin must have read my face and enthusiasm and then succumbed to the pressure – “Sure – let’s jam one more thing in!”

So, December 20^th, we joined Gina, Mark Varela (Chief of Probation) and the other five volunteers at the Juvenile Facility.  Gina gave us a brief orientation and described the pods we would be visiting.  She then asked if there were any questions, as I turned to look around the room there Kevin’s hand rose and he asked, “We can talk to the kids, right?”  “Of course, you may – just remember some of them will not engage you.”  Those words of warning did nothing to hamper Kevin’s gregariousness or his Christmas spirit.

We entered one pod after another, viewing the skill, creativeness and imagination of their handiwork.  Wow, these kids are filled with talent and potential.  Yet, you could not help but think – because of their poor choices and criminal behavior most of them would not be spending the holidays with their loved ones.  Those thoughts did not hamper Kevin fully engaging the kids, “You created this? – tell me about it.”  “How long did it take you?” “You did it free hand?” and then, the harder questions came, “What are you in here for?” “Does your family visit?”  “How long will you be in here?”  Kid after kid told us their story, bad choices, they did not think through the consequences, no one to guide them or hold them responsible.  At the end of the evening, our hearts were bruised and our eyes moist with tears.  Today, we are still praying how God would have Kevin and I personally respond.  Yes, City Impact has programs inside and outside of the Institution, which I am grateful.  But, we believe it is something more.  Please pray as we contemplate what God would have us do.

Because of Him,

Betty Alvarez Ham, President

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet, did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18‐25

Dear Family & Friends,
Yesterday, I was peering out our front window and saw our neighbor with his seven year old son. He was teaching him how to catch a football ‐ one throw became ten as he threw the ball again and again and again. Finally, his son caught the ball! You could see his smile on his face from a mile away and the jumping up and down that soon followed. Yes, that was one of the priceless moments that T.V. commercials are made of. But, I thought of it as an intimate exchange between a father and son.

As we are approaching the holiday season, I found myself thinking about the role that Joseph took with his son Jesus. Joseph was a regular “Joe”, a blue‐collar carpenter. I could imagine him with callused hands and after a day’s work watch the equivalent to the
NFL of those days. As we look at the text we don’t see very much about Joe. We do know that he loved Mary and he was engaged to her. We also know that Joe struggled with knowing that Mary was pregnant and he was not involved. In Matthew chapter 1 verse 19,
we can begin to see Joe’s character emerge. It reads, “Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet, did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” Can you imagine his predicament? How can Mary do this to me? I was faithful to her! What will my family and friends think?

Joe must have had many sleepless nights, yet the story goes on to say, “ . . . after he had
considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of
David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”

I love Joe – just when you begin to think he is down and out, Joe rises to the challenge. He said, YES! In spite, of his fears and embarrassment, he said, YES! In spite of being hunted down by Herod’s lynch men, Joe said, YES! In spite of the fact that Mary would give birth to his son amongst cows, chickens, sheep and their excrements, Joe said, YES! This regular Joe said YES, to irregular circumstances, challenges and conventional wisdom.

I believe that is why I love the characters of the scriptures. God in his wisdom and grace
chooses to use the “regular Joes” to share his love to the world. What would the Christmas story be without Joe? That is a lot hinging on a regular guy. But, that is the God we serve – he chooses to utilize anyone who is willing. You don’t have to be the best, the prettiest, the smartest, the wealthiest or the most talented. You just need to be obedient and say YES! What we don’t know about Joe really doesn’t matter in comparison to what we do know. More importantly, what we do know about our God is that He loves us so much that He used a “regular Joe and Mary” to bring his son into the world for us.

Every day, City Impact shares God’s love to children, youth and families. This Christmas, would you please consider saying, YES to making a sacrificial donation to help City Impact continue to do so? We truly appreciated your love, support and prayers throughout this past year – it has made a difference in many, many lives.

Because of Him,

Betty Alvarez Ham
President