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 it every time a student decides to leave his or her gang or a teen begins to feel worthwhile.  We also see it when a couple is in counseling and decide they need God’s help and intervention to save their marriage.  We also see it 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 students and families we work with daily.  City Impact’s greatest hope is that one day they can experience spring too.

Thank you for your continued love and commitment to the work of City Impact.

Because of Him,

Betty Alvarez Ham

President

Dates to remember:

Monday, May 20^th – 3^rd Annual Michael Reagan Golf Classic

Saturday, June 15^th – City Impact’s Ventura Beachfront HalfMarathon & 5K Run/Walk

Still time to register!  Visit us online at www.cityimpact.com

“As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene,

named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.”

                                                                                             Matthew 27:32

Dear Friends,

            These past five weeks, the Hams have been watching the series “The Bible” on the History Channel.  It has been an interesting process, because after viewing it on Sunday night we went to our Bibles on Monday to check the details.  Last night, I was especially pleased with the accuracy.

                I’ve been told that, “there are three kinds of people in the world:  1) Those who make things happen, 2) Those who watch things happen and 3) Those who don’t even know something is happening.”  That may be true, but probably not totally.  I have come to realize that you can get to know any individual by how they react to an event of monumental importance.

                Have you ever been at a wake or funeral and stood back to watch how people react?  Some feel they ought to grieve, but can’t so they fake it.  Some feel they ought to wail, but are afraid of how they may look, so they stuff their feelings.  Some are uncomfortable with pain, so they make jokes – then they feel guilty about it.  Others don’t know what to say and some say too much.  Yes, you can tell a lot about people by watching how they react to an event of monumental importance.

                The most important event that has ever taken place was the death of the Son of God.  Jesus Christ, a rabbi, hanging spread eagle on cross beams on the town’s garbage heap and it’s of great interest to look how people reacted to this momentous event.  The above passage tells of Simon of Cyrene who was forced to carry the cross.  This experience changed his and his family’s life.  John Mark wrote about this in the gospel and Paul refers to it in Acts 13.

                Wow, what does this suggest?  It suggests that Simon was a bystander one moment and then became a participant – not only with his back and hands, but also with his heart.  I would like to leave you with a principle:  “the providence of God is more often invested in those events which you considered unexpected or unimportant.”  What does it mean?  It means nothing that is going on in your life is unimportant; the little things that you thought were unimportant may be big because all of a sudden you notice your life is never the same.

                In almost twenty years, I have seen those small unimportant things become big.  Who would have thought that taking a kid out for a hamburger made a difference?  Or drying a parent’s tear?  Or writing a check for $25 because that is all I could afford.  God does – yes, in monumental ways.

                Thank you for supporting the work of City Impact; your love, prayers and finances make a monumental difference in many lives.

With much love and appreciation,

 Betty Alvarez Ham

President

Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother

or sister in need, but does not help.  Then God’s love

is not living in that person.  1 John 3:17

Dear  Friends,

Leo Tolstoy tells of the time he was walking down the street and passed a beggar.  Tolstoy reached into his pocket to give the beggar some money, but his pocket was empty.  Tolstoy turned to the man and said, “I’m sorry, my brother, but I have nothing to give.”  The beggar brightened and said, “You have given me more than I asked for – you have called me brother.”  To the loved, a word of affection is a morsel, but to the love-starved, a word of affection can be a feast.

This morning, while I was doing my devotions, both our Street Outreach and Transformation Works teams came to my mind.  These programs provide for our staff to work with juvenile and young adult offenders and their families.  I can tell you that many times it is very difficult for our staff to deal with the brokenness and desperation of these families. Yet, it is our call and our desire to be Christ incarnate with them, offering a word of encouragement, telling a young person he/she is valuable or to hear the desperation of a parent.  These acts are mere morsels of affection.

But, I can tell you that God, who is gracious, blesses those morsels.  While I was in the office late one evening, some parents were arriving for their counseling appointments.  One of them said to me, “Do you speak Spanish?” I answered, “Yes, I do.  Can I help you?”  “Do you know who the boss is?”  “Yes,” I said, “It is me.”  The parent continued, “I have to tell you something, I was so scared and embarrassed to come tonight.  But our counselor was so kind to me and I was drawn to come.  She is a very caring woman.  Thank you.”

 Morsels of affection, we all need them.  Yet, it is especially wonderful when God takes our few morsels and multiplies them. 

Thank you for your continued morsels of love and support to City Impact’s ministry.  You truly have treated us like your sisters and brothers.

With humble appreciation,

Betty Alvarez Ham

President

Save the Date

Michael Reagan’s 3^rd Annual Golf Classic – May 20^th

3^rd Annual Beachfront ½ Marathon and 5k – June 15^th

Visit us at www.cityimpact.com for more information.

Happy New Year!

 I can’t believe we are 10 days into the month of January – does time fly faster?  Or are we just getting older?  Need not answer the second question, it was rhetorical.  Speaking candidly though, I was glad to see 2012 go – our City Impact family experienced many hardships, family illness and deaths and that is not to mention the difficulties that the kids and families that we served experienced; yes, it was just a difficult year.  

 Yet, in spite of all those trials, City Impact had an incredible ministry year.  The doors of opportunities swung wide open.  I know without a doubt 2013 will be even greater.  A dear friend of mine sent me this poem to encourage me and my staff in our New Year’s endeavors. 

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
May God’s love, peace, hope and joy be given to you for the year ahead.          

As, City Impact endeavors our 18^th year, we pray that God will continue to lead, direct and sustain our staff, board and volunteers as we work in His name.  Thank you for all you do!

Because of Him,

Betty Alvarez Ham

President

Many of you that are acquainted with the Hams, know that Chelsea was a December baby.  She was born on December 21st – and the hospital staff wrapped her up in a red stocking and sent us home on Christmas Eve, knowing our lives would be changed forever.

I recently heard this song that Faith Hill wrote – allow me to share a few of the lyrics:

Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what’s to come
A baby changes everything

Not a ring on her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything

The man she loves she’s never touched
How will she keep his trust?
A baby changes everything

She has to leave, go far away
Heaven knows she can’t stay
A baby changes everything

She can feel it’s coming soon
There’s no place, there’s no room
A baby changes everything

Shepherds all gather ’round
Up above the star shines down
A baby changes everything

Choir of angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
A baby changes everything

My whole life has turned around
I was lost but now I’m found                                                                                                                                                               A baby changes everything,
A baby changes everything.

  During this Christmas season it is good to remember why City Impact exists – “a baby changed our lives” and thus, we have the wonderful opportunity to serve others and share that life-changing story.  Thank you for your love and financial support all year long.  MerryChristmas and may God bless you and your families throughout the New Year.

With much gratitude,

Betty Alvarez Ham, President