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