May 31, 2012
“We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Dear Family & Friends,
There are significant days that are etched upon our minds, that we don’t necessarily need to be reminded of by departments stores or by Hallmark advertisements (just in case you forgot, Father’s Day is June 17th). Normally, these are days that you had experienced something significant.
May 5th is meaningful to Kevin and me not necessarily because it is Cinco de Mayo, but because that day 23 years ago he asked me to marry him. December 22nd – our Christmas baby was born. I also remember June 26th that day 11 years ago, my mother left this life and went to be with Jesus. May 3rd is also significant for me because that day 19 years ago the Ham family made the move to live inVenturaCounty.
In that time we reconstructed the ministry of Youth for Christ and shaped it into City Impact, a multi-ethnic, community and faith-based organization that would meet the needs of “at-risk” children, youth and families inVenturaCounty. Since that time, we have grown more ways than just old. Today, a staff of 46 members have seen and experienced children and families reunited, incarcerated youth released from the juvenile facility and positively re-established in our community. We have also seen thousands of families fed, counseled and served through a myriad of outreach programs.
To be honest with you there are days I feel a lot older than I did 19 years ago. I’m aware of the fact that I am a little wider and my favorite hairstylist (Chelsea) covers up the grays every three weeks. But, more importantly I realize God has done marvelous things through City Impact’s caring staff, volunteers and donors. In this receipt letter I cannot begin to list the many lives that have been impacted because of you – but I can promise you this: “We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up.” Thank you for partnering with City Impact – many people have experienced Jesus’ loving touch on their lives because of your sacrificial giving.
With much gratitude,
Betty Alvarez Ham
President