“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Genesis 8:22

Dear Friends,

A few weeks ago some ladies that I work out with sat in our living room for a newly formed Bible study.  I chose the Old Testament book of Esther, perhaps because these ladies are feisty and beautiful inside and out.  What a better role model than Queen Esther, who was tenacious and filled with strong conviction and of course beautiful.  I started the study by giving a brief background of Persia and who ruled during this time. King Xerxes was a terribly weak leader who was swayed by his popularity and drunkenness. He also listened to his evil comrade who wanted to exterminate the entire Jewish race.

Needless to say, this was not the best season for the Israelites. I then asked our group what was their favorite season? I heard from Spring to Fall especially living in Ventura the weather does not fluctuate much from 70 degrees.  I proceeded to ask the ladies, “what season are you personally in?” The conversation turned more pensive – they shared from a dear friend dying to parents struggling with their health.  I then cautiously shared that I have been in a season of winter for the past year.  I also shared that I truly knew that God was present with me even though it didn’t feel it.

Those that know the Hams appreciate the fact that we are fans of Game of Thrones. In that series the theme was Winter is Coming. The characters were to prepare themselves for all that winter would bring.  Scripture does the same thing; it tells us, For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  Dear loved ones, God is faithful and he has led me out of Winter to now experience the full joy and beauty of Spring. I do not know what season you are in but I do know Winter does not last forever.  Springtime is just around the corner.

Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support to the work of City Impact.

​With much gratitude,
Betty Alvarez Ham,
President