"God is able to do unexpected things through unexpected people in unexpected places and you can be the person that God uses for that unexpected miracle."

Dear Friends,

I recently read the above quote and it reminded me of a drive I made to Bakersfield for a meeting some years ago. I was taking the 126 freeway through Santa Paula and Fillmore to catch interstate 5. When I looked in my rearview mirror and I saw flashing red lights. In a panic I looked down at my speedometer and I was (only) going 5 miles over the speed limit. I pulled over and rolled down my passenger window and fumbled for my driver’s license and registration. The conversation went somewhat like this:

​Officer: Do you know why I pulled you over young lady? (My immediate thought was, at least he’s nice.)

Me: No sir. (I answered politely. He then proceeded to look down at my passenger seat and noticed my Bible on top of my briefcase.)

Officer​: Do you believe in that stuff?

Me: ​Well, sir. Yes, I do and it has changed my life.

Officer: ​How so?

Me: ​I grew up in the church but I was angry at God because of my alcoholic abusive father. When I entered college, I was like a monkey out of cage - drinking, partying and I was eventually kicked out of school. Then I bumped into my former psychology professor and he ask me out for a cup of coffee. He told me he noticed that I seemed angry in class and asked me why. I spent over 3 hours with him telling my story. At the end of that time he prayed with me and told how much God loves me and wants to heal my heart. Today, I’m in full time ministry loving on angry knuckleheads like I was.

Officer: ​Do you know Greg Laurie?

Me: ​Not personally, but he is an excellent Bible teacher.

Officer: ​I’ve been listening to him while I’m working. He says God can heal my heart and marriage. My wife left me a few months ago. Do you think he can?

Me: ​Yes, I know he can! Would you like me to pray with you?

Officer: ​Sure, right now? Right here?

Me: ​Yes, let’s do it. At the end of our prayer, I gave him a Bible and my business card.

Friends, you can be the person that God uses for that unexpected miracle. Today, I can’t drive the 126 eastbound without thinking about my officer friend. My prayer is that you will be that person. Thank you for your continued love and financial support of City Impact.

For His loving knuckleheads,

Betty Alvarez Ham
President

P.S. BTW, I didn’t get a ticket.

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