“Show me your ways, Lord”

​City Impact’s 2019 Theme:
“Show me your ways, Lord”
Psalm 25:4

Dear Friends,
 
Happy New Year!  I can’t believe we almost mid way into the month of January - doesn’t 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 2018 go - our City Impact family experienced many hardships, family illness and deaths, not to mention the Borderline shooting and Woolsey fire in our County, it was just a difficult year. 
 
Yet, in spite of all those trials, our City Impact family experienced many personal blessings, babies being born, marriage engagements and renewed friendships.  Also, City Impact had an incredible ministry year as doors of opportunities swung wide open.  As of December, our Student and Family Empowerment (SAFE) program counsels over 400 students weekly in schools.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that 2019 will be an even greater year.  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 enters into our 24th year of ministry in Ventura County, we pray that God will continue to lead, direct and sustain our staff and board as we work in His name.  Thank you for all you do for us and the many children, youth and families we serve daily.
 
Because of Him,
Betty Alvarez Ham
President
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