We Are A Bridge

Our vision is to serve as a pivotal agent in integrating different people groups in reconciliation, empowerment of youth and development of leaders.   City Impact 1995

Dear Friends,

In 1995 a group of individuals prayed and processed what we wanted City Impact, a new, faith-based, multicultural organization would look like. We grappled through a mission and vision statement and concluded with prayer. We did know that City Impact was called to be a bridge in the role of reconciliation in our community. Today, my heart grieves and I am conflicted.

• I am conflicted . . . I am the youngest of 5 siblings whose parents immigrated from Mexico. I heard the insults and racial slurs directed at us. Yet, at our dinner table my mother gave thanks to God for the blessings and the opportunities we have been given.
• I am conflicted . . .when my staff member tells me about an agricultural family who she works with do not have food because the field supervisor refused to pay them.
• I am conflicted . . . when I hear about disenfranchised individuals who are hurt and are angry take to the streets – resulting in chaos and civil unrest.
• I am conflicted . . . when angry mobs pillage and destroy property and call it protesting.
• I am conflicted . . . when individuals are killed by rogue police officers.
• I am conflicted . . . when innocent men and women are killed just because they are police officers.
• I am conflicted . . . when I was told by a youngster that he was scared to go to sleep because he didn’t know if anyone would break through his families front door.
• I am conflicted . . . when my police officer son-in-law is called to a riot in another city to protect the very ones who want him dead.

Yes, I am conflicted, but I know that God has called City Impact to be a bridge. So, how do we do it?  We listen to people who won’t hear us but we need to hear them, whether they are in the community or the church. We pray and try to empathize what they are experiencing regardless of how uncomfortable it may feel. We forgive and we ultimately love. Ephesians 4:32 reads “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God forgave you.”
In the midst of my conflict, I hear God speaking to me – “Betty, I sent my Son to die for all.”  Please don’t hear me saying it is easy – but, City Impact, our staff and board are committed to being a bridge in our community. We are praying for healing, reconciliation and peace . . . will you join us?


In His Grace,
Betty Alvarez Ham
President


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