March 17, 2012

"The Porch Report"

Their are six weeks (44) days left. We are turning towards the finish line. We continue to need your prayers. We are attempting to finish the project on time, continue to do ministry at Urban Impact and Castle Rock Church, and PREPARE for why He called us to complete this effort. We know the ninistry demands will continue to increase over the next weeks and months, as we complete phase one and move in.

We have 87 missionaries and friends over the last two weeks who have worked tirelessly to get us over the top in a number of areas

We have completed a great deal of task in the sanctuary, as well as, the classrooms and office areas. We have started moving outside and getting back out into the community with our annual March Blight Busters.

The exterior windows arrived and we didn't waste any time getting them in.

We have had a number of days with, between sub contrators, missionaries, staff, and church volunteers , 50 mto 60 people on site.

We got the stucco /plaster done, the 30 tons hoisted up and put in place and started working on the sound booth this week

We have had a number of good friends and past staff come back to show us the love.

March 4, 2012

"The Porch Report"

The Lord continues to remind us that He sends us out to do His work, and He sends us where He needs us.

Central City New Orleans isn't easy, and we were reminded of this with five burglaries between February 19th to the 26th at The Porch.They got some copper and some bicycles meant for the kids in the neighborhood. The devil is going to come knocking, you can count on it when you are pursuing " God's Stuff". We are on a battlefield as His ambassadors, and we are going to keep on, keeping on!!God has our back, and He has given us firm direction to navigate.

We had a wonderful past two weeks, getting down the road in many areas of the project. Our blessing was to watch the "changed lives" of many of the missionaries who gave their time, talent , and resources to spend a week with us to make a difference for eternity in Central City New Orleans. Their support and encouragement has been invaluable.

Over the last two weeks, we have done a few not so pleasant task such as hanging razor wire with fences and cleaning the sanctuary floors

The classrooms are painted, and the windows came in this week

Teams, at times, have worked on top of each other. We finished the ceilinjg in the sanctuary

Sean's really not sleeping here. He is painting the railings in the stairwell. We have finished the majority of the sheet rock.

Putting up the alley fence afforded us the opportunity to meet some of our neighbors.

Please continue to pray for us as we nove forward. We have seven weeks to go!!

February 19,2012

"The Porch Report"

This is why we do what we do. The ONE thing we can do is to invest in Kingdom eternity! It's really the only thing that matters.

Over the last several weeks, we have really had a lot of fun mixed in with a lot of hard work. We are a bit ahead of schedule in most areas. We finished sheet rock, tape and float and painted the walls in the sanctuary....

We cut out the old windows on the back side of the property, studded the walls and prepped for stucco/ plaster...

We cut out a window in the nursery.... continued with electrical.. We received the close wall electrical for the entire facility...

We painted the nursery, office, and classroom walls... insulated the outside walls of the classrooms, offices, and nursery...

One of the teams from Minnesota...

We FINALLLY got all of the parts to the security fence behind the sanctuary.. and finished erecting it!

Began sanding the stairwells... and cleaning floors... painting baseboards...

Cleaned up debris...constructed a firewall in the ladies bathroom...

Played a little basketball.... and enjoyed some terrific gumbo...

BUT, most of all, we enjoyed great times with good friends who have continued to support and partner with us in what God has called us to in Central City New Orleans!

Please Keep us in your prayers. We have nine weeks to go to complete phase one.

We are looking for a few good people. Do you know any suspended ceiling professionals, stucco/plaster specialist who might be interested in assisting us in March?

February 5,2012

"The Porch Report"

The last two weeks we....

Formed and prepared to pour concrete... continued to pull electrical... plumbing rough in... continued studding walls in sanctuary and office area...gutted the bathrooms...insulated walls... hung sheetrock...floated sheetrock...poured concrete... framed for external security fence...hung HVAC ductwork in the sanctuary...painted the ceiling and ductwork in the sanctuary...and ate some gumbo...etc.

We were blessed to be a part of it, but it was nothing we can take credit for. HE had planned this long ago to have teams from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and volunteers from New Orleans and Castle Rock Church to come together for HIS purpose. Only God can do this!!!

We can clearly see what HIS intention and plan for Urban Impact Ministries and Castle Rock Church are for us here in Central City.

We get to see that He has plans not only for us, but also for the missionaries He is sending. He has plans for them while they are here but also for them when they return home.

God'd people coming together from the north, south, east & west as one. Coming from different cultures, different ways of doing things, different ways of talking, different ways of dressing, different likes and dis likes and putting all of that aside and just loving each other and working together because of what HE has done for us. Unbelievale , if you didn't see it for yourself!

Continue to PRAY for us! Eleven Weeks to go!

January 15,2012

"The Porch Report"

New Beginnings....

At the beginning of August, we had just a handful of teams signed up to partner with us from January to May to help us with "Building A Bigger Porch". By the middle of November, we have teams coming every week from December 26th to April 15th. Let's give Him all the Praise. In December, the Urban Impact Staff began installing metal studs in the sanctuary along with church volunteers from Castle Rock. Our first team started the day after Christmas, and we have been going non stop since then. We have had teams from California, Illinois,Wisconsin, and Iowa over the last three weeks.

We spent the first two weeks after Christmas working in the sanctuary finishing studding the walls and began pulling electrical in the walls. We received our close wall electrical inspection this past week. This week , we continued overhead electrical in the sanctuary- multi purpose room, electrical on the first floor offices, nursery, kitchen, etc., cut and dug out 9 inch concrete slabs in the bathrooms, kitchen, walkways and outside area. I guess it was close to about 125 feet or so. In addition, we painted primer coats in the office, nursery, youth room, classrooms and recording studio, as well as, trimmed the two oak trees, began installing insulation, began painting the ceilings and beams in the sanctuary,and dug trenches for plunbing rough in, in the kitchen and bathrooms. Finally, we had a crew build the stage to about 90% completion.. WOW! we have been rolling! Why we are able to do this is simply from God's provision in laborers, in His timing. It is truly a HUGE blessing to see what He does and how His plan comes together. We look forward with great anticipation for Him to direct and guide us in navigating this effort. Please continue to pray for the project, the missionaries, the safety of those who participate, financial provision, and stamina.

And, "OH YES", The gumbo Miss Bertha made on Friday was simply outstanding.We thank the Lord for the new friends we have made and the old friendships that have been refreshed.

December 5,2011

"The Porch Report"

Their is nothing like the heart of a volunteer...

This past Saturday we had volunteers from Castle Rock Church on the ground. It was a great day!What a blessing to see the people come togehter to invest in the church God has called them to. Everyone worked together in the sanctuary area installing steel studs.

Whether from the north, south, east or west, or simply those who live in the community or attend Castle Rock Church,the heart of a volunteer , can accomplish the near impossible or unthinkable because of the desires of their heart. Volunteers are ready, willing and able to tackle any task afforded them. This includes putting their hands to efforts they are not comfortable or familiar with.

This is what makes God look GOOD! When we are willing to let Him use us to accomplish HIs purposes!

We also had several volunteers from nearby Xavier University.

Saturday - December 10th, will be another Volunteer Saturday

9am to 3 pm

Come join us 2323 South Galvez

The ladies can absolutely stay with the guys. Make no mistake about it! It's simply opportunity and exposure.

Pastor John picked up the chicken

November 17, 2011

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

In October we informed you that UIM was in dire need of funding to keep programming and staffing at current levels.  I am overjoyed to report that God has given us the money we needed to bring our budget back in the black! 

This confirmation has encouraged and energized our staff as we look to 2012 and everything that God will bring us as a part of his plan. 
With that news we are moving full speed ahead on the renovation of the “Porch”
 As we prepare to move full speed ahead on the renovation of our new center of hope here are some ways you can help:

Thanks again to all who gave and prayed for us.
In HIS Grip,
Pastor John

November 12,2011

"The Porch Report"

Our staff had a great week and the Friday Gumbo was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

We got to put in some extra time with the team this week. It was such a blessing for our staff. We finished the gutters, trim and doors this week , along with getting the studs up in the Nursery/ Toddler room. The facility is now closed in and as secure as we can make it until we get some lights in. The team was from Colorado and again had a pastor working right in the thick of things.

Please continue to pray for us as we move forward. We need everything- laborers, tools, finances, safety, discernment,etc.

Novenber 4,2011

"The Porch Report"

Visual Change...

His timing is always perfect!

This week , ten servants showed up from Minnesota. Several guys were contractors by trade. Originally , they had planned to come at another time. WOW! This week was spent installing new insulation, and new metal siding around the sanctuary/ multipurpose room.

It is simply incredible to watch God work things out with His people for His purpose. This team has been to New Orleans repeatedly since Katrina.

October 28,2011

"The Porch Report"

HE always brings the right people at the right time!

Demolition and Security of the facility were the focus this week

This week a foursome from Alabama came and did a lot of the "dirty work" with a huge servants heart.

They took of the old rusted metal, removed damagewd insulation, and tore down and cleaned bricks.

October 22,2011

"The Porch Report"

Teams are on the ground at Urban Impact & Castle Rock Community

We now have teams on the ground to start the process. This week teams from Nebraska and Marylandhave come in to assist us in final clean up, security, demolition , and brick salvage. We are securing the facility with the work we are doing. Hopefully and prayerfully this will stem the tide of break- ins and vandalism. God sends all kinds of laborers every week. Above in the sunglasses is Pastor Tim from Maryland.

Old friends just keep coming!

We removed and cleaned bricks, old conduit and wiring, plumbing fixtures, interior walls, etc.

October 10, 2011

"The Porch Report"

The Journey to May 1st has begun...

Yesterday , we finally witnessed the beginning of the " construction journey."

We started the actual process in late August of 2009 with prayer, then negotiations which is a testimony in itself. God gave us a minister who owned a salvage and demolition company to do the job at a much reduced fee from the other bids we had received. He showed up the morning we were making a decision on who to hire

October 4 , 2011

"The Porch"

Continues Forward

We Need Your Prayers!!

It is amazing how God has a perfect plan for everything, and it becomes a growth opportunity for us to follow Him and His will. We have been navigating through this process now for 25 months. Currently, we have home material conservationist group dismantling the interior of the two homes for materials to be re used in other renovation projects in the community. We are set to demolish the two house structures at the end of this week. By Tuesday, October 11th, the two homes should be demolished and removed. The first teams are due in October 15th.

We have filed for the building permits and the project cost should be completed by this Friday. God is so GOOD! As is customairly the case, we have a situation which has arisen which requires further investigation.. One of the sub contractors has raised a concern regarding the current condition of the sub surface cast iron sewer pipes. We are having them inspected via a sewer camera to assist use in the appropriate determination this next week.

We need your prayers that the sewer pipes are not cracked and / or damaged and do not require us to dig up all of the sub surface pipe which would cause significant cost and time delay to the project. In addition, please continue to pray for laborers, provisions in materials, equipment , and finances to keep moving forward. We would also appreciate your prayers for our staff and Pastor John through this process. Thank s to all of you who have said "yes" to partnering with us for what God has called us to. Your support has been a huge encouragement to us.

June 20 ,2011

ST. Monica's Project Taking Shape!

From this moment on, we will refer to this project as The" Building A Bigger Porch Project" or simply " The Porch." We are so excited, or as we say in New Orleans " We are Krunked" ( hyped, excited, juiced, etc.). We are moving forward with the building plans and permitting phase. In addition, we are beginning to clean out and remove all debris, trash, damaged materials, etc. Our goal is to have permits in place in August, and begin accepting volunteer construction / work teams beginning September 26th who want to partner with us in our vision quest here in Central City New Orleans. We invite you to consider joining with us in what God has called us to in this community and neighborhood. We will post updates about every week to ten days, so stay tuned. If you have any project questions contact Terry Sistrunk at terrysistrunk087@yahoo.com or if you want to make a team reservation contact Joan Hathaway at joanh@urbanimpact.org or at our office at 504-523-5556.

It is trulty a testimony to see how God has orchestrated this calling in His timinig and plan. He has shown us in so many ways, as it says in Jeremiah, the plans He has for this neighborhood and this ministry. Please continue to pray for us.

 

June 19 ,2011

Saying Good- Bye is never easy !

Our missionaries from Switzerland siad good -bye a couple of weeks ago. Serge and Tamara arrived from a mission in Africa the first week end of March and served with us for just over three months. While they were here, they served with such joy and passion and were a huge example and encouragement. Tamara worked with our development ministry and education tutoring and homework help ministries. While she was here, she and Wendy started a Graphics Design class for on Saturdays, exposing our youmg people to the basics.In addition, she worked withNOLA Transform , in the kitchen preparing meals.Serge worked with NOLA Taransform , leading teams in work projects. In addition, he was a huge blessing in gettting a number of repairs done around the ministry, as well as , building a few fences. What was such a blessing was not so much the "work" they did, but rather the attitude they did it with. They were true servants and such an blessing. We will miss them, but we know we will see them again. Thank you Tamara and Serge!!!!!

 

 

 June 14,2011

NOLAfusion !

NOLA Fusion, our summer ministry inative , in keeping with our VISION of Creating a Neighborhood Where Kids Can Ride Their Bikes..., is off and running. We had 75 high school missionaries and leaders in last week. Along with VBS - bible , crafts, sports, etc., we had afternoon prayer walks, basketball outreach,work projects at the St. Monica property we purchased, and three Challenge Circles. Along with Challenge Circles at the Melph and Calliope housing projects, we added one at Taylor Park.The Taylor Park Circle is going awesome. It is such a blessing. This spring , we made an intentional effort to have a significant presence at the park. We spent this spring partnering with the city and other non profits to get the park to a place where kids and families would want to go. We worked with our partners in getting a number of physical defeciencies corrected- we cut grass, painted fences, and their were four houses torn down by the Mayors office across the street.

In addition, we have been running afternoon Challenge Circles each week, along with afternoon basketball outreach. The city has opened the pool for the summer, etc. We are now bringing a daily presence of activity and fellowship, and we are already seeing the results.It is such a blessing to witness the impact and influence in changed lives. Let's praise God for all that he is doing.

 

 

 

 

We are starting to clean up St. Monicas with the teams that are coming in this summer. We have had several very good days with removing debris, trash, and damaged materials from the property. It is amazing how God sends the right people at the right time for His purpose. We had a contractor named Steve who directed the high school missionaries in removing the damaged suspended ceiling form the old cafeteria which will now be the new sanctuary/ multipurpode room. This dismatling will continue throughout the suimmer, so we can be ready for teams by ( New Date ) September 26th.

June 2,2011

Interns are in for the summer!

Our summer interns arrived last week, and they have been preparing at "boot camp" for the missionaries, neighborhood kids, and a full summer of ministry and opportunity to serve others. We are so excited they are here. Along with Tre , Joan , Dingo, and Jeremy who direct NOLAFusion for Urban Impact, these interns bring experience, excitement , and energy. Pray for them. God is going to do some incredible things with and through them while they are here.

From Left to Right: Fusion Director Tre, Tristen Fusion Adminitrator- Joan, Kyle ,Bitsy ,Derek, Jessie, Amy ,Evanda ,Jenna , Lead Intern- Eric , Emily ,Josh ,Alaia ,Andrew ,Lauren , and Fusion Asst. Directors - Dingo and Jeremy

May 31,2011

It is DONE!!!!!

Act of Sale for St. Monica's finally done!!!

"God is Good All the Time "

          After almost 2 years of negotiating, praying, seeking God's direction, navigation, and provision, we have signed the Act of Sale for St. Monica's Church. We have it! What a blessing it has been to walk in steps of faith to see how and what He had in His plan. God certainly works things out much differently than we do , and His way is always perfect. The journey to this point has been a desire to walk in obedience to His will. It has stretched our patience,their have been times of frustration, moments of uncertainty, but we always new if we just kept following Him, He would show us the path and plan He had for us.

What's Next ? We have finalized plans with the Architect, and hoping to file the project with the city permitting office by June 15th. We anticipate eight weeks for permitting. We plan to start with mission teams Monday, September 12th,2011. It is our goal to have the majority of the renovations completed with the partnership of churches and ministries from around the country. We will get to see once again God's hand and plan for Castle Rock Community Church and Urban Impact Ministries in Central City New Orleans. Won't you join us? You can contact Joan Hathaway to make your reservations at joanh@urbanimpact.org , or if you have any questions regarding the project, you can contact Terry Sistrunk at terrysistrunk087@yahoo.com . Please continue to pray for us. We are completely dependant on Him for our direction and provision in what we know and believe He has called us to at this time.

To God, be all of the honor , praise, and glory!

God Has Shown Us His Timining....!

To Him be all the Honor, Praise & Glory !!!!!

April 27,2011

Purchase Agreement Signed For St. Monica

          After almost 2 years of negotiating, we have finally signed a purchase agreement on the St. Monica Church and School Property.  If everything goes as planned, we will close on the property by the end of May. The property consists of an 11,000 sq. ft. school, a 4,000 sq. ft. cafeteria (which we will used for a multipurpose sanctuary), a 4,000 sanctuary (which will be used as our new youth center) and 2 other houses which will be torn down to add a playground, green space and a picnic shelter.
          Thank you all so very much for your prayers.  This will enables us to not only grow the ministry but more importantly increase our outreach to Central City New Orleans.  We will keep you informed as to the specific timeline.  It is our goal to start hosting teams for renovation around September 15th , 2011. Please continue to PRAY for us, the project, the laborers, and the act of sale at the end of May.

This Little Light of Mine....!

April 21,2011

We continue to stay focused in the neighborhood to let God's light shine through us in the community. This week, we partnered with two churches to help them get ready for their Easter services, cut lots in the Hoffman Triangle, cleaned one up across from NOCP ( another ministy partner of ours)for the second time in three weeks, and painted an apartment for Thedore Lewis who works at NOCP. In addition, the teams from Emmanuel Free and TSN Ministries helped us get out our summer KAA Youth letter which you guys should receive next week.We continue to be consistent at Taylor Park in the afternoons with Challenge Circle and Basketball outreach. The effort is starting to pay off with more kids showing up. Please continue to pray for Challenge Circle. It has been a an awesome week!

Tyrone Christoph, who had worked to get his foot in the door at a local high school for over a year, got an opportunity to speak to the students on Monday. Tonight the high school youth at Castle Rock are hosting a special Thursday night youth for these students.

In addition, Wendy Gerhardt led the second Castle Rock Mission team to Hati.Wendy was joined by Terry and Sarah Andrus,Angel Parham, Irvin Bell, Shantrell Robinson and a co-worker of hers. They get home tonight. From all that we have heard, it has been a hugely successful trip. We will share the experiences of the trip next week. God is Good !!!!!

Continuing to Press On Towards the Goal !

April 15,2011

In continuing to "Press On " towards the goal in "Createing A Neighborhood Where Kids Can Ride Their Bikes ..." , we experienced a huge victory for the neighborhood yesterday. In collaboration with multiple partnerships with the City of New Orleans, The Hoffman Triangle Association, NOCP, NDF, and The Central City Pastor's Partnership just to name a few, we witnessed the demolition of five adjoining blighted and neglected houses across from Taylor Park. Taylor Park has been a focus not only for us, but also the community over the last several years. These houses were properties used for constant drug and other destructive activities.

Although not witout opposition from the local and national preservation interest , Mayor Landrieu took a leadership role and stance to do what was in the best interest and safety of the community. He kept his pledge to take action ,and he did with the full support of the residents and supporting associations of the neighborhood.

Pastor John was one of two speakers asked to share a few words, in addition to the Mayor, and boy did he!!!! His message was clear, and for all of us who know him- was passionate. It was awesome to witness how people working together for the good of others can succeed. God was with us. He opened the doors about a month ago with several meetings, and orchestrated a swift response from our government. To Him be all of the honor, praise , and glory !!!!!!! In addition,the Mayors nephew, Bradley Cook, was the team leader on a one day mission with us from Arkansas. You can imagine the Mayors suprise as he sees his nephew from Arkansas in the crowd during the speech.

Too Legit to Quit!!

April 4,2011

Time to go old school on y'all. Because of Christ we are too legit to quit. Or as we say at Challenge Circle, "Click, Click, We Don't Quit!"

Another great week of ministry at Urban Impact. The reality of ministry here is that when teams are here our regaular ministry continues forward. Monday -1:16 High School Youth Discipleship and Women's Ministry Leadership Meeting Tuesday - Tutoring, Homework Help and SLAM (Jr. High Bible Study) Wednesday - Adult Bible Study and Elders Meeting Thursday - Sr. High Bible Study Friday and Saturday - Open Court, helping 2 families from church move Sunday- Church and Solutions Not Shootings violence intervention narch. Add to that helping New Demensions Church wtih renovation, a new fence to hopefully stop theives from stealing another air conditioner at our Derbigny St. house (our 3rd one), renovating the platform at church, prayer walks and Challenge Circle. Another great week indeed. Thanks to Hope Church in Madison, AL and to y'all for your prayers and partnership.

Serge, our Swiss Missionary and Dave from AL renovate Castle Rock's Platform

Jolly learns a new skill - Thanks Ken!!

Gary stays with the metal windows until they are done

Working to open another Kingdom House in Hoffman Triangle

March 21,2011

Urban Inpact and Castle Rock are working with Pastor Perry and his leadership team this week to help get them open for their first service on April 3rd. We have a team of 29 from the University of Nebraska helping us with Pastor Perry's church and continuing " Blight Busters." It is amazing how we met Pastor Perry through cutting grass and willing to dig a trench for them, all because someone showed the boldness and courage to approach people through conversation on the street that they didn't know and offer to help them. Now another cornerstone foundation is being put in place in Hoffman Triangle for His purpose of sharing the "Good News" and being a source of hope and direction for the people in this connumity. To Hin be all ther praise , honor , and glory!!!

Impact and Influence for Changed Lives in Central City Continued This Week !

March 16,2011 -

Urban Inpact and Castle Rock Church had a HUGE week this week. We had 55 missionaries in from Bethel University, Ankeny Free Church in Iowa, and Intervarsity groups from Georgia and Harvard, and a group from Miami. In addition, we hosted an EFCA conference, Hispanic conference and African American conference this week. This Saturday we are hosting a Gateway Training at CRCC, and CRCC and UIM are one of the major participants in the Taylor Park "Extravaganza" ( an effort with the city, neighborhood association, and others to highlight this park as one of the featured parks in the city to restore for community use). It has been amazing to watch God's hand and direction this week. We met Pastor Perry who is renovating a church in the Hoffman Triangle and is attempting to open at months end. We are helping and partnering with him and his congregation to get them open for his target date.

We have continued with " Blight Busters" this week, and will proabably do so for several more weeks. Additionally, we built a fence for a family who had two blighted properties on both side of them, assisted a lady in some cleanup and minor renovations who had just recently returned home. She had been in Iowa since the storm. We also met Cleveland who has a home on First street who has been in Arkansas working while trying to maintain his property at the same time. He is now noving back home to rebuild. We were able to assist him and also connect him with one of our ministry patrners, Touch Global, to begin the process of accessing and rebuilding his home.Finally, we continued to partner with the Community Bike Shop effort just behinfd the Yellow House. Praise God for the laborers, the supplies, the hard work of the staff, and thanking Him for the strength, stamina , and perserverence.

Christian Campus House Rolls on Mardi Gras Day!

March 7,2011 -

Christian Campus House rolled its own parade on Mardi Gras Day. The weather was blusterly and overcast with a few sprinkles, yet it didn't deter these young collegians from getting after it. After fighting through the traffic, they continued to clean lots, clean up a Mardi Gra floats warehouse with a crew who has had a great desire to get involved with the upgrading of Taylor Park. In addition, it was an unusal day because their were so many people to talk to all over.

Christian Campus House Gets Started...

March 6,2011

Christian Campus House, led by David Embree, is in with 76 energized college students form Missouri State. In addition , we have a team of volunteer supervisors, led by Pete Schoolfield, from Maryland. If that wasn't awesome enough, we have two missionaries, Tamara and Serge, in for three months from Switzerland. It is amazing how God brings His people from the north,south , east, and west for His purposes . His purpose this week and next is " Blight Busters" 2011. We started today in the Hoffman Triangle. Thank you to all of those who contributed to the equipment we needed to "getter done" On Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras, we are going to have our first Challenge Circle Super Sports Jam " at Taylor Park. Based on over 100 at Basketball outreach today at Taylor Park, we anticipate a lot of kids.

Super Challenge Circle Clinic

at Hope Church in Madison , Alabama

February 26, 2011

CRCC Youth Pastor Tyrone Christoph, NOLAfusion Assistant Director Jeremy Oatis, and CRCC members Joe Davis and Evanda Christoph took off to Madison, Alabama after Hope Church invited them to host a "Super Challenge Circle"r their congregation. Te church how to run a circle in their own community just half a mile from their church.

The great news is they are also coming to Urbam Impact at the end of the month for a nissions week to minister with us here in New Orleans. They will get the chance to host many a challenge circle, while they are here. Jereny and Evanda were asked to perform at the church service on Sunday morning. They performed their original hip hop song "You're All I Need." Joe shared his testimony about how he got connected to UIM and Tyrone shared what we do here at Urban Impact. We thank them for the opportunity and their awesome hospitality. The guys enjoyed the BBQ at Drean Land and said, "Wow, it was good!"

We need your help for Blight Busters

February 16, 2011

We have more than 300 team members coming to work with us in the next few months and we are in need of some supplies to make our second annual Blight Busters event a success. Last year we cleared more than 150 blighted lots in our target neighborhood and 25 percent of those have stayed clean.

Our biggest current need is lawn mowers. If you are interested in helping out, we can use Lowe's or Home Depot gift cards, or you can donate online by selecting "General Fund" as the designation and adding "Blight Busters" in the additional comments section.

We thank you in advance for your participation in this even that gives us such an opportunity to share the love of Christ with our neighbrohood. We look forward to sharing stories and photos with you soon!

New partnership with Cohen High School

February 1, 2011

Youth Pastor Tyrone Christoph has begun what we hope to be a fruitful relationship with local Walter Cohen High School. He has been partnering with Next Generation Ministries. This ministry started at East Jefferson High School in Metairie, Louisiana, and they are now in 20 schools in the greater New Orleans area.

Each Monday students come during their lunch period to hear about a variety of topics relevant to high school students. Topics are generally covered for a month at a time and the gospel message is usually shared at the end of that time.

We are excited that Tyrone has this opportunity to build more connections with students in the neighborhood and that he has been given the freedom to be a part of sharing the gospel in a public school setting. We look forward to how God will continue to bless this partnership.

UIM staff to Jacksonville

January 26, 2011

Last weekend Dingo, recreation director, and Jeremy, part-time staff member, took to the road to Jacksonville for the second annual Challenge Circle SuperBowl. The event was hosted by 2nd Mile Ministries, which was started by Glen Schrieber, who also began Urban Impact.

The event, held at the Boys and Girls Club, drew 60 kids from the neighborhood, with several parents. The guest speaker was Jacksonville Jaquars Defensive End and long-time friend of Urban Impact, Eric Kanpmen. 3D performed their hit single "That's How We Roll" the remix on a bus that has been transformed into a stage and used by several well-known Christian muscians. We are excited to see the Challenge Circle and its gospel message spreading around the country. The guys are on the road again in February, this time to Huntsville, Alabama.

More than 800 coming to serve

January 18, 2011

We are so excited that we have 300 team members coming to serve with us this spring! They will be helping with a variety of project throughout our neighborhood and will be serving alongside us in our various ministries.

In addition, our summer program, NOLAfusion (formerly National Project) has only 25 spots left and we'll be welcoming more than 500 high school missionaries this summer! We have also hired 14 interns to help us assure the summer goes smoothly. Please pray for all the teams that will be coming to New Orleans in the next seven months. Pray that their lives will be changed and that they would be open to what God has to teach them. Please also pray that the hearts of those in our neighborhood would be open to the message of hope we will all be sharing.

Second Hip Hop service

Saturday night we had our second hip hop service, and this time it was standing room only. Several performances by 3D (a trio of young men from our neighborhood), a drama presentation and a message all shared the gospel in various ways throughout the evening. The service drew a wide mix of people and even young people from another ministry in town were present.

Our second attempt brought some changes, including new lighting and additional participation from church members as well as a larger crowd and door prizes. With each service we learn a little bit more about what works and what will have the greatest impact for the Kingdom. Another service is already in the works for August and we'd ask you to pray for all those who heard the message Saturday and that God would be preparing hearts now for the next service.