Happy New Year, as we enter by God’s grace into 2016. In this coming year I will celebrate my third anniversary as President and CEO of World Impact. In this relatively short time I’ve already witnessed God transforming lives and communities through key initiatives such as the Evangel Church Planting School, The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI), Leadership Homes for men recently released from prison who are continuing on the journey of discipleship and training, and World Impact Associates who are rising up as indigenous leaders taking responsibility for the Kingdom of God showing up in their cities. Great things are happening through the efforts of our missionary staff who continue to labor in the trenches of under-resourced, urban neighborhoods. Incarnational and relational ministry still works when it comes to bringing the love, truth, and justice of God where it is so desperately needed. I am looking forward to this New Year, seeing continued growth and new fruit.
Planting Healthy Urban Churches
We will once again host an Evangel Church Planting Dean’s School this year. We hope to hold training for Church Planting Teams in cities such as Wichita, Dallas, and Topeka. Through this initiative we will continue to mobilize men and women to launch church planting movements across the country.
Resourcing Urban Leaders
We now have 218 TUMI satellites across the country including sites in county jails and prisons. Toward the end of 2015, we officially launched our TUMI expansion campaign. Through the resources raised we look toward a long term goal of 800 total satellites with the 16 module curriculum translated into 10 languages. 2016 will be a year in which we will continue to share the global vision of raising up indigenous leaders who will lead transformative ministries.
Developing Missional Partnerships
In 2016 we will continue to deepen our collaborative efforts with denominations, local church associations and networks. Through developing missional partnerships with the Evangelical Covenant Church and Progressive National Baptist Convention, we have an opportunity to see greater fruit in urban evangelism as well as addressing the important issue of mass incarceration. Our missionary staff will continue to work alongside local urban pastors through our Urban Church Associations. Physical and spiritual needs of the Poor are met on a regular basis through churches working together instead of in isolation.
Demonstrating Compassion and Justice
As the New Year begins we are at the halfway mark in our two Christian Schools in Los Angeles and Newark. Where we are participating in dismantling the pipeline between under-resourced communities and prison as we empower young people with Christian education. Our camps in Southern California and Kansas look to another year of men’s and women’s retreats as well as urban family camps. I have witnessed how our men’s retreats are breakthrough moments for attendees to discover what it means to be Godly Sons, Fathers, Husbands, and Brothers.
Just writing these few words excite my heart for what this New Year will bring. Please continue to support us through your prayers and financial giving. I also ask that you would tell someone you know about World Impact. In this New Year let’s work together to find new partners to empower the Poor as they discover their true potential and purpose.
