by Alicia Haskins, Health & Outreach Advocate, Urban Impact

We at Urban Impact are grateful for mission partners like Bethany Presbyterian Church and Leah (see below). Our partners help make it possible for Urban Impact to strengthen families, raise leaders, and make disciples of Jesus in the Rainier Valley.

Leah P. writes,

“I save part of my allowance every month to donate and I decided after I went to the Urban Impact’s Fondue Night last year that I wanted to donate it to Urban Impact. I knew a little bit about Urban Impact through my church already, but that night I got to hear kids talk about how Urban Impact has helped them and their families.That made me see how many ways Urban Impact makes people's lives better with tutoring, the health club, and lots of other things.

My family supports kids in other countries through other organizations, but I like the idea of giving to a place that helps kids here in Seattle where I live.I heard some of the people who work for Urban Impact talk about their jobs, I could tell that they really care about the people they help and that they want to share God's love with them. It makes me feel good that I can help them do that with my giving.”

Here is one example of how God is blessing people through our partnership in ministry:

On a beauteous winter morning, Rosa (not her real name) walked in to Urban Impact’s fitness center and slammed a handful of cash and coins on the front desk and proudly declared, "I'm ready!" She described how she had been saving up every month and is now finally set to get healthy. She was smiling from ear to ear and began working out that day.

After an inconsistent start, Rosa now exercises here three to four times a week. I not only see physical change in Rosa, but also a difference in her mental and emotional state. Rosa is transformed. She has joined up with other women in the gym for support and had a first try at spin (cycling) class. She also let me know that I can call her if I don't see her in for a while.

Perhaps her motivation stemmed from a memorable moment we had one day while I was taking her measurements. There in one of the gym’s restrooms, Rosa told me about the stresses of everyday life that cause her to find comfort in food. Staring in the mirror while pinching her face, she commented on how she doesn't even recognize herself anymore.

At that moment, I sensed a need to offer to pray for Rosa. She accepted the offer and, as we prayed, I specifically asked God to help her to see herself as I see her. Rosa was so appreciative. She wiped her tears and went to workout. She obviously knew she needed a change, but now I believe she is reminded how that change will come about: through Christ who strengthens her.