Monday, April 2, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
April Update
Dear Friends and Family,
Every month, I look forward to meeting with our area-board members. I love being able to talk with them about developments and challenges in the ministry. This month, we were not only able to walk them through updates, but we had them come down to the center and hear testimonies from people affected by the ministry of World Impact-Dallas.
Our first testimony came from a young man who has been mentored by Glen Banks. He has known Glen for about nine years, and Glen has been with him through many life changes. He said that Glen has been a father figure to him since his own father has been absent his whole life. He expressed to the board members that Glen was able to help him stay out of gangs and drugs and keep him from making bad life decisions. After talking with us about the book of the Bible he was reading, he expressed his desire to become a police officer so that he can help bring justice to the world. After I heard that, I praised the Lord, because we have students who now want to minister in their city. Our second testimony was from a young mother who is active in our Spanish-speaking church plant, Iglesia del Maestro. In previous years, she has attended Iglesia del Maestro and other similar churches. Out of all the churches she visited, she said that Iglesia del Maestro made her feel welcomed and accepted; she has been a faithful attender ever since. Not only is she a faithful member, she is now taking her faith to the next step by attending The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI). She is involved in the children’s ministry and wants to be equipped to lead children to Christ. She went to World Impact-Dallas’ first TUMI graduation in November and was inspired. She said she cannot wait until she can gradate and be a part of the ceremony.
How awesome is our God! These are just two examples of how World Impact empowers the urban poor. When you think about us this month, please be in prayer about:
1. Our staff: Pray for ways we walk alongside the families that our missionaries work with to evangelize and disciple. Pray for safety, discernment, and wisdom from the Lord.
2. Our families: Pray that they seek God and strive to serve Him.
3. Our board members: Pray for wisdom as they help guide our ministry. We are grateful for their enthusiasm and encouragement.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. I appreciate your support, encouragement, and prayers. I could not do what I do without you.
In Him,
Lacey Arteaga
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Support Update
Hello Friends,
Here is a link to my latest email regarding my support. Spring is officially here and I am focusing on my next year at World Impact Dallas.
A Special Opportunity for My Second Year
Please pray for me as I submit to the Lord's will regarding my fundraising efforts. If you did not get this email and want to, please email me with your information at larteaga@worldimpact.org
In Him,
Lacey Arteaga
Here is a link to my latest email regarding my support. Spring is officially here and I am focusing on my next year at World Impact Dallas.
A Special Opportunity for My Second Year
Please pray for me as I submit to the Lord's will regarding my fundraising efforts. If you did not get this email and want to, please email me with your information at larteaga@worldimpact.org
In Him,
Lacey Arteaga
Friday, March 2, 2012
March Update
March 1, 2012
Dear Family and Friends,
We have been planning our upcoming spring break activities since November. We are excited to have three church groups working with us this month. We are very blessed to have a partner and friend come alongside of us and help facilitate all of our groups for spring break and for summer ministry. Jimmy Hutson has facilitated many groups with us in the past and we cannot wait to do ministry with him again this year. He has a huge heart for the inner city of Dallas.
The thing I am looking forward to most about the spring break and summer mission groups is seeing growth in the students who come to serve. I was once in their shoes. I did not know anything about the inner city. And what I thought I knew, I had learned from television shows. I thought that everyone in the inner city wanted to hurt me and steal from me. This is totally not the case. People in the inner city, homeless or not, are people just like you and me--with wants, desires and dreams. The same grace that is given to us is given to all. The same Holy Spirit that we have wants to penetrate everyone’s lives.
I remember when my stereotypes were diminished. I was in the inner city of New York serving in a soup kitchen. I remember being scared to death to talk to people. Why would I feel that way? I felt that I had nothing to talk to them about. But then I realized that we are made from the same Creator and it is through that love for Christ that I am able to stand up for Him today and proclaim His faithfulness to all.
Please be praying about a few things this month:
Pray for the youth groups that are coming to serve. Pray that the students’ and the leaders’ hearts will be open and receptive to the Spirit’s leading.
Pray for the children, students, and homeless in South Dallas as the students interact with them. Pray for the seed to be planted and pray also that our ministry and ministry partners will be able to help cultivate these relationships.
Pray for our staff and for Jimmy as they lead and teach the students about life in South Dallas. Pray for God’s wisdom and endurance.
As always, I am forever grateful for your prayers, support and involvement in the ministry in South Dallas. It is only by God’s grace and help that I can be here to serve. I thank God that He has put all of you in my life.
In Him,
Lacey Arteaga
Dear Family and Friends,
We have been planning our upcoming spring break activities since November. We are excited to have three church groups working with us this month. We are very blessed to have a partner and friend come alongside of us and help facilitate all of our groups for spring break and for summer ministry. Jimmy Hutson has facilitated many groups with us in the past and we cannot wait to do ministry with him again this year. He has a huge heart for the inner city of Dallas.
The thing I am looking forward to most about the spring break and summer mission groups is seeing growth in the students who come to serve. I was once in their shoes. I did not know anything about the inner city. And what I thought I knew, I had learned from television shows. I thought that everyone in the inner city wanted to hurt me and steal from me. This is totally not the case. People in the inner city, homeless or not, are people just like you and me--with wants, desires and dreams. The same grace that is given to us is given to all. The same Holy Spirit that we have wants to penetrate everyone’s lives.
I remember when my stereotypes were diminished. I was in the inner city of New York serving in a soup kitchen. I remember being scared to death to talk to people. Why would I feel that way? I felt that I had nothing to talk to them about. But then I realized that we are made from the same Creator and it is through that love for Christ that I am able to stand up for Him today and proclaim His faithfulness to all.
Please be praying about a few things this month:
Pray for the youth groups that are coming to serve. Pray that the students’ and the leaders’ hearts will be open and receptive to the Spirit’s leading.
Pray for the children, students, and homeless in South Dallas as the students interact with them. Pray for the seed to be planted and pray also that our ministry and ministry partners will be able to help cultivate these relationships.
Pray for our staff and for Jimmy as they lead and teach the students about life in South Dallas. Pray for God’s wisdom and endurance.
As always, I am forever grateful for your prayers, support and involvement in the ministry in South Dallas. It is only by God’s grace and help that I can be here to serve. I thank God that He has put all of you in my life.
In Him,
Lacey Arteaga
Friday, February 3, 2012
February Update
February 1, 2012
Dear Friends and Family,
On my days off from work I enjoy going to thrift stores and looking for hidden treasures. You would be surprised at all the great pieces of furniture, decorations, and artworks that you could find that just need a little fixing. One day I was looking around and found a mosaic piece of art. The only problem was a couple pieces of the mosaic were missing. No big deal! All I have to do is take a couple of my broken pieces, and it would complete the piece. As I kept looking at all the intricate designs and all the different types of material, I focused on the shattered material that helped make this beautiful piece.
Everyone has been shattered at one point or another or, for many of our inner-city families, many times. Not knowing who your father is, having a mother who is a prostitute, living around people who are constantly high and drunk--there are many shattered people; but there is hope.
“And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). Through Jesus Christ, we have all been repaired. We have all been put back together in the Holy Spirit.
However, we still have scars. We still have memories. We are all works of art, no matter how many times you have been shattered; but do not be afraid to use these for the broken-hearted and suffering.
This month, please be in prayer for our English-speaking students of The Urban Ministry Institute-Dallas. They started in mid-January and are going strong. We have many mosaics in this class. We have students from south Dallas, missionaries, and missionaries in training. Please pray for them to build good study habits and to apply their teaching to the community of south Dallas. We thank God for their hearts to serve the urban poor.
I also thank God daily for you all. Thank you for your support prayerfully and financially. I am blessed to know I have great friends and family who believe in the cause of empowering the urban poor.
In Him,
Lacey Arteaga
Dear Friends and Family,
On my days off from work I enjoy going to thrift stores and looking for hidden treasures. You would be surprised at all the great pieces of furniture, decorations, and artworks that you could find that just need a little fixing. One day I was looking around and found a mosaic piece of art. The only problem was a couple pieces of the mosaic were missing. No big deal! All I have to do is take a couple of my broken pieces, and it would complete the piece. As I kept looking at all the intricate designs and all the different types of material, I focused on the shattered material that helped make this beautiful piece.
Everyone has been shattered at one point or another or, for many of our inner-city families, many times. Not knowing who your father is, having a mother who is a prostitute, living around people who are constantly high and drunk--there are many shattered people; but there is hope.
“And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). Through Jesus Christ, we have all been repaired. We have all been put back together in the Holy Spirit.
However, we still have scars. We still have memories. We are all works of art, no matter how many times you have been shattered; but do not be afraid to use these for the broken-hearted and suffering.
This month, please be in prayer for our English-speaking students of The Urban Ministry Institute-Dallas. They started in mid-January and are going strong. We have many mosaics in this class. We have students from south Dallas, missionaries, and missionaries in training. Please pray for them to build good study habits and to apply their teaching to the community of south Dallas. We thank God for their hearts to serve the urban poor.
I also thank God daily for you all. Thank you for your support prayerfully and financially. I am blessed to know I have great friends and family who believe in the cause of empowering the urban poor.
In Him,
Lacey Arteaga
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Graduation
This Saturday is the Urban Ministry Institute graduation! Eight students have diligently studied for 4 years to be equipped theologically, spiritually and practically for ministry. We are so proud of them! Here is a picture of the current class. They are awesome! I will post graduation pictures after Saturday.
Join us if you can!
Saturday, December 3rd
10am
Cross Bend Christian Church Plano, TX
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