Andrew Churchill
Greetings from the North Side of Pittsburgh! I'm so incredibly grateful for the prayers, encouragement and support of my Hebron Church family during a past year like none other. As an organization that ministers on the front lines amongst youth and families, the restrictions and guidelines of the COVID-19 pandemic have altered many of the ways Urban Impact can gather with youth, but in no way has stifled the Good News of Christ from going forth and lives being transformed!
Praise God that during the stay at home orders and advisories of last Spring and Summer, over 87,000 meals were delivered to North Side youth experiencing food insecurity. Furthermore, thanks to the generosity of Christ's body, nearly 100 families in need were blessed with weekly groceries. During that time, when Urban Impact's in person programs had to be brought to a halt, a movement of the Spirit facilitated the launch of 15 new student Bible Studies, which met virtually on Zoom.
When a handful of our programs received approval to return this past summer, Hebron played a huge role in making that possible, as VBS families gathered cleaning, hygiene and sanitation supplies which were used to help keep Urban Impact's program environments safe for all participants.
While restrictions on indoor gatherings and limited facilities has led to the cancellation of some of Urban Impact's traditional winter ministries including our Middle School Basketball League, it has opened up new doors for more youth and volunteers to dig into God's Word. Please pray for the more than 20 Urban Impact Bible Studies that are currently meeting weekly, including a group of 9-year- old-boys that I’m leading through a study of the Book of Mark.
In a season that has brought much trial, hardship and loss, we can rejoice and give thanks that our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and His promises endure!
