Hey Family,
What a week it has been, but God is moving! There's so much good news to share with you this week, so take a few minutes to take it all in.
ICWW New Partner Spotlight: Keyon Goodwin
I want to introduce you to one of the newest partners here at Impact: Keyon Goodwin! Keyon attended our Digital Discovery Session and officially joined our family! Here's his story:
I was introduced to Christ and Impact by my sister Tiana Emmanuel who is already an Impact Partner. Tiana believed in me even when my life wasn't in a good place. From the first time I had a chance to visit, I felt welcomed, and at that time, I was just checking it out. Since being at Impact, my life has changed for the better in ways that everyone around me can tell the difference! Overall, I'm a much more positive person who can treat both my friends and family better. I'm even attending college now, and I owe all of this to God!
Want to become a partner of this house? Register for the upcoming Digital Discovery Session on Tuesday, September 28th at 7PM(EST). Anyone can register by clicking here.
South Plainfield Campus Restoration Update
The disaster recovery firm we hired has removed all the flooring in the building and began demolition on the sheetrock throughout the building, where toxic mold had already started to grow. Can you do me a favor? Send a "thank you" note to tfolkes@impactww.church. Deacon Trina, our Head of Operations, has been doing an excellent job communicating with the government, our insurance carriers, and other vendors to make sure we are making progress daily so we can get back into our home as soon as possible. Make sure you check out my weekly updates about our campus on Facebook. Click here to watch my update from earlier this week.
Storms Don't Stop Purpose: The Next Big Giveaway Is All About Local Recovery
We've been hosting The Big Giveaway for a few months now and have served hundreds of families. Despite our losses, we will keep giving by opening our warehouse doors to South Plainfield residents since Hurricane Ida had most of the town underwater. This will let them replace some items they may have lost, and more importantly, show we're here for everyone! Don't miss the message in this powerful act of generosity. Even though our main building is in shambles, and we are still waiting for God to bring restoration to us, we are not letting that stop us from being a blessing! Our setback is still serving as a setup for somebody else's blessing...WOW! If that doesn't show you that the hand of God is on our ministry, then I don't know what will. I love blessing people in the name of Jesus!
Everyone Should Be In A Small Group
While our time in the digital world has been extended due to Hurricane Ida's effects on our local campus, I want us to use this time to get closer than we have ever been before! To do this, I want to challenge every ICWW partner to get connected to a small group. In the past year, we've gained new partners, and connecting to a group will not only give you a chance to meet some new faces, but it will also give you a chance to be discipled and grow in the Word. This season will take more than tuning into worship service on Sundays to accelerate your spiritual growth. Getting connected to a group you're interested in will help you take leaps and bounds in your faith, trust me on this!
Small group registration opens this Sunday on September 19th! So that you can start thinking about which group topic interests you most, here are the ones being offered: Starting Point, I Know Who I Am, The Culture of Money, and Empowered Dating.
Meet Judy John-Styles | Executive Assistant to the Bishop
Most of you know Judy John-Styles as the Small Groups Director here at ICWW. While she will be continuing her role in that capacity, I'm excited to share that she will also be serving as Lady Terri & I's Executive Assistant in her full-time staff position! Judy is not only a blessing to Lady Terri and I as a spiritual daughter but a blessing to Impact. How God has developed her as a leader and spiritual daughter is a sign that God is up to something, and He's not done. I asked Judy why she said "yes" to her new role, and here's what she had to say:
"I believe God laid on my heart to support and serve Bishop De'Andre Salter and Lady Terri full time. I resigned from my career as an Educator to commit everything I do to the Lord (Psalm 37:5). While this may be a strategic moment in my life, I came at a very interesting season believing that God will continue to use me and others who desire to serve the house. Please keep my family and I in prayer as we walk by faith, trusting God in this new journey."
As we grow as a church family, we always want to make sure ICWW is here for you in any capacity that you need, which is why we started with ordaining six new Pastors last year. In her role as Executive Assistant, Judy is who you will want to get in touch with if you ever want to make a connection point with Lady Terri or myself.
You can contact Judy via email at jstyles@impactww.church or phone at (908) 222-9990 ext. 37.
Remember, God Loves You, and So Do I
So much is happening all around us, and I'm grateful to God that I get to serve as your leader. Keep praying for our pastors and for one another, and trust that I am praying for you. I can't put into words how much your support of the vision God has given us at Impact means to me. This isn't my church, it's God's; I'm just doing His will. I need your help to make His will happen on earth every day.
Blessings and Love,
Bishop De'Andre Salter | Senior Pastor