Get on the Summer Intern Meal Train |
Summer Interns work for Jesus (and food!)
One of the most helpful ways to bless MCH in the summer is to provide meals for the summer missionaries who are busy from sun up to sun down running outreach programs and prepping for the next day. You can provide gift cards, a home cooked meal or have something delivered, and it will be appreciated by many on the go. "We enjoyed grilling for them one night," shares Greg Robbins, "and we got to know the interns better in the process." To claim your spot on the Meal Train schedule, look here.
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Back to the Future:
Former "summer critter" intern Frankie Lazardo (pictured) returned to MCH with fiancee Kaitlyn and a group from El Paso over spring break.
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The Great Thing(s) about Volunteer Groups
Relationships Rock at MCH
There are many Christ-inspired "blast from the past" moments year after year at Mission Centers of Houston. Former interns drop by, former directors become volunteers, and the relational bonds continue to foster blessings. Case in point: In 2017, Frankie Lazardo served MCH as a summer intern.
"Even then, he seemed to have the gift of evangelism," shares Executive Director Jeff Chadwick.
Flash forward to 2023 and you find Frankie bringing his fiancee and several dozen students and adults from Coronado Baptist Church in El Paso to serve at the MCH Compassion Center over spring break by building shelves, organizing and sorting and helping with programs at Joy and Gano.
"It is such a faith builder to realize how many people have been touched by the Mission Center and continue to be involved in a variety of supportive ways," adds Jeff.
Hear Frankie's powerful story here.
Groups are Great
Praise God for all of the churches and volunteer groups that provide MCH with exponential manpower.
Adds Jeff, "In a year's time we have over 80 volunteer groups helping us with most everything we do, and several hundred additional volunteers that show up on their own to follow a passion or just model Jesus' servant heart!"
To get plugged in to help fill a need contact Cheryl Chadwick at cheryl@missioncenters.org.
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Shout Out to our Weekly Volunteers!
Mission Centers of Houston could not minister to inner city residents each week without the help of our bevy of volunteers that show up 50+ weeks of the year.
During National Volunteer week, we honored them with a special lunch and all were blessed as they each shared about their personal experiences. See the video highlights here.
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Golfing for Jesus
The rainy skies turned to partly sunny for the 39 teams of golfers and dozens of hardworking volunteers that made the 28th annual classic tournament a successful fundraiser.
Congrats to the winners and special thanks to all who made it awesome!
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MCH was part of the 1DayHouston mega volunteer event that engaged thousands of Houstonians in a unified movement to share the love of Christ in countless ways and places including Gano, Joy and The Compassion Center. |
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Volunteer Spotlight: "Chino" |
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Chino has mopped and raked leaves every Wednesday for almost three decades!
The Gano Mission Center seems extra clean and tidy on Wednesdays thanks to this loyal volunteer known as "Chino" who loves to mop the inside of the building and clean up the grounds on the outside every week. "His sisters tell us that Chino wakes up early on Wednesdays and gets dressed and ready before the sun comes up, and is usually waiting on them to take him to his home-away-from home at 1815 Gano," shares center director Lucia Ayala. "What is so amazing is that he has helped us for almost 30 years!" Why does Chino keep coming back? He says it feels like home and adds, "I love to serve."
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Meet our newest staff member: Ivan Lambert |
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Ivan Lambert is not only the newest staff member to join CH, he is by far the tallest as well. At 6'11", Ivan looks more like a famous basketball celebrity than Director of Development and Communications, but he is already at work making connections and telling the amazing story of Mission Centers of Houston.
Born and raised in Houston, Ivan Lambert is a devout follower of Christ. As the oldest of four kids, he was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility and compassion from a young age. His passion for helping others, and creating opportunities for those in need, has been evident domestically and internationally. With a BBA from McCombs School of Business at University of Texas, Ivan has worked in a number of industries and even founded a 501c3 called Hugs in a Blanket for Houston's homeless and underemployed.
"Through my travels, I've witnessed hardships that people around the world are facing," he shares, "which strengthens my resolve to make a positive impact and give back." With over 15 years of non-profit experience, his list of philanthropic awards is growing. by Congress and local leaders over the years for his outstanding contributions to society. His desire to make the world a better place is a testament to his strong faith and devotion to God. "I am excited to join the staff of the Mission Centers of Houston and have more opportunities to share kindness and compassion in Jesus' name," he adds.
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Wristbands!
College interns and regular volunteers will receive a custom gel bracelet this summer with the "I am Here to Serve" theme. Inspired from Matthew 20:28, these will be a visual reminder of our collective purpose this summer and beyond, to serve as Jesus did. Special thanks to all of our summer helpers who enable MCH to expand programming to reach more folks of all ages between June and August. You make it possible!
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Community helping Community
Joy's third Mission Market was a big success, offering small business vendors from Magnolia Park to strengthen relationships and help support each other.
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Gano and Joy groups of all ages celebrated Mom's day in a number of special ways!
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Families blessed at Gospel Lakes Ranch |
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It was "New Waverly here we come," as several busses and car loads of Gano Center youth and their families headed for Gospel Lakes Ranch April 22. One family shared it was the first time their dad had gone on a family outing, and others were quick to describe the fun of having so much to do in an action packed day
"Gospel Lakes Ranch is a wonderful and selfless ministry partner whose main purpose is to assist ministries like MCH in using God's amazing creation to reach inner city children and their families with the Gospel" says Jeff Chadwick. "The ranch property has 18 acres of fishing lakes and ponds, paddle boats, horse riding, a ropes course, archery range, playgrounds and a huge camp building and dining area. And everyone that goes has a blast!"
"With a group of 132, we were able to make six gospel presentations," says MCH director Cheryl Chadwick, "and we rejoice over the salvation decisions that made this day eternally special!"
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Thank you for your support and encouragement as we continue to meet the physical and spiritual needs of people living in Houston's inner city with the love, mercy and grace of Jesus Christ.
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