Jesus did many things as He walked this earth. He spent some time with the religious leaders of the day, but the majority of his life was spent "on the streets" as he taught, touched and healed the masses. His heart, full of compassion, was poured out to the orphans, widows, physically and mentally disabled - all those who were in desperate need of healing and hope. His invitation to us was summed up in two simple words: "Follow Me."

Somewhere along the way, Jesus asked each of us to "follow Him" to the streets of the inner city and to begin to pour out His love specifically on the young men we find there. In 2004, He joined our visions together to form Urban Impact - a much greater vision than any of us had individually. Together, we can reach more and offer more.

Urban Impact is a ministry of Pillar of Fire, which is an international Christian organization that takes very seriously the call to follow Jesus. In the United States, we reach out with hope and healing creatively through churches, schools, radio stations, summer sports camps and large youth-oriented outreaches and concerts. We also have extensive international missions in India, Costa Rica, Nigeria, Malawi and Liberia with homes for widows, orphans, schools, churches medical clinics, and more.

Urban Impact is all about relationships. Monthly activities take place throughout the year for continued development, mentoring and spiritual nurture. We conduct residential summer sessions, each of which is seven days long. The daily program includes laughter and love, bible study, academic tutoring, life skills training, music, dance, drama and basketball training with tournament play.

In the future we will be welcoming up to 20 program participants for a residential scholarship program to Somerset Christian Academy and/or Somerset Christian College. Somerset Christian Academy is a K-12 educational program that combines excellence in academics, arts and athletics in a Christian environment. Somerset Christian College offers two and four year degrees in Counseling, Bible and Entrepreneurial Ministry and will be adding other degrees in the future. This residential academic program will also include international exposure through one or more of the Pillar of Fire mission programs. The goal is to complete the loop of impact as these young men return to their communities as ministers, educators and/or business leaders.

Urban Impact works closely with key churches and ministries already reaching out to the young men involved in our program. The leaders of these ministries work together with our Program Directors to identify and select the young men who will most benefit from our program. These ministries also play a key role in the ongoing development and mentoring of these youth, as they stand alongside them in the day-to-day.

The entry age of young men into the Urban Impact program is 9 to 12 years. In order to continue in the program, they are required to remain in school and conform to behavioral expectations. Those who have chemical addictions or current judicial problems are not candidates for the program.

Currently, Urban Impact uses Pillar of Fire dormitory space, Zarephath Christian Church classrooms and Somerset Christian Academy’s gymnasium. In the near future, however, we will build the Urban Impact Center that will include two full-sized basketball courts, a fitness room, locker rooms, a kitchen, classrooms and office space.

Urban Impact is a ministry of Pillar of Fire which operates with its own Board of Trustess. The Urban Impact Administrative Team consists of: Rob Cruver, Willie Alfonso, Tom Amato, and Shawn Gomes. They are directly accountable to the POF Board of Trustees.

Urban Impact is also exploring another opportunity to partner with another ministry giving them the opportunity to have 20 of their urban youths to join the program.