Notes from our Executive Director

“Blessings upon blessings” has felt like the theme at Lubbock Impact over the last several weeks. 

Writing these monthly updates is always both fun and overwhelming. There are so many stories I want to share, but I know you probably don’t want to read a ten-page testimony of every blessing! So each month, I try to give you a small snapshot of how God is working through the faithful, week-in and week-out ministry of Lubbock Impact to bring hope to our community. 

One of the greatest joys I have to share is that, after much prayer, the Lubbock Impact Eye Clinic has made tremendous strides in caring for our patients. 

Several months ago, we realized our waitlist had grown so long that our volunteer optometrists simply couldn’t keep up with the demand. In response, our Board created a subcommittee to explore how we could better meet the growing need while also improving the quality of care we provide. 

The Lord took those efforts and multiplied them in incredible ways. In just four months, we have seen so much come together: 

• Our team of volunteer optometrists has grown from 3 to 10. 

• Thanks to a generous $10,000 grant from the Lubbock Lions Club, we were able to purchase a fundus camera, and Lubbock Impact provided the remaining funds to purchase an autorefractor, a piece of equipment that helps our optometrists make more accurate diagnoses and prescribe glasses more efficiently. 

• Two dedicated exam spaces have been established to better serve our patients. 

• New volunteers have stepped in to help coordinate and schedule appointments. 

Because of these incredible improvements, the Eye Clinic has now caught up on its waitlist and is scheduling appointments for uninsured adults ages 19–64 who need eye exams and glasses. 

One patient who especially comes to mind is a single mother who had been waiting several months for an appointment. Her vision had deteriorated to the point that she struggled to read at work and was afraid to drive. She desperately needed new glasses but simply couldn’t afford them. Watching her finally receive the care she needed was a reminder of why this ministry matters so much. 

We are incredibly grateful for every volunteer, donor, and partner who saw a need and chose to help meet it. 

The blessings didn’t stop there. 

One afternoon, I stood in our Food & Hygiene Pantry watching volunteers stock shelves with a large donation from one of our church partners. They had reached out asking if we could use some extra food, and their generous gift arrived at exactly the right time. After serving more than 500 households in June, our pantry shelves had been running low. As I looked around, the only words that came to mind were, “Blessings upon blessings.” 

That very same day, I opened two emails congratulating Lubbock Impact on receiving grants that will help fund important clinic needs, including providing chronic care medications through our pharmacy. 

Blessings upon blessings. 

Now, I don’t want to paint the picture that everything has been easy. We’ve also faced some significant challenges this month: volunteer shortages due to illness and summer vacations, a mission team accidentally bursting a pipe, tired staff members covering for one another during vacations, and several other stories for another day. 

Yet when I look back over the month, I still see blessings upon blessings. 

God has been faithful through every challenge. He has reminded us that He is good in every circumstance and that every difficulty is another opportunity to trust Him more deeply. 

Whatever challenge you may be facing today, I pray this serves as a reminder that God has not forgotten you. He has a purpose in every season and will give you the strength you need for today and hope for tomorrow. 

Keep seeking His goodness, because our Father is, and has, everything we need. 

There are blessings upon blessings ahead for you, too.