Saturday’s IMPACT outreach event across Greater Kansas City shared many striking similarities to the first IMPACT held in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2006: Heat. Humidity. Scattered showers. Sunshine. More humidity…followed by an excessive heat warning from the National Weather Service!
Despite the heat, the 154 volunteers who took part in this year’s event showed the same servant spirit and excitement as their IMPACT counterparts who first participated in the event two decades ago. As the first IMPACT report shared, “…they came armed with Bibles, tools, and determination. In teams of two and three, they walked the streets of the city, taking the Gospel of Hope to each door along the way.”
Still making an IMPACT!
Why do they do it? Why do volunteers endure the July heat year after year when they could be visiting local attractions or catching up with friends over coffee? Kentucky youth ministry intern Zane Harmon summed it up well:
It’s one thing to come to the National Convention, but it’s another thing to get involved! We wanted to serve others while we were here. We wanted to make a difference.
At Berean FWB Church in Independence, 30 participants ranging in age from “almost two” to 80 visited homes throughout local neighborhoods, distributing a thousand bags containing small gifts and church information. Berean Pastor Carl Short shared his excitement about the event: “I have been praying that God would take these thousand bags and dozens of volunteers and multiply their impact — just like he did in so many miracles in the Bible.”
At Church of Faith in Raytown, 60 volunteers distributed 500 gift bags before turning their attention to needed landscaping around the church. “It was really hot!” said Ken Akers, the IMPACT director who took part in the Raytown event. “But we were able to get a lot done, and the new landscaping looks great. I am always appreciative of the people who give their time to this event.”
At Esperanza FWB Church in Grandview, 64 volunteers assembled 150 school supply backpacks before distributing 500 invitations to families in nearby apartment complexes to receive the free backpacks during a back-to-school event.
As participants celebrated another great year of outreach, North American Ministries Chief Training Officer Brad Ransom reflected on the day:
I love IMPACT! It’s much more than just a service project. It’s an opportunity to really bless the community and represent Free Will Baptists and the Lord in a way that’s not possible any other time of the year.
Make plans now to join IMPACT 2026, July 18, in Columbus Ohio.
Curious about the very first IMPACT event? Read the 2006 IMPACT report.
Download full resolution photos from IMPACT 2025.
Stay up-to-date on IMPACT throughout the year at www.FWBMastersMen.org.