In 1995, Greg and Pam Ayers were faced with a life altering decision. After the loss of two very close relationships they asked God for a clearer and more meaningful purpose in their lives. Both Greg and Pam's careers were very successful, but did not have an impact in God's Kingdom. God dealt with their hearts and in the fall of 1995 Greg and Pam both resigned executive management positions to pursue full time pastoral ministry. Throughout the next three years God began to instill and birth a vision in them that would be the catalyst for an extreme walk of faith.
In 1998, God led them to resign the associate pastorate position, to take a leap of faith, and move to Washington State. During that year God stripped them of everything they thought they knew and needed to fulfill God's call. They had no ministry, no titles and no relationships. All they had was their walk with God. That walk became the most important aspect of their lives. During this time, God opened several doors for Greg and his son to minister in Mexico, India, and Florida where God bestowed upon them a mandate to help anyone in need. It was also during this time that GAP Ministries was formed by the Ayers family.
In 1999, God directed the Ayers to move their family to Tucson, Arizona. Again, the Ayers found themselves in a position where they had no ministry, no friendships, and no clear direction. They Ayers felt much like Abraham probably felt when God moved him to places he had not been before. The knew God's direction but could not see God's purpose and plan. They began praying and prayer walking through their new city. They interceded over many of the regions of Tucson and throughout Arizona. It was when they were on their knees that God's purpose began to unfold before them.
By the end of 1999 through divine direction the Ayers met Jim and SueAnn of Operation Blessing Arizona and Compassion in Action This relationship enabled the Ayers to partner with a food source to begin feeding families out of their garage every week. As word of mouth spread they saw God open the doors to over 100 families each month. By taking food and the love of God right into the homes of hurting people the Kingdom of Heaven advanced.
In 2000, God opened a door to purchase a large home that would eventually become a powerful tool to impact hurting children's lives. With the help of local church congregations, volunteers, and local businesses the home was renovated to become a place of honor for the hurting children it served. Through some tremendous acts of God GAP Ministries received a contract to serve abused and neglected children in Tucson by providing 24 hour residential care. This enabled us to hire our first volunteer, Tiffany, who spend endless hours helping the Ayers put together all the documentation that was required by the State of Arizona. On July 16th they received their first children. Though Shannon and Matt may never remember their stay at SPLASH house they will never be forgotten as the first two children that walked through the doors. Even though Shannon and Matt are no longer in GAP's care those who knew them pray that their stay will have great eternal purpose in their lives. By the end of July the house had ten children and this new aspect of ministry was in full swing. There were some very difficult days to follow and the Ayers became dependent upon these verses: Lamentations 3:21-23 “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's loving-kindness indeed never ceases, for His compassion never fails. They are new every morning. Great is they faithfulness.” Going to bed empty, but waking up renewed was the way of life for the Ayers.
In 2001, God spoke to Greg and Pam and they sought the Lord for expansion. Within a short time, John, Gayle, their son Drew, and Joni (the first summer intern) joined the team and the expansion process began to take place. We served almost sixty children that year and saw God's healing virtues touch many children's lives.
In 2002, Greg and Pam moved out of SPLASH 1, adopted four children and opened SPLASH 2. By June of that year, Tiffany, who had been with GAP from the beginning, was joined by her husband Matt to become new house parents. In October, SPLASH 3 was opened and by the end of the year GAP was serving more than thirty children on a daily basis.
In 2003, SPLASH 4,5,6,7, & 8 opened, our tent pegs really expanded and many ministries joined our team. GOD blessed GAP with a twenty acre ranch. In 2004 SPLASH 9 & 10 opened, allowing GAP to open a teenage pregnancy home.
Since that time Greg received God's direction to begin the Backpack to School program. Providing free backpacks filled with school supplies to Title Once schools in Tucson at free Backpack to School Carnivals. It is our goal to grow this program until every Title One elementary school student in Tucson receives a backpack to start the school year. We also began the MERGE program, designed to help teens transition out of the care of CPS and learn to be successful on their own.
As we look towards the future, we look to God for guidance on where we are to serve and how we are to grow His Kingdom. Please be sensitive to the part that God would have you play in fulfilling this mandate here in Arizona or in your own community.
GAP Ministries is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency committed to showing love and acceptance through practical community service. GAP Ministries provides 24 hour residential care to children in ten homes located in the Northwest side of Tucson. God's desire is that we impact children in many different aspects. His word says to “Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (KJV) It is not good enough to just to put a Band-Aid on the foster children (today's orphans) around us. We must find ways to reach them in all aspects of their lives. Social and Safety issues, educational issues, mental health issues, and spiritual issues all need to be addressed or we will be guilty of neglecting these children. Abuse and neglect have devastated their lives so without ministering to the whole child we fall short of God's directives. So as we endeavor to fulfill this mandate we are seeking God's direction and plan as we look towards the future.
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GAP Ministries promo Video from GAP Ministries on Vimeo. |
Through the empowerment of God, we will provide hope, help, and healing to those in need. GAP Ministries will defend the cause of the orphan, widow, hungry, and naked through practical ministry. Partnering with others, we will fulfill His mandate to be one. As we SERVE together, unity is established; the body of Christ becomes one and the walls of religion and culture crumble. Only when we serve Christ by serving others will His Kingdom be established.
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