“The world is my community.” –Pam Ayers (Co-Founder of GAP Ministries)
A child who had been in multiple placements and in and out of foster care stood before a judge when he thought everyone had given up on him. The judge said, “we are not giving up until you’ve tried GAP Ministries, because the love over there changes people.” When directors of All Grace Outreach (AGO), George and Jill Guzzardo, decided to support GAP Ministries through AGO, they could not have predicted the parallels and relationship about to unfold in their partnership.
……….”It was truly God’s providence.” George Guzzardo
All Grace Outreach-a 501(c)3 charitable organization-prioritizes it’s beneficiaries based on these biblical principles:
1. Those who spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. (Matt 28:18-20)
2. Those who help widows (1 Tim 5:3) and…
3. Those who financially support orphans in need. (James 1:27)
As expected, GAP Ministries was prayerfully selected by the directors of All Grace Outreach as recipients for financial support due to their obedience in meeting all three criteria. This encouraged the Guzzardos, who are local leaders in Tucson, Arizona, to form an alliance with the creators of GAP and go deeper into their story.
“When we first met Greg and Pam, we already knew there was such a strong parallel and connection – it blew my mind. The similarities in challenges for both of us early on were such strong catalysts and turning points and just knowing where they were and what they have done to benchmark this ministry, it’s absolutely incredible and we are so grateful for their example.” Jill Guzzardo
Here’s their story:
Greg and Pam Ayers started GAP in 1999 after several detours in their professional careers led them to the conclusion that what they were doing was not part of God’s calling for their life.
……….”We felt like God was saying, step away. So we did. Immediately, I wrote my resignation letter to the finance company I was working for and somehow “by God-cident” the letter was sent to the entire banking system, across several states and God used it to completely transform hearts. I shared my testimony in that letter and because of it I had phone calls coming in regularly for 2.5 weeks: 30-40 people accepted Christ over the phone and I had prayed for healing for nearly 70 people whom I did not know. I had more impact for the kingdom of God in those couple of weeks than I did my entire life up to that point.” Greg Ayers (Co-Founder of GAP)
The Ayers knew that they wanted to serve in ministry, they just didn’t know to what capacity or in what direction. After attending seminary, they decided to do missions work over-seas which eventually led them to the idea of starting a local church where they could build it from the outside-in.
“We thought that’s what we were suppose to do because it’s all we knew; and eventually it just started to feel like we were ‘playing church’ when God kept saying ‘be the church’.” Pam Ayers
After walking away from that first church they started, Greg and Pam chose to take a completely different path which led them to Tucson, AZ to a location that was far from what they wanted. However, upon arrival, they both were overwhelmed with emotion and knew that it was exactly where God wanted them…so they stayed. Immediately they purchased a home and through prayer and fasting decided to start their ministry in Tucson.
“In Exodus chapters 3 & 4 when God calls Moses, he answered, “Here I am.” God showed Moses that he could use what was in his hand, the staff, to convince the Pharaoh that God had sent him. When our family started GAP Ministries in 1999, God showed us that we should start with what we had in our hand–a home and food in our pantry.” Greg Ayers
“We knew that biblically we had a responsibility to take care of the orphans and the widows so this is where we knew we needed to start. So we began to foster children. Eventually we were licensed as group home providers and were considered an orphanage.” Pam Ayers
Their original mission was to create a true church without walls, inspired by a ministry in Florida that was already beginning to implement this concept but was not sustainable. God truly led the Ayers through a mine-field early on when He made a way for them to start several programs that few ministries ever have the funding to create.
The programs can be summarized in 3 defined areas–Family, Community and Ministry.
(We are) Family:
Foster children, teens, young adults and families from birth to age 21 years of age who are in custody of the state by caring for them in a Splash House. There are currently 14 SPLASH Homes with up to 10 children of various ages living in each house, including sibling groups; these were created for the purpose of showing the children what it means to be a family. Live-in “house-parents” are married couples, who love and treat the children like their own by sharing God’s unconditional love as a vital part of the healing process. (A Story of Love–referring specifically to Splash Homes, will be featured in Part 2 of this All Grace Outreach series).
George Guzzardo agrees, “Let’s make a difference in the family, outside of the church.”
(We are) Community:
- GAP’s community warehouse program is called BOOST where they share fresh food and basic needs items with over 60 Southern Arizona nonprofits serving the needy.
- Community kitchen and food truck was designed to train young people in the culinary arts, maximize the use of donated perishable food and feed thousands in the community including their partnership with a local school district.
- Outreach was designed to partner with nonprofits, churches, businesses and schools where they provide food, backpacks and toys at Christmas to low-income children and their families.
- Backpack 2 School had a vision to impact elementary students in Title 1 schools by filling backpacks with all necessary school supplies to start the school year. In 2014, GAP gave out over 2,500 backpacks.
- Fall Family Feast, Fundraising Events and so much more by standing in the gap for the community.
(We are) Ministry:
- GAP has partnered with a number of faith-based partners to host and participate in prayer and worship gatherings all around Tucson.
- They have helped to see over 2,500 hours of prayer and worship mobilized for the needs of Tucson.
- Every week several prayer meetings are hosted at GAP for schools, the community and the larger Tucson area.
“Everything we do at GAP is what the church should be doing. I really believe GAP is a church without a steeple. We are doing the functions of a New Testament church under the umbrella of a 501(c)3 organization.” Greg Ayers
What GAP Ministries is doing could potentially be a duplicatable model for other ministries. In fact, the pace at which they are growing is unheard of and they’ve even attracted the attention of government leaders because of the impact they are making in the state of Arizona, specifically in the foster care system:
“I want to reach everyone! Not just those in the faith community. If I don’t get around them I can’t rub off on them. Because our arms are extended to reach even further the government is now coming to us asking, “how can you help us do what you are doing?” Of the 17,000 foster children in the state of Arizona residing in multiple foster systems, GAP Ministries was one of the only programs that received emotionally positive feedback from kids. THAT is why the government wants our help.” Pam Ayers
Blanca:
With every AGO subsciption that gets purchased through Life Leadership, 100% of the corporate profits go towards supporting causes like GAP ministries and kids, teens and young adults–just like Blanca.
Please share in the comments section how All Grace Outreach has affected your life!
(…and stay tuned for Part 2 of this AGO series)
Lynn Burns says
Brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart and hope to my soul … I can’t wait for part 2!! Thank you for sharing the amazing things that AGO and LIFE are doing out in the world to make real differences and changes to peoples lives everywhere…
Dave Chatmon says
Great article that shows the true power of a community and when the leaders take the front line battle of pointing money produced through education into helping those that are truly helping others! This is really powerful!
AGO has really helped me learn more about my faith and given me direction in helping and serving more people along with sparking creativity in ways I never thought about before in serving others.
Thank you George and Jill for leading with the other Life Founders in this very important direction
Tiffany Schaefer says
What a touching story! AGO as well as the founders of LIFE have been such an inspiration in countless ways. They have created an endless ripple effect of living out faith and service to others. The world is in dire need of lessons such as the one featured in this article to spark ideas, spread hope and show people that they too can make a difference!
James Pollock says
As a Pastor, I am inspired by this! And, led to shake everyone up to care for our “neighbors” all around in need. Praise God for George & Jill and GAP ministry! We need this in upstate NY so much! And, praise God for LIFE Leadership having a hand in this precious work.
Pat Edwards says
Incredible story! May God continue to bless GAP ministries and the work they are doing. Thanks George and Jill for supporting this wonderful project. It was exciting to see your passion for the project then read the article. Thank you Kristen for writing yet another wonderful article. God Bless you all! Pat
Kevin Swedberg says
Thank you for sharing a message of hope and a report of the good work being done through AGO and its partners.
Chad Palmer says
Directors of All Grace Outreach George and Jill Guzzardo are Amazing, what God has created and they have facilitated is nothing short of a miracle in modern times. Greg and Pam Ayers and Gap Ministries is another of the thousands of family outreach programs that Life Leadership will partner with to change the world from good to great.
Dan & Jen Schreiber says
What an amazing blog article. I have heard of all the good that AGO is doing, it is awesome to see an organization that is directly receiving and utilizing that help. I know George & Jill have a special spot in their hearts for Gap Ministries, it’s great to actually get a more in depth picture of what they’re doing and why. Thank you Kristen for bringing this important work that AGO & The Guzzardo’s are doing to everyone. -Jen
george guzzardo says
Hey Kristen, We so appreciate the time you invested in researching and describing GAP Ministries and the role LIFE Leadership plays. Your article touched my heart. It only makes me want to build a larger community so more leaders will make a bigger difference. Keep up the great work as you glorify His kingdom. George
Blaine Terrill says
Great Article! What phenomenal ministries both All Grace Outreach and GAP are!
My All Grace Outreach subscription has helped me tremendously, particularly the audios “Spiritual Mentoring” by Orrin Woodward and “Live With Humility In His Grace” by Dan Hawkins, and the books “What is a Healthy Church”, Just Do Something”, and Christians get Depressed Too.” The AGO subscription is perhaps the best win-win way for any individual or organization to foster spiritual wellness and support the Great Commission. You owe it to yourself subscribe for minimum of 90 days. You won’t be disappointed! God bless you! 1 John 1:9
Joanne Brandtjen says
Our God is an amazing God! Thanks Kristen for the great in depth article on GAP Ministries. May God continue to bless the Guzzardo’s, the Ayers’, and all the wonderful people at GAP. A truly wonderful story of God’s graces being bestowed on our most vulnerable brothers and sisters in Christ. I will be praying for everyone affiliated with GAP as they continue the Lord’s work.
AGO has been exactly what I needed in my spiritual life to grow as a daughter of Christ and to better serve others. Thank you LIFE Leadership for providing this essential information. God’s grace & peace to all…
Renee Oettinger says
Creating the culture of caring is truly what our leaders in Life Leadership live. Thank you
Laraine Oliphant says
Kristen what an absolutely wonderful article you have done. Such a fantastic job to express what AGO is about and to highlight the blessings of who GAP is in our community. You have placed excitement for the second part I can’t wait to see it.
I sure enjoyed your Tucson visit with us.
Bob Raz says
AGO IS TRULY MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!! I think most people have the need in their hearts to help others and we feel truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful community with Life leadership that enables all of us to ” love thy neighbor” as God commands us to do. God Bless you all.
Nathan Taylor says
Words cannot express the emotion of bringing hope to those without hope. An e-mail that transformed so many lives to the children who are hurting to know that their Heavenly Father loves them so much more than any earthly parent could ever love them.
Denise Martin says
George, Jill, Laraine and Kristen, Thank you all for seeing the heart of GAP Ministries and sharing it with other wonderful people in such a profound and professional way! What a blessing and encouragement your support is. Thank YOU all!
Alex Stiehl says
Fantastic article! It is awesome to be able to support this organization as they work frontline as the hands and feet of Christ! The Life Coaches really do their homework into finding organizations that are having a huge impact for Christ. Keep up the amazing work!!
Matsiko Gilbert says
Praise the Lord servant of God.
Save Africa Mission is a young and small gospel outreach ministry but very active in Gospel outreaches. We are committed to taking Jesus to the village and we do this by traversing Ugandan villages showing Jesus Film in local languages and doing crusades to make Jesus known.
We are seeking for ministries to work with in this part of the world. Could we be partners?
Matsiko Gilbert