The Potential of East St. Louis   

Many of you may have heard of the recent Saturday Night Live spoof about East St. Louis. It depicts an actor posing as Mitt Romney and one as the mayor of East St. Louis, stating that the city is a "hell hole." I would imagine that it's easy to believe this after hearing of the violent crimes, poverty and problems in the local government. I won't deny that East St. Louis has problems, but when I saw the SNL skit, the first thing that came to mind was this... they don't see the potential that the amazing people in this city have.

I would imagine that if the young people who are involved in violent crimes, grew up with just one person loving them unconditionally and demonstrating that love on a daily basis, their lives would have ended up differently. Seeing the great things that the LOVE of God through His people can do, is what gives me hope for the future of East St. Louis.

It is a city that has been despised by many and I believe that at times the city lives up to the expectations of others. Can you imagine what would happen if masses of people started believing in the city of East St. Louis! That's what God does with us, He looks at our potential in Him, not the mistakes we're making. And because He believes in us, we become something great.   

I think of the difference God's LOVE has made in the teens and the young men we're reaching. I see what a difference a hug and some encouraging words has made. Some of their mindsets are starting to change and the countenance of their faces becoming brighter.  

I think of one young man who has been coming to lunch on Wednesdays for several years. Each time we would talk to him, he seemed depressed and rarely smiled or talked. He comes from an alcoholic home. Over the past few months, we've seen him slowly come to life. He's been staying longer just to talk, or making steps towards looking into college. The other day we found out that he likes to color. I told him that we would get him a coloring book and colored pencils, but when we bring it, we would put it in a bag so he wouldn't be embarrassed. He boldly said, "I'm not embarrassed for people to see me with that, you don't have to put it in a bag."

I think of the teens from our recreation program who need to be asked questions to get them to talk about their life or hesitate to give you a hug. But now, when they walk in the center they are telling us things about their life without us having to ask questions. Or walking up to one of the leaders initiating a hug and saying, "I love you."    

A rough 19 year old who has spent time in jail, wanting to color may seem silly or small. Teenagers who spend the majority of their life in the harsh street environment initiating a hug and "I love you," may seem like an insignificant victory. But, little things like this are signs of life and are what give me hope for the entire city to change.

The vision of the East St. Louis Dream Center is this.... "To raise up a generation of champions and to see East St. Louis radically brought back to life." Thank you for helping us fulfill this vision one life at a time. You're prayers, support and generous donations help us to bring the LOVE of God to them.  

Thank you for believing in the potential of East St. Louis!  And thank you for believing in the Dream Center! 

LOVING East St. Louis,  

Rachel