 |
|
|
|
| East St. Louis Dream Center Newsletter |
March 2009 |
|
|
 |
Hi my friends, family and partners, 
This newsletter is a little different than most. In it I share my heart instead of updates on stories that have happened. But if you would like to read recent stories, you can check out the web site at http://www.eaststlouisdreamcenter.blogspot.com/
I pray that this newsletter ministers to you and inspires you to take steps towards the dreams that God is stirring in your heart.
In His LOVE,
Rachel Buttig
East St. Louis Dream Center |
|
|
Punched in the Guts
 I remember when God began putting the young men here in John DeShields on my heart. I couldn't shake it and still can't. I remember thinking, "This is strange, because I've always had a heart for the teens and kids, so why does God keep putting these 18-25 year old guys on my heart?" Over the past few months the answer to this question has started to become clearer.
God was showing me how He is working me backwards towards the kids and teens by having me minister to the young men. The younger ones naturally look up to the older ones. The guys that I feed lunch to on Wednesdays sell drugs and many of them are in and out of jail on a regular basis for various crimes. So, the example that these youth see daily in the young men is not a good one.
As God began to showing me the purpose of ministering to the young men, I began asking Him to give me a deeper view into their lives. And He has been doing that. Several days ago was one of those eye-opening days.
Over the past few weeks I have been prayer walking on Bond Avenue in the mornings. This street is a very active one and most of the drug deals happen here. As I see the guys standing on the corner, I have been asking God this question, "Why are these guys up so early selling drugs?" I couldn't figure it out. But, the other day a friend of mine joined me as I prayer walked. I mentioned the question to her and right away she knew. She said it's because they try to sell drugs to the kids on their way to and from school.
When she said these words, I knew right away they were true. I was punched in the guts with this reality. These young men are dragging the youth down with them and later on it angered me. But, I know that God's HOPE and future for them is more of a REALITY than the life they are living and leading others into. I believe that even if one young man is influenced to let JESUS change him, this can save many youth from being trapped by the jaws of drugs and the street life that these young men exemplify. Nothing is impossible with God! |
|
The City That God's Heart LOVES
 Over the past several months, God has been reminding me how He longs to pour His rain and a greater outpouring on East St. Louis to cause a spiritual flood of His Spirit. The focus of my prayer walks and times of prayer for this city has been, "God show us how you want to bring your spiritual flood, what will open the flood gates?" One of His answers to me was, "the thirsty." So, I asked, "Who are the thirsty?" He showed me that really everyone here is thirsty. Some thirst is just visible and on the surface and some thirst cannot be seen, because it is buried. I believe I am to pursue those whose thirst is visible. As for the ones whose thirst is buried, I am to simply live a life of LOVE towards them and as they watch my life, that buried thirst will surface.
Recently I read an article about East St. Louis written in 1989. It stated that East St. Louis is "quite possibly the worst-off urban center in America." As I read it, my heart broke at how degrading the article was about this city that God's heart LOVES. But at the same time, my heart rejoiced to know how far God has brought this beautiful city. It definitely still has crime and poverty, but God is making this city peaceful and prosperous. In 2007 there were 31 murders, but in 2008 there were approximately 17 murders. This is a significant drop! I believe it's because God is changing the hearts of the people. As Isaiah 62 (NLT) says, this is the "City No Longer Forsaken, the City of God's Delight and the Bride of God."
He is restoring this city with His rain and washing away the brokenness. And soon He will give her a new name. | |
Sowing
God is so AMAZING!!! More than enough money came in for the 501 C3 filing fee! I mailed off the forms about 2 weeks ago and now I am waiting for the IRS to go through the paperwork.
If you have it in your heart to sow into this ministry checks can be mailed to the address below and made payable to "ESL DC" or click on the "DONATE" button below.
Expect His GOODNESS in your life!
East St. Louis Dream Center
1235 McCasland Ave., Apt. 9B
East St. Louis, Illinois 62201
618.482.2791 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
