| MERRY CHRISTMAS!! | |
Rachel Buttig
Executive Director
East St. Louis Dream Center |
| Prayer Point | |
We would appreciate your
prayers that God would begin to stir a hunger in the hearts of the teens for JESUS. |
|
Volunteer
Staff | |
Since February, a friend of mine, Janell Roedl, has been serving here as volunteer staff. She helps with all of the administrative tasks and outreaches of the Dream Center. If you would like to hear how God is using her at the Dream Center, you can click on the link below to sign up for her newsletter.
Sign Up |
| Contact Information | |
East St. Louis Dream Center
P.O. Box 2456
East St. Louis, IL 62202
618.875.2131
|
|
Hello Partners, Friends and Family! The holidays are here and everything is go, go, go. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the activity. A verse that has been encouraging me in this area and that I want to share with you is... Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) But those who wait on the Lord shall RENEW their strength; they shall mount up on wings like eagles, they shall run and NOT BE WEARY, they shall walk and NOT FAINT. Praying this for you this holiday season. |
|
|
Champions Coat Giveaway
A couple of months ago, some of my family members in Effingham, IL asked me if they could collect coats for the teenagers. So, for several weeks, they let people know at their jobs, church and through Facebook about the coat collection.
At the end of October, they loaded the coats in their car and drove them all the way here. Janell and I took a few weeks to sort through and organize the coats. On November 4th, we gave the coats to the teens who came to Champions that night. The volunteers set up a room with all the coats nicely displayed on tables, with Christmas music playing in the back ground and mirrors set up so the kids could try on coats and see which one they liked best. It was so fun watching them! The boys especially were having a blast showing off their new coats to each other.
The teens really felt loved and enjoyed getting a nice coat. At the end of the night, we shared with them that the coats were from people who live two hours away. We told them that these people loved them, even though they never met them and that every time they wear the coat they should remember that God and others love them. During this time of sharing, we could tell that the kids were taking it all in and truly listening.
|
Giving in Honor of a Loved One for Christmas
Christmas is coming up and we understand that people often like to give to charities in honor of a friend or loved one. If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some areas that you can give towards. In the memo of your check or Pay Pal, please specify which area you are giving towards.
$30- provides a night of recreation for five young people. This is a time for teens to get out of their harsh environment and enjoy being a kid. Caring adults spend quality time with them playing basketball, volleyball and creating art activities. The teens receive a hot meal and attendance prizes in the safety of an indoor gym.
$35- buys a lunch for twelve young men each week. This is a welcoming environment away from the streets they do life on. They come to receive a hot meal and acceptance from caring volunteers who show them the LOVE of Jesus.
$50- buys Christmas gifts for five teenagers at our annual Christmas party. We create a fun and festive atmosphere with Christmas activities. This annual party is one that the kids remember and talk about year after year.
$20- pays for an outing for two young people. We have taken them to ball games, dinner, or ice cream. These moments pave the way for us to provide guidance into their lives, while giving them an opportunity to get away from their harsh environment.
Thank you for your faithful giving and constant support. I am CONTINUALLY grateful to God for you!
LOVING East St. Louis,
Rachel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
