I wanted to give you an update on what's been going on with me and the ministry. I ask that you take a few minutes to read through this letter. A little over four years ago, I began ministering full time. Since then, I've been going full speed ahead and have taken a total of about two weeks' vacation. Because of this pace and doing ministry 24/7 when I lived in John DeShields, I'm in need of some extended time off. This year has been wonderful with having office space and a home separate from ministry; but even after moving out of John DeShields, I feel very tired and in need of refreshment.

After praying about this and getting counsel from trusted leaders and the Dream Center Board of Directors, I have decided to take a ministry Sabbatical for the months of August and September. During this time, my focus will be on letting God refresh the Dream Center vision and getting replenished: spiritually, emotionally and physically.

During the Sabbatical, the Dream Center outreaches will also be on a break. We have been doing the Champions' Teen Program for seven years and the Men's Lunch Outreach for four years. We've done both of these outreaches without having breaks, so I would like for my volunteers to have a good rest as well. Janell, my administrative assistant has been with the Dream Center for a year and a half and knows the ins and outs of the ministry. She'll be taking care of the daily operations of the Dream Center while I'm on Sabbatical.

I'm still desperately in love with East St. Louis and the people we reach. I believe taking a real rest will help prepare me for the future that God has for the Dream Center. For my team and I to take this ministry to the next level God has called us to, I need to get strengthened, be built up and have my vision refreshed.

I GREATLY appreciate your support during this time and covet your prayers for the ministry, Janell and myself. My greatest prayer is that during this rest, God would prepare me, my team and the people of East St. Louis for the next wonderful season He has for us. You have made a great investment in this ministry! Your investment is what allows us to continue serving here in this beautiful city. A price can't be placed on the value of being backed, encouraged and supported by a wonderful group of people like you.

THANK YOU!

During this Sabbatical you will still receive newsletters. Janell will be taking care of sending these out. They may be archived newsletters or excerpts taken from our blog, but will still be a great way to stay connected to the heartbeat of this ministry. I may be doing some writing periodically on the Dream Center blog in order to share my thoughts as I'm on Sabbatical. If you would like to receive these posts directly to your inbox, click on the link below to sign up.

RECEIVE BLOG POSTS TO YOUR INBOX