Dear precious friends,
I recently read the verse below and it felt like a nudge from God. I've been serving in East St. Louis for 16 years and in full time ministry for 5 years. In this time, we haven't done much to promote the work of the Dream Center. We have mostly been an underground ministry for the purpose of gaining the trust and respect of the people we serve. But as I read this verse, I believe it's time for us to truly "GO PUBLIC."
Matthew 5:14-16 (Msg)
Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand-SHINE! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
We have done a few things over the years to spread the message of what we're doing in East St. Louis, for example, mailing newsletters and having somewhat of an on-line presence. I realize that if we're truly going to fulfill what God has called us to do in East St. Louis, we need to share the message of what we're doing in a stronger and more prominent way through various avenues. There are several things we would like to do in order to "GO PUBLIC" with the vision of the Dream Center.
Below are a list of items and services that we desire to have done in order to promote the Dream Center in a professional, creative and inspiring way to the people we serve, to churches, to our partners and to potential partners. Would you consider sponsoring this project by giving towards one or several of the items or services listed below?
We are excited about how God is going to use these avenues to spread the Gospel and increase our capacity to serve in East St. Louis! THANK YOU for all you have done to further the vision God has given us, "To raise up a generation of champions in life and to see East St. Louis radically revived."
"GOING PUBLIC" Items and Services Needed:
$288: New Web Site (through Square Space)
$319: E-mail Marketing Program (through Constant Contact)
$149: Fundraising System (
through Get Fully Funded,
We received a partial scholarship from Get Fully Funded which made it cheaper than the original price!!!)
$450: Dream Center and Champions Logos created by a Graphic Designer (Kristen Langefeld)
$200: E-newsletter template created by a Graphic Designer (Kristen Langefeld)
$200: Business Card created by a Graphic Designer (Kristen Langefeld)
$100: Giving Response Card created by a Graphic Designer (Kristen Langefeld)
$500: Brochure created by a Graphic Designer (Kristen Langefeld)
$100: Postcard for Champions Youth Program created by a Graphic Designer (Kristen Langefeld)
$575: Printing done for all new materials
$100: Set up Fee for T-shirts for Champions Youth Program Volunteers
$700: Lap Top Computer (for new staff)
$150: Desk (for new staff)
$100: Desk Chair (for new staff)
$300: Microsoft Office Software
$4,231: TOTAL
NOTE: Please indicate "Going Public Items" in the giving categories of our on-line giving page or on your check.
