Dear Friend,   

A few days ago, Janell and I were driving around the John DeShields Neighborhood, collecting Christmas Wish Lists from the young men who come to our Lunch Outreach. We ran into something that we've never experienced before.

We saw one of our guys, named Keith (age 25), standing on the corner. We pulled over

We were there for several minutes basically begging him to let us write down three things that he would want for Christmas. He resisted a few times, but finally let us write some items on his Wish List.

Before we left, we encouraged him by saying, "Keith, you are so valuable and God wants to bless you. He wants you to receive a Christmas gift because He loves you. Sometimes, it's hard to receive a gift because we think we're not worth it. But you're worth it and we would like to bless you with a gift." He said it might take him some time to get used to receiving.  

As Janell and I drove away and experienced another similar story with a different guy, we were trying to figure out why they responded the way they did. Then it hit me! I said to Janell, "They don't know how to LOVE AND BE LOVED. We're getting to TEACH THEM HOW to LOVE AND BE LOVED." It's worth every minute of their stubborness!

CHRISTMAS GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

ALL of our young people have been taken care of in the area of gifts for Christmas and we are so excited and BLESSED! THANK YOU to all who made this happen!

BELOW ARE THE WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN BRINGING CHRISTMAS JOY TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN EAST ST. LOUIS:

Christmas Party for Teenagers (ages 12-18). This is a favorite time of the year for our teens! They come to a festive and lively environment, participate in a 3 on 3 Tournament, make Ginger Bread Houses, participate in a Break Dance Workshop and receive a stocking full of goodies provided by a host church.    

***We are preparing for 60 TEENS TO ATTEND  

Christmas Party for Young Men (ages 18-30). These guys have come to enjoy the holiday gatherings we give them! There's something about Christmas that melts the hardest of hearts. They come to a beautiful room, decorated just for them, receive a hot meal and a gift provided by the person who chose to adopt them for Christmas.   

***We are preparing for 20 YOUNG MEN TO ATTEND  

If you would like to give by check, please make checks payable to "ESL DC" and designate "Christmas Party" in the memo. Checks can be mailed to the address at the bottom of this email.  

Thank you so much for helping us provide a wonderful CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE AND UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES FOR ALL OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE!

LOVING East St. Louis,

Rachel and the DREAM Center Team