Going from Despair to Hope

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” ― Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

The Dickens’ quote has much relevance in our feelings over the last two months. It has been the best of times as we have our very first Dream Center Campus in McKeesport. It was in this same community twelve years ago we started the Pittsburgh Dream Center in this neighborhood that God directed us to. We have met so many wonderful people by serving and building relationships and partnerships. For us it has been an epoch of belief or time of notable events that God spoke to the Director of Sonshine Community Ministries and their board to entrust to us the buildings that have been used since the 1970’s to continue to be used for the glory of God and His kingdom.

“Our very first Dream Center Campus in McKeesport”

All of this springs new hope as it gives us a place not just to call our own, but a grand venue to continue to meet the needs of others, sharing the Gospel, and create followers of Jesus Christ.

We can see what many would call the worst of times where in the last couple of months both young and old men have lost their lives to violence. McKeesport has been rated the 4th most dangerous city according to according to a study from the National Council for Home Safety and Security. The age of foolishness slaps itself as addiction and poverty grow at such an alarming rate in a city that use to be prosperous with the steel boom of our city.

While darkness seems to abound, there is something stronger flourishing. It is the heart of God stirring us and others to continue to pray and serve this community. We have not shrunk back over the last couple of months or even over the last twelve years, where many have given up. We know God has called us to this neighborhood to reach others with generosity and genuine love and truth of Christ.

This is the reason we have five mobile food banks with other churches in McKeesport. This is the reason we go door-to-door several times monthly asking people how we can help. This is why we continue to have a Monday hot-meal and Chapel service. This is why we have a women’s residential home to love on those ladies dealing with brokenness. This is why we gather around tables to share biblical truths and pray for God to do the miraculous.

Why? Because for the Pittsburgh Dream Center we believe it is the season of light and the spring of hope for those living in McKeesport, surrounding neighborhoods we serve, and on our city streets.

We cannot do this alone. There has never been a time like now, where your partnership in praying, serving, and giving is needed. We want to be grand stewards of what God has entrusted us with and that is people and the tools He has equipped us with.

We are kindly asking you to pray for McKeesport- that violence, addiction, crime, etc. would stop, and that Jesus maybe lifted up with our words and actions for all to see. Asking you to go to our website and check out our events page, and come serve with us- bring a friend, a church group, or just yourself to make a difference where it is needed.

A BIG ask in a small way- for what most people spend for coffee or a fast-food meal in one day, consider becoming a $5 or $10 weekly partner, or give a one-time gift to help make a positive impact in a neighborhood that desperately needs it.