What Can One Dollar "Buy"??? Rather—
What God can do with one dollar!

In 2000, the Evangelical Covenant Church of Indian Orchard made the faith-filled decision to call a full-time youth pastor. This position would consist of half-time outreach to the teen community of the area. The goal was to reach the 85% of youth who would never walk into a church or traditional youth program. We knew that churches function like hospitals—helping to provide spiritual nourishment for those in need. We also knew that God was encouraging us to build a M.A.S.H.-type unit to help those wounded who might not be well enough to get to the "hospital" on their own.

God used Lenneth Dyson, a woman BOLD for Christ, to help make this desire a reality! Because of Lenneth's testimony in the same community over 20 years before, and her willingness to pray for others, a deep relationship was formed and that relationship was part of the catalyst of a 4000 square foot building being donated for $1.00!

The building, now known asThe Lion's Den, has been remodeled, much of it with donated time and materials. It is designed to have a coffeehouse area (a place to "hangout" and play table-type games), an Internet Cafe (with computers on DSL), and a game room (including Playstation 2, foosball, ping pong, and a pool table).

We realized quickly that the unique nature of this project required that it be "owned" by a community of churches in our community—churches that share our belief that Jesus lived, died, rose again, and is coming again. We reached out to them and asked them to buy into this M.A.S.H. unit concept with us.

And they did! The response has been fabulous. Many local churches have found some way to connect with The Lion's Den!This is just a small portion of what has been done for us so far:

•help doing electrical work
•donating food or the funds needed to purchase the food 
•making business connections
•taking special offerings in their churches
•sending their church members to volunteer and
•praying!


Daryl Winters is an example of a young man applying himself for God’s glory. Daryl is a neighborhood youth who wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. He graduated from Putnam High school (Football player). Desiring to play college ball he enrolled at a local university but realized he had a greater desire, to serve the Lord in a vocational way. He transferred to Word of Life Bible Institute and completed their one year training program. Upon completion Daryl transferred to Cedarville University in Ohio. Applying himself he graduated and received several invitations to continue his education, including from Dallas Theological Seminary. Daryl accepted the invitation from another great institution, Moody Bible Seminary! After completing the summer of 2010 serving others in His region, he went back to hit the books in Chicago. We know that God is doing great things in His life and we are thrilled to have been able to come along side this great warrior for Christ. Please pray for Daryl as he works his way through college and seeks places to serve the Lord in Chicago for the next few years.