ENEWS

February 2013
A STARK REALIZATION I recently took a group of eight students on our school bus to visit another church on Sunday morning. These are the new recruits for my Rhythms And Praise Band. They were awesome, singing for three worship services. I was very proud of the way they represented our school and witnessed to their faith. On the way home, Erek asked if I could drive him to his Grannies house. Is it close to school? I inquired. Yes, its right down the street, replied Erek. OK, I said, since its not far out of the way. We passed the school and drove a little ways north. We went into an area where I had never been before. The street was filled with potholes, and there was a lot of brush growing up along the way. Is it safe for me to drive back here? I asked Erek, half-joking and half-serious. Yes, its alright, Erek answered, sensing my apprehension. But you wouldnt want to come back here at night, he continued. There was a moment of silence as Erek tried to put himself in my shoes. Then he went on with a grin. Because the possums will getcha! He laughed out loud and I joined along, somewhat relieved. Then Erek showed me his Grannies house. Not much more than a run-down shack, there was a burned out house on one side, and another across the street. No yard. Trash everywhere. Siding on the house half- gone. Shingles missing. TV antenna dangling. What a terrible sight. I dropped off Erek and thanked him for going along. He jumped off the bus and hurried in the house. In that moment, I realized again how difficult life is for many of our students and their families. I wondered all throughout the rest of the day how is Erek ever going to make it? Can he overcome his surroundings and achieve? Will he be employed in a purposeful vocation some day? Will we be able to help enough?

1600 North 40th Street East St. Louis IL 62204 Office: 618-874-6605 Fax: 618-874-2707 Email: pmiller@unityesl.org www.unityesl.org

I had no answers to those questions, except for this one. Where is the best place for Erek? Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School. Out of the chaos and into the order and stability of Unity. Erek is learning that his true source of blessing and stability is in Jesus. Only God holds the key to his future. And we must be committed to doing all that we can for him and the other 186 brought to us by the Holy Spirit. Are you with us? SHARE IN THE MIRACLE DINNERS Soon, you will receive your invitation to our spring Share In The Miracle Dinners. There are two new developments. First, weve added a third location. Second, all donations made through SITM are being matched, dollar-for-dollar. Please mark your calendar to attend one of these dinners. Bring friends. Plan to be generous! Sun. Apr. 28 Share In The Miracle North, Carlinville 12:30pm Thu. May 2 Share In The Miracle Dinner, OFallon 6:30pm Sun. May 5 Share In The Miracle South, Sparta 12:30pm THIS IS US I saw these words on a church signboard: Where God guides, He provides. Thats the testimony of Unity for ten years! God has guided, and He has provided. Amen! WISH LIST Lots of pencils Lots glue sticks Lots of rulers PRAYER REQUESTS That our students will have the courage to stand up for right and oppose wrong. That our teachers will be strengthened in teaching and modeling Gods love. That our spring Share In The Miracle Dinners will be well-attended.

Encouraging, educating, and preparing children for responsible living in Christs Kingdom.