Donte could have been killed playing a video game! One day the middle schooler was sitting at home in a different spot than usual, game controller in hand, when bullets tore through a window and whizzed over the seat he almost always sat on. It’s little wonder that the 11-year-old comes to our Youth Center for safe, wholesome play!

Donte’s been a regular at our Youth Center since age 8 when he and an older brother would ride a city bus
12 miles in order to attend. Today Donte is less than a mile from Good News at a homeless shelter with his mother and siblings. They lost their home when his mom was unable to afford the rent. She is working at getting back on her feet and Donte is taking advantage of being within walking distance of our Youth Center.

“I like to come here after school, see my friends and play games,” Donte says.

The Youth Center exists to bring boys and girls like Donte, ages 8-18, to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Staff members organize all manner of fun activities to attract kids and then take every opportunity to share the love of God and the Gospel message of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. “I’m learning a ton about Jesus,” Donte says. “I’ve learned how He saves us, and if you don’t believe in Jesus then you’ll go to hell.” Youth Center Director Anthony Rivera has watched Donte steadily grow in his spiritual walk since becoming a Christian. “Because he’s been coming to the Youth Center since he was 8, it has helped him increase his Bible knowledge,” Rivera says. “He’s very engaged in the Bible studies and knows a lot of scripture just by coming faithfully. You can tell that it’s had a good effect on his behavior.”

Donte’s positive nature is infectious and he’s enthusiastically participating in the games and contests offered through our Summer Program. All the kids can earn prizes and field trips through regular attendance, going to church and taking part in other activities. “He’s doing really well, especially considering the rough situation he’s coming from with a single parent home and where he’s bounced around from place to place,” Rivera says. “He’s very involved. You can see how kids like him really need this place. ”

Donte wants to go to college to further his education after high school and would love someday to be a YouTube sensation that inspires people and uses the internet to spread the Gospel! For now he wants to keep coming to the Youth Center and hopes other kids do, too. “I think it’s a great Youth Center and you should go,” Donte exclaims.

Please pray with us that many will continue to “go” and that the Lord will continue to use Good News to reach kids like Donte.