Dreaming BIG!
Dreaming BIG at Madison and in Marshfield, Missouri
Bridges has dubbed it "The Miracle on Madison" because if it were not for God's involvement this wouldn't be happening. The building at 1230 W. Madison had been on our radar for many years, going back to 2005, when someone else purchased it before we got to it. Bridges kept on dreaming about a youth center on Madison and in 2009 we were able to obtain a loan and purchase the building.
Since October of 2009 we have persevered in pursuing this dream for the kids and teens of West Central Springfield. "The Miracle on Madison" is a project that is unfunded on paper, but funded through our trust in God to provide. Through the help of volunteers and donors, a new roof was put on the building in early 2010. We explained to the roofing contractor before he began that we were still praying for the money to pay him, and well, he believed along with us. On the day the roofing was completed, the remaining need to pay for the roof arrived in the mail. We serve an on time God. An 8 month permit process was completed in December of 2010 and the city of Springfield approved all our building permits.
The miracle has continued at an exciting pace in 2011. Currently, as on June 21st, 2011, the walls, electrical and plumbing are all roughed in.
I have some imagery that should be shared about the work we
do at the Bridges For Youth Centers. . Let’s say you’re out for
a walk around a nearby lake. The wind has kicked up in the neighborhood and you notice there is a young man swimming a few feet from shore. The waves are beating against him, preventing him from getting to safety. You acknowledge his dilemma and make a decision to save him. The boy struggles as you are taking him to safety and both of you nearly drown.
For a brief moment you are relieved knowing that you have made a difference in this young man’s life. Then you hear voices in the direction of the lake again. As you turn you notice there are three, no four more in need of help. Your strength fails you and you summon help from those nearby on the walking path. The passers by help you save two, and two perish. As you experience joy at the rescue of the three and sorrow at the loss of the two you hear yet again more voices from the lake. Almost unbelieving you turn again to the lake and see what seems like hundreds of youth bobbing up and down in the now fierce winds and engulfing waters of what I call life.
Out of humble beginnings at our National Ave. location in 1998, Bridges for Youth has grown at a miraculous rate. At that time, we reached 8-10 kids. In May of 2001, just prior to opening our Nichols St. location, we were reaching 57 kids. Just two years later, in May of 2003, 193 youth were registered in fun and free programs.The kids poured through our doors at Bridges For Youth the following year, and we had a remarkable increase to 404 kids. Over 1000 kids were registered and attended Bridges For Youth in 2007. Today, we consistently serve between 700 and 800 kids throughout the year at the 4 Bridges For Youth Centers combined.