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March 21 2025 Newsletter
The Vision of DISC: A Movement of Hope to the Heart of America's Inner Cities
Twenty-seven years ago, the Lord placed a radical vision in our hearts: to open a church that would be 24/7, a sanctuary of hope and healing for the hurting. That vision became a living, breathing reality on December 3, 1997, with the opening of DISC in the heart of Dallas, Texas. What started as a place for the broken, the lost, and the hopeless, has grown into a powerful movement that is transforming lives and communities. And now—God is calling us to take this mission farther than ever before. We are about to take our mission to the inner cities of America, and we want you to be part of it.
A Place of Redemption and Restoration
When DISC first opened its doors, it was more than just a church—it was a lifeline. We welcomed those who had been cast aside by society—the homeless, the addicted, the broken, the lost. We opened our arms to men and women battling mental illness, prostitution, and crime. No one was turned away. This was a place of refuge, where people found not only a warm meal and shelter, but the love of Jesus that would radically change their lives.
For six years, we watched God do the impossible. We saw souls healed, lives restored, and hope reborn. Then, in 2003, we moved to South Dallas, and the ministry exploded. We didn’t just grow a church; we built a movement. We expanded our efforts to include a powerful discipleship program that ministered to men and women in ways that transformed them inside and out. We didn’t just give food—we gave the Bread of Life. We didn’t just offer shelter—we offered a place for spiritual rebirth.
A New Chapter: Expanding God’s Kingdom
In 2013, God led us to take a massive step of faith. We opened a dedicated discipleship facility for men in Crandall, Texas. This 34-acre facility, home to 36 men, was built as a training ground for restoration and empowerment. Since then, hundreds of men have entered the program—each of them broken, but each leaving transformed. They’ve gone on to become leaders, husbands, fathers, and pillars in their communities. These are men who were once considered lost causes, but through the power of Christ, they are now living testimonies of what God can do when we surrender to His will.
The Vision Today: Taking the Gospel to the Inner Cities
But God isn’t finished. This is just the beginning. Our mission—our divine mandate— is clear: We are called to take this message of healing and restoration to the heart of America’s inner cities. We are talking about the cities where hopelessness reigns—where fatherlessness, poverty, abuse, crime, and addiction are daily realities. We are talking about the places where the need for the gospel of Jesus Christ is greatest. And we are about to make our boldest move yet.
We are reaching out to the cities of:
- Dallas
- Houston
- Austin
- Atlanta
- Miami
- New York
- Los Angeles
Each of these cities represents a battlefield—a place where lives are broken, where families are shattered, and where the power of the gospel is desperately needed. And we are going—not just to minister, but to raise up an army of men and women who will bring hope, restoration, and healing to the streets.
Who Will Answer the Call?
The question is: Who will go? Who better than those who have been through the struggle themselves? Who better than the restored to go out and reach the broken? God is raising up an army of men and women who have walked through the fire and emerged victorious. They’ve been healed, delivered, and set free. And now they’re ready to go back to the very places where they once struggled, to pull others from the darkness and into the light of Jesus Christ.
This is a Joel 2 army, a generation of warriors who will not just stand by and watch— but will fight for the souls of those who are lost. These men and women are ready to lead others to the healing power of Christ because they’ve been there. They’ve seen the depths of despair, and they’ve felt the power of God’s love pull them out.
Our Strategy: Raising Up an Army
We’re not just going into these cities—we’re raising up a movement. We are starting with 100 men in each city—100 men who will serve as the foundation of a powerful gospel army. These men will partner with local churches, and together, we’ll continue the work long after we leave. We’re not here to just put a band-aid on the problem— we’re here to transform lives and change communities.
Measuring Success: Lives Transformed and Leaders Raised
Success won’t be measured by the number of programs we run or how many cities we visit. True success will be seen in the lives that are transformed, in the souls that are saved, and in the leaders who rise up from the very neighborhoods that once seemed hopeless. How many lives will be pulled from the streets? How many men and women will rise up to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their own communities? That is the true measure of success.
How You Can Help
This vision is too big for any one person to do alone. We need YOU—yes, YOU—to be part of this journey. Here’s how you can answer the call:
- Share the Vision: Help us spread the word. This is not just our mission; it’s God’s mission.
- Financial Support: We need resources to continue this work. Your donation will fuel this vision and send restored warriors into the inner cities.
- Prayer: We can’t do this without prayer. We need intercessors to stand with us and pray for God’s power to move in these cities.
- Join the Army: God is calling soldiers. If you feel led, step forward and be part of this mighty army that will change the world for Jesus.
Conclusion: The Call to Action
This is a bold vision. It is a vision that will require everything we have—our time, our resources, and our hearts. But I believe with everything in me that God is calling us to this mission. And with His help, we will see the inner cities of America transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.
Are you ready to answer the call? We can’t do it without you. Together, we will bring healing,
Let’s rise up. Let’s answer the call. Let’s be the army that brings light to the darkness.
Together, we can turn this vision into a powerful reality!
Your contribution, no matter the size, will help us make an incredible impact. Here’s how you can help:
- Visit www.dallasinternationalstreetchurch.org and click the Donate link to give online.
- Mail a check to DISC, P.O. Box 151461, Dallas, TX 75315.
- Send your donation via CashApp at $karendudley1.
- Or use Zelle at 214-650-0231.
Every donation brings us one step closer to transforming lives and creating lasting change. Your support is not just appreciated—it’s vital. Let’s make a difference together!
Thank you for your prayerful consideration,
Karen Dudley
Founder/Senior Pastor
Dallas International Street Church