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Books that Ignite: The Renaissance/DREJA CREATIONS Book Package Fundraiser; D.E.A.R. Time- Drop Everything And Read.
Igniting Minds and Transforming Lives - One Book at a Time-Find the FLAME; Follow the Flame; Feed the FLAME- FLAME ON FOR FAMILIES-Health and healing for the nations!
Renaissance is proud to sponsor this fundraiser for Pastor Andre James' (THE INTERNATIONAL GLOBAL FIRE CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS initiative to provide transformative books to at-risk teenagers, and hurting families all over the world-H.O.P.E. Healing Of People Everywhere. Launching on Father’s Day (June 15, 2025), we have an opportunity to make a difference in young lives and hurting families through the power of reading. “ IF YOU WANT TO HIDE SOMETHING..PUT IT IN A BOOK”
Who is Andre James?
Andre James, the founder of Renaissance, is an ordained reverend, deacon, and dedicated teacher working with at-risk teenagers. For years, he has been serving and mentoring young people in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, creating safe spaces for growth in public schools, recreation centers, camps, sports teams, and local churches. Andre has witnessed firsthand how access to the right books can transform a student's outlook, confidence, and future prospects.
Our Mission
We're raising $3,700 to provide FREE book packages to at-risk high school students and their families. Each carefully curated book package will give these young readers access to stories and messages that can inspire, guide, and empower them through their unique challenges.
What's in the Book Package?
Each book package includes powerful titles from the Bluford Series along with Andre's own book "FLAME: Faith Lessons And Messages Examined": https://www.amazon.com/FLAME-Faith-Lessons-Messages-Examined/dp/B0B86G17FF
The Bluford Series titles:
- "No Way Out" - A story about family loyalty and difficult choices
- "Brothers in Arms" - Exploring friendship and courage in challenging circumstances
- "Bully" - Addressing peer pressure and standing up for what's right
- "Gun" - Tackling tough decisions and consequences
- "Lost and Found" - A journey of self-discovery and resilience
- “ Shattered" - Examining relationships and integrity
Plus "FLAME" by Andre B. James "FLAME: Faith Lessons And Messages Examined" is a transformative collection that guides readers through seven powerful themes:
- Exploring Identity
- Exposing Habits
- Warfare
- Worship
- Redemption
- Empowerment
- Improving Lifestyle
As Andre writes, "It's the flame within that pushes us to overcome the odds stacked against us; it's the fire inside that gives us light when surrounded by darkness. As we fan the flames of our faith, the power of God will spread like fire."
Why These Books Matter
The Bluford Series has been proven to transform non-readers into avid readers. With accessible reading levels (5th-6th grade) but sophisticated content relevant to high schoolers, these books feature:
- Engaging topics that middle and high schoolers care about
- Emotional depth with gripping stories and complex characters
- Uplifting narratives celebrating teens who make positive choices
- Accessible writing that builds confidence in reluctant readers
- Short length (under 200 pages) that motivates readers to finish
Andre's FLAME book has already made a profound impact on his students.
- One student wrote: "Reading is allowing me to speak more properly and more maturely. Reading is always teaching me how to understand people... It will help me a lot in the future and make me learn better. It also will impact my future by helping me get a job when I get older."
- Another student shared: "When he helps us he gives us a heart that makes us feel confident... he helps us with our work that is a little difficult but at the end of the day we all get it done."
One enthusiastic student even declared FLAME as "THE BEST BOOK KNOW TO MAN BUT THE BIBLE IS THE #1 BOOK BUT YOURS IS #2"
Why Your Support Matters
Many of these teenagers face significant challenges. Access to relatable, engaging books that address their realities while offering positive messages can be transformative. Your contribution helps provide:
- Free Books that speak directly to their experiences
- Free Reading materials that build confidence and literacy skills
- Guidance for navigating difficult life situations
- Inspiration to make positive choices
- Resources that can help shape their futures
How Your Donation Will Be Used
100% of proceeds will go directly to purchasing these book packages for at-risk teens and their families. Here's how your contribution makes an impact:
- $45 provides one complete book package for a student
- $90 reaches two students with transformative reading
- $225 impacts five students
- $450 can help an entire family group
- $3,700 will allow us to reach our goal of serving all eligible students and families
Join Us in Making a Difference
This Father’s Day kick-off fundraising represents family, freedom, opportunity, and hope - themes that resonate deeply with these students/families and the books we hope to provide. By donating today, you're not just giving books; you're providing tools that can change perspectives about the urban culture/community, build confidence, and open doors.
Every donation counts, whether it's $1, $5, $10, or $20. Please share this fundraiser with your family, friends, and networks to help us reach our goal.
Thank you for helping us ignite the flame of knowledge and possibility in our young people!
"In the end, it is the fire inside of us that gives us light when surrounded by darkness. As we fan the flames of our faith, the power of God will spread like fire." - From FLAME by Andre B. James
Organizer
