There is a tremendous opportunity for the gospel in Peoria. The presence of a healthy church in the downtown area provides a strategic location to proclaim the glory of Christ to a city in desperate need of good news. The people here need the renewal that only Jesus can bring (John 8:24). According to a study done by CBS in 2019, Peoria was the 15th deadliest city in the U.S.—with about 23 murders per 100,000 people annually. 43% of households in Peoria are single mothers and about 20% of the city is currently living in poverty. These statistics grieve us. But we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We believe in a God who saves (Joel 2:28-32) by rescuing us from the dominion of darkness and bringing us into the kingdom of his beloved Son (Col. 1:13). Through the planting and strengthening of many Christ-exalting churches, God will redeem his people as the gospel is proclaimed and lived throughout the city.