How a Former Drug Boss Escaped the Hood and Came Back to Change It.
Pastor Dimas Salaberrios Tells How He Went from Being a God of the Street to Bringing God to the Streets in New Memoir, Street God
Dimas Salaberrios began dealing drugs at age fourteen. Known by all as "Daylight," he spent his days dealing, stealing, and gaining respect on the streets of Queens, New York, as a successful "businessman." His addiction to power and success led to poor choices, sending Dimas - twice - to New York City's Rikers Island, one of the toughest and most notorious jails in the nation. He narrowly escaped death numerous times, including when a vengeful hustler pointed a gun at his head at point-blank range and pulled the trigger. Dimas now acknowledges that, for every poor choice he made in his youth, God placed a barrier to redirect him, sent an angel to protect him, or provided a message to touch him. Dimas shares his story in his memoir, Street God: The Explosive Story of a Former Drug Boss on the Run from the Hood - and the Courageous Mission That Drove Him Back, which releases in South Africa in October through Christian Art Distributors.
Today Dimas is back on the streets, but rather than dealing drugs, he is showing people the way out of the hopelessness that keeps them rooted in self-destructive choices. He is the pastor of Infinity Bible Church, which targets at-risk, gang-involved youth and has spearheaded numerous outreach events, discipleship groups, and weekly prayer walks. These activities have been a factor in virtually eliminating homicides and other violent crimes in the Bronx River housing projects. The New York City police commissioner credited Pastor Dimas and Infinity for the notable drop in crime. The man who was once called "Daylight" is now bringing the light of the gospel into the darkness of the streets. Dimas says, "If I could risk so much for Satan, I'm gonna go all out for Jesus."
Book Synopsis
Pastor Dimas Salaberrios Tells How He Went from Being a God of the Street to Bringing God to the Streets in New Memoir, Street God
Dimas Salaberrios began dealing drugs at age fourteen. Known by all as "Daylight," he spent his days dealing, stealing, and gaining respect on the streets of Queens, New York, as a successful"businessman." His addiction to power and success led to poor choices, sending Dimas - twice - to New York City's Rikers Island, one of the toughest and most notorious jails in the nation. He narrowly escaped death numerous times, including when a vengeful hustler pointed a gun at his head at point-blank range and pulled the trigger. Dimas now acknowledges that, for every poor choice he made in his youth, God placed a barrier to redirect him, sent an angel to protect him, or provided a message to touch him. Dimas shares his story in his memoir, Street God: The Explosive Story of a Former Drug Boss on the Run from the Hood - and the Courageous Mission That Drove Him Back, which releases in South Africa in October through Christian Art Distributors.
Today Dimas is back on the streets, but rather than dealing drugs, he is showing people the way out of the hopelessness that keeps them rooted in self-destructive choices. He is the pastor of Infinity Bible Church, which targets at-risk, gang-involved youth and has spearheaded numerous outreach events, discipleship groups, and weekly prayer walks. These activities have been a factor in virtually eliminating homicides and other violent crimes in the Bronx River housing projects. The New York City police commissioner credited Pastor Dimas and Infinity for the notable
drop in crime. The man who was once called "Daylight" is now bringing the light of
the gospel into the darkness of the streets. Dimas says, "If I could risk so much for
Satan, I'm gonna go all out for Jesus."
Endorsements:
A powerful story of emerging leadership founded in personal transformation.
A. R. Bernard, Pastor of Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY
This is a powerful story of the relentless love of God. There is no pit so deep that
his grace and mercy can't find you.
Sheila Walsh, Author of Five Minutes with Jesus
You won't find a more amazing account of how God's grace can change lives
than what you have here in the life of my brother, Dimas Salaberrios.
Timothy Keller, Senior pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church
A complex and thrilling narrative. I dare anyone to read Street God and come away
unchanged. This is The Cross and the Switchblade for a new generation.
Josh McDowell, Author and speaker
Author Bio
Dimas Salaberrios is pastor of Infinity Bible Church, which he founded in partnership with Tim Keller and Redeemer City to City, in the South Bronx of New York City. Infinity targets at-risk youth and spearheads numerous outreach events and discipleship groups. As a worldwide missionary, church planter, and speaker, Pastor Dimas has shared the gospel on every continent except Antarctica. He is also president of Concerts of Prayer Greater New York, and he holds a master of divinity degree from Alliance Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in the Bronx with their two daughters. Visit him at pastordimas.com.
Discussion Topics
• From smuggling drugs to smuggling Bibles: Dimas Salaberrios shares how God changed his heart from wanting to be a god of the
streets to bringing God to the streets.
• Programs and morality won't change the streets; the difference is Jesus.
• How the power of prayer and diligent ministry have led to a reduction in homicides and related crimes in the Bronx.
• How to effectively reach and transform urban communities.
• Street God exposes the drug world to liberate many people caught in it and to empower people to liberate others.
• How prison ministries can be more effective in transforming the lives of inmates.
