I felt like our Thursday group for gangbangers was dead for a while, it was about this time last year and no one was coming to group. It was only the leaders and when we met we prayed for the kids and talked about what would draw them. Our team leader consulted with us and mentioned that we would probably have to close the group due to no participation and Nettie my partner in crime for gang ministry asked our leader for an extension. She felt deep down like something was coming! It came in an unexpected way. In 2006 one of the bangers from the group was killed by gang fire. He and his cousins were key members of the group for Thursdays. Every year, the group meets for his memorial to honor his life. Through this death, God paved a way… all of them gathered for his memorial and just kept coming back. Now we have a core group and God is doing amazing things, what once was dead God has resurrected! That’s the power of prayer, it may seem like nothing is happening, but underneath, God is shifting hearts and drawing souls to himself! Happenings on Thursdays…
Take Dr. D, a 17yr. old, cousin of the boy who was killed, D didn’t care about living or God or us, he formerly came to group high as a kite, or drunk trying to commit suicide by throwing himself in front of cars, or in total turmoil due to his girl being pregnant and thinking about abortion. He was in juvey for part of the year… when he did show up for group I argued with him every week about a different issue! He made me cry and I wanted to give up on him and tell him not to come anymore. God does miracles, somehow God got his attention! D gave up pot for lent! He is finishing school, getting involved with justice, leading group on occasion and actually letting us in on his life! Little did we know but D is a philosopher, he generates awesome discussions and asks questions about faith! God is so good! I couldn’t see the gold in this kid, but God could! Last week my jaw almost hit the floor because he asked if he could go with us to Mexico for a mission trip ! Yeah God!
Then, we have 3 of my favorites! A family unit, comprised of Ponyboy a 22 yr. old Southside banger who is entrenched in his gang. He has been in jail for most of his adolescence; I met him right after he was released. He had no job, no home and a lot of anger. I later found out that he had a baby’s mama (his girlfriend) and a 3mo. Old daughter. Their family unit was in tatters due to patterns of domestic violence that had been modeled for them by their own parents. They constantly fought and put each other down. Not only that but Ponyboy had no hope, I have never seen a gangbanger cry, but I saw Ponyboy cry. His best friend turned on him and he had nothing. Our community was able to pray for him and God answered his prayers. He has a home with his girl and baby now. Slowly they are learning to treat each other with love and respect and break the cycles of violence. Ponyboy told me, “yall are making me soft, im still in my gang, but you all are my family. I tell you all more than I’ve ever told anyone. I think I’m going to leave the gang someday…” Jesus is calling him through dreams, his word and the encouragement of community but he is still on the fence trying to decide which path to follow. He is one of the kids that I am closest too. I love this banger like a brother. He comes over with his family every Tuesday night for dinner and he always volunteers to pray and read the Bible. Please pray for him! Pray for us as we disciple this couple! I was so proud of his girlfriend Amber @ 18; she is taking college classes, working a part time job and doing an awesome job being a mom. They want my boyfriend Mateo and I to be God parents when they get their daughter baptized! (the fact that I have a boyfriend who loves Jesus, the poor and likes me is miraculous as well =) Praise Jesus! He is so good!
We have 2 priests in training who are coming to group now! The boys interrogated them about celibacy & invited them to a strip club! Much to my horror! They pepper them with questions every week about God and the Bible and the priests provide real answers. It is so good for these bangers to have a positive interaction with the church! Thank you Lord for raising up volunteers who are not scared away but drawn share the gospel with our youth!
I could go on about the rest of the gang, but that will have to come about in future newsletters! This past Thursday topped all, for all of their toughness these bangers are kids at heart! They asked us to play charades with them as well as hide and go seek! I love my life! Thank you Lord for bringing this group back from the dead! Your word draws these kids and faithful prayers break down the walls that the enemy has built around them! You Lord are bigger and more powerful than addiction, gang affiliation, broken families, lies & prison! You overcame death and gave us reason to celebrate your resurrection! Happy Resurrection Day !
If you suffer for doing good and endure it, this commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed! For you like sheep have gone astray, but now you have returned the Shepherd and the Overseer of your souls! 1 Peter 2:20-25
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