January – February 2016
Walk Through It
One of our men came up to me and said, “I have been witnessing to young people from the gang in my neighborhood. Are you interested in coming up to preach to them?” This is the same gang that previously shot it’s own leader nine times in the head.
I immediately said, “Yes” and began to pray. We would gather together, provide them lunch, and then preach to them. But one can only think, “Should I really do this?”
I arrived while the food was cooking and there was a large group of young people. They ranged from between 13-25 years old. We introduced ourselves then sat down and began to eat. As we ate, there were people coming and going, buying and picking up drugs. Some looked at me strangely, but for the most part, ignored me. One young man arrived with his leg bandaged from a gunshot he had just recently received. These were just kids, but kids ruling the streets, and ruling them with deadly force.
I shortly after began to preach the Gospel, and amazingly, they listened very attentively, stopping only to attend to arriving buyers. I challenged them regarding the brevity of life, knowing that some, although very young, would not survive the year. I spoke boldly to them regarding their “supposed control” in the streets and frankly told them that God would soon require justice from them, and that He would not be bullied.
As things finished up, Camilo, “la cabecilla”, or head of the gang, told me, “Pastor, there is no hope for us here. We cannot change.” I disagreed and told him that there is always hope in Christ and there is no one too bad to be saved.
We ended the meeting very cordially and I gave each one a New Testament. They asked me when I would be coming back and I said it would be soon. I sensed somehow a desperate cry for help in the midst of the exchange.
Some let me take their pictures, although their faces were covered. And others scattered as the camera came out.
Can young people so hardened and so violent be saved from the darkness? I believe they can. When God opens the door, we just have to walk through it.
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