† OPINION : 07-22-07 [ -- AMERICA NEEDS THE CHRISTIAN INTERVENTION MODEL -- ]
Since September of 2005, Gang Watchers has personally been involved with many anti-gang related programs and ministries – not just here in Tulare County but all over the United States.
As well, we have studied somewhere between 25 and 30 different so-called solutions and interventions to the problem of gangs and gang violence in our communities and have concluded the following for the Christian community at large.
BASIC CHRISTIAN INTERVENTION MODEL
† Gang members need love – so love them with the Love of Christ.
† Gang members will respect you – if you show them respect.
† Gang members will talk with you – so talk with them.
† Gang members will pray with you – so pray with them.
† Gang members want to go to Church – so take them.
† Gang members want a family – so be an extended family.
† Gang members need discipleship – so disciple them.
† Gang members have family members at home – so disciple them as well.
† Gang members respect grand parents – so send grand parents to witness.
† Gang members respect experience – so set up Bible studies with ex-gang members.
In the last few years, the think tanks in the U.S. have spent millions of dollars researching the above model that we, as Christians, have. They have concluded that this would be money well spent to develop programs to intervene and keep kids out of gangs – and they will spend even more money to back up their research.
And why did they need to spend all that money ? Because the above model that works is not being employed by the body of Christ … as-a-whole. We have the answer, and we have the solution but we fail to follow through.
Even though there are many ministries such as Set Free, Victory Outreach, and Teen Challenge {to name a few} that are reaching out, we need all the Churches on board to help out – and not just for a day, but until GOD says it’s time to stop.
The way I see it, the world is going to rob the Church “again” because the Church is asleep at the wheel. Many Christians are still waiting for that special “Name-It and Claim-It” Lear Jet, so they can travel the globe telling people that Jesus Loves them more because they have more Faith then the rest of the Christians … really !
But you say Brother Lucky, we have that old “Wheat and Tare” thingy in our Churches and I’m not sure if I’m part of the wheat or part of the tares.
Here’s what GOD told me to tell you - Wheat produces a harvest, tares produce nothing ! Confusion is not of GOD. Be faithful with the little things and listen and obey GOD’s Voice as much as you can.
So how do I hear the voice of GOD ? I’ll tell you.
First - You will sense HIS Command “in the very beginning” of what HE wants you to do or where HE want you to go. Last – You will then be prompted by the HOLY SPIRIT {at the very, very, very last moment} when HE needs you to - just open up your mouth and say what HE wants you to say.
That’s it ! It’s always been a two set process … “ go unto this place and I will tell you want to say when you get there, or wait until I send someone else.”
Yeah … that does sound simple !
It is – but we have to die to everything in between, point “A” and point “B” - especially your own personal thoughts and all the reasons why you feel uncomfortable about going out on a limb.
It's called FAITH and being a witness for Christ ! And that’s what everyone responds to, even gang members. And it’s a lot more effective than letting them come to your Church or going out every Friday night and waiting on a street corner for them to come up and ask you, “Wow, you look like a nice guy, I bet you’re a Christian. Can you show me the way ?” It ain’t gonna happen honcho …
What will get their attention, is you listening to GOD and going to where he wants you to go and then saying what HE wants you to say to that un-saved person, gang member or who-ever. I mean … don’t you think it would be a better witness to speak to this person's heart by saying what GOD wants you to say to this person. You and I both know that GOD knows what’s in this person's heart and once this person hears you say anything that close to what’s in his heart … he’ll will then listen to the Gospel.
AMEN ! Now … quit waiting for the world to intervene and do your job – Get with it !
Brother LUCKY : See you in the streets …
