Gang Graffiti

"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7, NIV).

While taking Christopher to the park in our neighborhood this evening, I noticed that the playground equipment had been covered with gang graffiti. I was grateful that Christopher could not read yet, because of the absolute obscenity of what had been written. However, I was saddened by the dark and evil mindset that has captured the children who wrote those words filled with hatred, arrogance, and disrespect (especially directed toward their girlfriends).

I do not know the identity of the gang members, but I know that they are in danger. They are on a path of self-destruction. They are on the path to hell. They need people who care about them, people who will pray for them, people of courage, and people who will lead them to Jesus Christ. Otherwise, they are heading toward certain disaster.

As an urban ministry, the Contact Church of Christ reaches out to kids like those who defaced our neighborhood park. Thank God for all the teachers, preachers, and volunteers who are trying to make a difference. And it's all because of the difference that God has made in our lives.