Chapter Twelve

Night Street and Gang Ministry

Ministry in the streets of the night and inner cities is exciting. Those that are called to this ministry need to be prepared to expect to meet people that are without hope and in need of Christ. I feel that cities have different moods at different times. During the day, everyone is on a busy schedule and will often appear too busy to speak to you as you witness. However, during the evening hours, nights, and weekends, people seem to be more relaxed and willing to listen to your witness. Many people have asked us how to witness to gangs or people at night. We hope this teaching and stories contained in this chapter will give you courage and knowledge that will help you to share with those that others often judge. The teaching in this chapter is recommended only for adults who are called to this type of ministry. My own call has taken me deep into the inner cities of America and into the streets of the night. Without this call from God and a love for all people, I never would have taken a step into many of the areas I now find comfortable.

I actually find it easier to witness at night, and it is so much fun with all of the beautiful lights, the excitement, and not knowing what will happen next. I tell others, "Make it easy on yourself." If you are called and your heart is set upon a night ministry or a gang ministry, I would suggest that you begin by witnessing near restaurants or convenience stores located near an area that you hope to penetrate with the witness of Christ. Instead of going into the midst of where the gangs are, I suggest you let them come to you by witnessing in public places they frequently visit. Soon you will find yourselves becoming friends with those you desired to minister to. Once you become familiar with the people and they are familiar with you, then you will feel comfortable going into the streets wherever the Lord leads you.

2 Corinthians 4
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Your communications to those in the streets needs to be geared toward the youth. I would describe the communications similar to that of a youth pastor. The scriptures that you share should be modern translations, or interpret your reading of the King James Bible translation to them. If you read straight from the King James Bible version, you will loose their attention quickly because they will not understand the older style language.

I would not recommend you to pickup anyone in the streets and drive them anywhere. Drugs and illegal firearms are very prevalent in the streets, and you could find yourself in trouble if you are stopped by law enforcement and the person in your vehicle is in possession of illegal substances or firearms. You need to be careful receiving anything from someone in the streets. A homeless friend of mine picked up a simple pipe in the streets, and when he was arrested, they found the pipe in his backpack. He was unaware there was drug residue in the pipe. His one night stay turned into six months in jail because of the pipe.

I do not give anyone money in the streets. I will walk with them to a restaurant or go and buy them food and bottled water and give it to them. Christians have the responsibility to feed the hungry. I encourage you to help those less fortunate. Have addresses and phone numbers of the various community services that can benefit the people. Oftentimes when they come to Christ, they will be looking for a place to stay to remove themselves from previous associations. I would not recommend that you let others in the streets lead you to places. I would stay in well lighted areas and not go into old buildings with them. You may find yourself in a dangerous situation or trespassing. Be very careful crossing the streets. When you cross the streets in an inner city, you should not expect cars to yield to you in the streets. Watch your step in the streets, sidewalks, and alleys. The inner cities of our nations are filled with debris of syringes, vials, broken bottles, and many other infected waste.

Street Etiquette

There is a code in the streets: don't tell others about things you have seen or heard. Oftentimes, people will share details about their lives or others, and I politely interrupt and tell them that I don't need to know these things to pray for them or to help them. You will gain respect in the streets if you respect confidentiality. It is of the utmost importance that you do not repeat other things to team members in the street. You can easily be overheard and promote a situation that could risk your lives and the lives of others.

I don't feel Jesus looked for individuals to turn over to the authorities but rather to touch the hearts of those He met. I remember one time that I was being followed for a period of time by undercover officers and became uncomfortable with this. I had spent so much time in a inner city that I was not understood by law enforcement. I went and met with the Chief of Police and shared with him who I am and what I was called to do. I told him that I don't keep records and will never repeat anything that I have heard. The Chief of Police understood and wished me the best. He said that everyone who I am able to reach will be one more person he will not have to deal with. Since then I have enjoyed free access by all into the areas of this city. I don't make an effort in the streets to witness to the police. I thank God that they are in the streets, however, I cannot be seen spending time with them and then walk into the alleys at night. I do not want my intentions misunderstood by those who we are there to meet. I highly recommend that you take proper ID with you to show any law enforcement when asked. Leave large amounts of cash or credit cards at home. I don't take anything of value into the streets. You cannot walk around with fear of losing something important. You need to carry things with you to give away. Give away Bibles, WWJD bracelets, tracts, and stickers. Fill your pockets with these. They are the best way to get youth to stop and listen to you in the streets.

Our dress is very important in the streets. I dress very casual when I go to the streets at night. I wear Nike clothing with large pockets to place tracts and Bibles. I wear comfortable clothes that are water resistant. The more times you go out you will appreciate the water resistant clothing. You may be miles from your vehicle in the midst of rain. Most of those I meet in the streets dress this way. Some gangs dress to identify with the colors blue, red, or yellow. I don't worry too much about this. If I know that an area is defined by colors, then I will wear black Nike pants and a white knit shirt. I don't identify with gang colors. Also, I will carry a Bible in areas that are gang infested to be identified as a follower of Jesus Christ.

I remember one night I walked out from the hotel in Los Angeles, California into the streets. I walked as far as I could and still be able to see the top of the large hotel I was staying in. I encountered gang members immediately and knew that I may have a problem. They were dressed as Bloods and wearing red with red bandanas. I spoke to the biggest guy there first, and he was really rude. He said, "You better get out of here." I said, "Sorry guy. When was the last time that someone came to you just to say I care." He said, "I'm sorry. What do you need?" I was unintentionally wearing the colors of a Crip gang because I was wearing blue. Thank God for His grace and mercy. God was able to minister and my dress was not the issue. Just go and lift up Jesus, and let Him worry about the details. Do what you can in the natural, and God will do the supernatural.

John 12
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Two Saved in Los Angeles, California

As I walked outside a restaurant, the two guys who I had seen earlier from inside the restaurant were walking by in front of me. I stopped them and began my witness. Their names were Harry and José. They shared with me why they could not go to San Jose because of the gang. As I witnessed to them I saw police cars constantly going by and watching us. Harry and José said, "The police are worried we would blow you away." While I was talking to them it seemed they were interested in what I had to say and were touched that I took time to share with them. I shared the scriptures with them and issued an invitation for them to accept Christ. They said they didn't think anything would happen but they would pray. I said, "That will do." I knew that the Lord had led me to these two young men, and He would do the work if they would just ask Him in faith. I have seen others in the street pray to ask Christ in and had expected nothing to happen. I led them in a prayer to accept Christ, and they prayed out loud in their gang apparel with their eyes closed. They looked up later with smiles and thanked me. We talked for a while, and they began to sound different. I said, "Hey guys, can you hear yourself? You sound different." Now they both looked at each other and smiled. They acknowledged that they felt the change and were so happy that they were saved. Harry said, "Now I can stay out of prison. I could not do what I should have been doing and kept going to jail." Harry and José gave me one of the biggest hugs I have ever had. These guys were worth flying over 1,400 miles to meet. Most gang members saved in the streets appreciate someone coming into the streets of the night to share Christ.

Night Street Corner Witnessing in Los Angeles, California

While we were ministering on a corner, one drunk man became offended and went to get a few of his friends to run us away. I turned and saw them coming and it looked from all natural views that we were in trouble. Two very tough guys were about to come against us. In the streets at night, the Lord often brings peace to situations. Everything changed as we spoke to them and prayed for them. It was within minutes that Lawrence and Benny came to Christ. We discovered they had just recently gotten out of prison and told us they were looking for a party on the street corner. Actually, we knew they were there to remove us from the street corner. It was so awesome to see such a quick change in the lives of these men.

Blythe Street Gang

For many years, Blythe Street was known as one of the worst gangs in America. The street where the gang lived and frequented is a street that is simply a little over a block in length. This area is still known for the frequent drive-by shootings, drugs, and gang influence. We went into Blythe Street several times and we were welcomed by all we met. I have discovered that most people regardless of the area they live are looking for hope and someone who cares. I never let circumstances dictate where I go or who I speak to. I simply seek to reach every heart I can find and remain focused upon the need rather than how others describe people or situations. However, you must decide for yourself if you should go into particular areas.

I had the privilege of going into Blythe Street with two ex-gang members. One ex-gang member had not been back to this street in over ten years. He was concerned with the dangers and influence this gang once had upon his life. However, as the Lord's compassion for the lost became more important to him than his own life he returned. As we walked the streets together, the first person that he met was former friend and he led him to Christ. (See Photo) I feel it is a privilege to go where the Lord leads and to enjoy every person we meet. Let the Lord give you His compassion and love for all people.

Matthew 9
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Streets at Night in Fort Smith, Arkansas

I remember one night when I was in the streets, a man pulled up along side of me in a car. He began to share how he was on his way to kill his wife and then kill himself. We talked and we prayed. The man's heart changed and so did his desire to kill. Many of the encounters we have in the streets at night are dynamic. We have seen our lives saved and oftentimes other lives saved that were about to commit suicide. I turned from the car to step back onto the sidewalk that night to turn into the face of a man that was over a head taller than I, and as I stood there face to face to him as he wanted my money. Although I was only a foot away from him, I took another step closer to him and said we need to pray. The man took off and walked briskly away. I do not recommend anyone to do this to intimidate someone. I only did what I felt led to do. I ignored the threat on my life and saw the heart of a man that was in need. I actually was sad that he left and wanted so much to talk to him. Let your heart be driven by need and see the person that is hurting. Jesus's life was motivated by need.

Matthew 14
14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

I remember the first night that God called me to go out and witness by myself. I went into the street of an inner city and witnessed outside a convenience store and along the streets. I went out at midnight and stayed out several hours. I met a man that was about two hundred pounds heavier than me and his hand was so large he offered three fingers for a handshake as I extended my hand to greet him. I witnessed with him and hoped so much he would receive Christ. He prayed with me and smiled as I saw all of his solid gold teeth that were crowned and his gold necklace. I thought he was a gang member but I was not sure. I walked into the convenience store, and the teller was crying and told me that I had just led to Christ the main gang member who was the most looked up to. She went on to tell me that he prayed with me in the very spot that a young boy was shot by a gang member. This man seemed so kind and yet his heart had been so hard. This man and I became friends for over a year and we spoke to each other often. Unfortunately, one night he was busted and he lost his home, a limited edition Cadillac Seville, and all of his friends. I found out later that his influence in the gang connected across several cities and states. I was sad to hear that he was in prison for the rest of his life. The man that was to be feared by all in the streets became my friend and I miss him. I pray that he will continue to know Christ and remember that when no one else cares, one preacher in the streets of the night and the Lord cares. This is what night street witnessing is all about. It is about someone willing to care.

I asked a gang member one night at a restaurant how I could enter their area to witness and his response was, "Just treat them like you are treating me and everything will be all right." I knew he was right because that is what I do. We do need to treat everyone the same no matter how they look or how they appear. Take time in your ministry before you launch out into the streets of the night and let God develop love in your heart for all people.

Another night in the streets, I went to a crack house where a few gang members were sitting on the porch. Their names were Mole and Jesse. They were very nice young men, and I presented the message of Christ to them. They said, "Sure we will pray." We all took hands that night and bowed our heads and prayed. They opened their eyes and both said at the same time that they could see. I said, "What do you mean." They said, "All the darkness is gone." When Christ came into their hearts, the Lord delivered them from their addictions and sin. Although they never expected anything to happen, they were saved as they prayed in faith and honor to Christ.

Almost a year later I ran into Jesse, and he was a little upset with me. I said, "What's wrong?" He said, "You guys never came back to take me to church." I told Jesse that I was sorry. I told him the pastor who was with me promised that he would come by and check on you guys. He said, "Well, he never came by. I still read my Bible. I'm not doing anything wrong. I might as well be in church." I saw that day in spite of our inability to follow up on them that God had kept him. I am often criticized by the religious that say, "It doesn't do any good to lead someone to Christ in the streets. They will never come to church." Do they think it is easier to get someone into a church that is not saved. Remember that God can keep those we lead to Him. However it is important to follow-up on those that we lead to Christ.

Lastly, I recommend that you pray very often in the streets. Areas of inner cities are often intense and the spiritual warfare is strong. Sometimes I pray once, and all is well. Other times, I have to pray every five minutes to see results. Also, remember to bind the enemy, and invite the presence of God into the streets. You will need the favor and protection of God to minister in the streets of the night.

Matthew 16
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Your ministry will be as effective as your relationship with Christ. Follow His leading and see if He someday leads you into the streets of the night to share with those without hope and without Christ.

Street University Lesson Twelve

Group Discussion

1. Practice sharing Christ in a way geared toward the youth. Interpret scriptures into simplistic language that can be easily understood.

Bible Study

1. Study the scriptures where the Lord sent Ananias to a certain city and a certain house to speak to a man named Saul. Review Ananias's response to ministering to someone that had done much evil. Also, notice the Lord's response in verse 15. These scriptures remind me of the Lord's heart towards those in the streets. He wants us to go because He cares.
   Acts 9:10 - 15
   

Optional Assignment

1. Form a group and drive through areas during the daytime that you intend to witness. Organize daytime prayer walks through areas in the streets where you intend to share Christ at night with others.