Merced man’s book draws on experiences from gang life
Merced Sun-Star
Murder, drugs, death, loss and jail.
Terms the average person might associate with gangs. And with the epidemic levels of gang violence infecting communities nationwide, that maybe understandable.
Tony S from our team runs it down…
Brothers and Sisters
Right now I can say this. The fact that you are looking for help is the first step in the right direction. I know you feel stuck in a situation from which there is no escape. Life has done you wrong, there is no doubt about that. The devil is out to kill you by using other people who are lost too. Only he wants to take you apart a piece at a time before he has someone finish the job in the streets.
He likes to watch people suffer. That’s the devil’s way of getting at God.
God on the other hand despises watching people suffer. But it is up to us to seek him out and work to get out of such a situation. I believe what you are doing by writing is a step in seeking him out. Not only that, I don’t believe it is a mistake that led you do write us. I believe he guided you somehow. Because he sees something in you more powerful than misery. He sees the person that could help others if you give yourself to him.
Moses one of God’s greatest leaders, started out as a murderer. So did the Apostle Paul. He is believed to have killed Christians himself before he became one.
Nothing of the sort is unforgivable. Though what it brings about is an endless life of pain for the others you have hurt as well as yourself. God can help you through that, though there are always repercussions for everything we do. That may not sound like what you hear a preacher on TV say, but that’s just the facts.
You are not meant to die on the streets anymore than you are meant to kill on the streets. This was not what your life was supposed to be about. At all. You have taken the wrong road, but now you can change directions if you listen to what God asks you to do. He’s not going to make you though. That’s going to be your decision.
You can be a Moses or you can be a Cain (who murdered his own brother and paid unknown consequences). While Norte and Sureno do not see themselves as brothers, in God’s eyes we are all brothers. And God says that the way we treat others is the way we treat him. If you hurt someone, you aren’t just hurting them, you are hurting God.
But he forgives. If you ask him and are willing to make that change.
It will not be easy. It may cost many things. I am not going to lie, it could even cost you your life. But with God on your side, it cannot cost you your eternal life. And that is forever. We are only here for a little while.
What you have to do is ask God for forgiveness, mean it, and ask him to lead you by the example his son, Jesus lived. You have to ask Jesus to take your life and make it his own. You will never be perfect, none of us are. And you don’t have to “get better” first before you come to God…a lot of people think they will join God when they get their life straight. That’s like saying you have to clean up before you take a bath.
God will do the cleaning and he loves you no matter how dirty you may feel.
Ask God to lead you out of that place. And at the same time, you must take action yourself to find a way out. You will probably have to leave that area no matter what it costs. If you have to pack a bag and walk out. Its better to do that, than have someone walk your casket out to a hole in the ground. Pretending that you meant something to them, when all they care about really is the red color on their flags. There you will be forgotten in a few years. And what was your life for and really about? Nothing. You will have wasted the gift that God gave you for absolutely nothing.
And there is no coming back. EVER.
Take the opportunity now to ask Jesus to forgive you and take control over your life. Seek out some other good Christians who are willing to help you no matter where you come from, where you have been, or who you have been. You will need the support of a new positive set of brothers. And they will not kill you for trying to leave them.
Find a way. Ask God to help you find a way. And get out of there. Take every dime you have and move away. Don’t look back, never communicate with anyone from that life of death again, because if you do, someone will talk and they will find you. It will be hard, but its better than death and hell.
Write us again, get the advice of some of these other guys who work with Gangstyle, not just me. I’ve not been a gangbanger, I’ve only worked with them, watched them cry over what they have done, held them like I was their father, and watched them carried off to jail or a grave forever. There are four ways out of the gang.
Life in prison
Life in a coma or wheelchair
Death.
or God.
Now is the time to start talking to God, just like you would talk to any friend. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Or all proper. Speak as you feel comfortable. But just be sure to speak to him and read the book he gave us for guidance, the bible…in a translation that is easy to read.
We will pray for you here. But you do not give up or just depend on someone else’s prayers to save you. Only God can. And only you can save yourself from making the wrong decision to stay there. Don’t put anyone else’s kid in the ground. Never shed blood again.
God be with you
National Gang Center
This Web site features the latest research about gangs; descriptions of evidence-based, anti-gang programs; and links to tools, databases, and other resources to assist in developing and implementing effective community-based gang prevention, intervention, and suppression strategies. Here you will find an analysis of the findings from nearly 15 years of data collected by the annual National Youth Gang Survey of 2,500 U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Gang recruitment enters schools
abc13.com
HOUSTON (KTRK) — We have a warning to parents about gangs recruiting in Texas schools. The state says Mexican drug cartels are looking for new recruits to …
Kids told gangs gateway to death, poverty
The Desert Sun
Some kids may idolize gang members because of their glamorized portrayals in popular movies or video games, but there is nothing fun about real street gangs …
With so many cities trying (and faling) with regard to youth rehabilitation here’s a possible blueprint for success…
At home with the homeboys
Pasadena Weekly
By Joe Piasecki 11/12/2009 Celebrated for his successful gang intervention and youth rehabilitation efforts in LA’s inner city, Homeboy Industries founder Father Greg Boyle was in Pasadena Monday to announce a new education and job training partnership with Pasadena’s Learning Works charter high school.
‘I’m a forty- three year old man who thought he was cool, when young with a strapp in his hand. Trying to always beat a rival gang. My mind was so corrupted with lies from so called friends? Voicing out ‘your our homie ese’ we got your back! when I choose to be in a gang fight,my homies? had all jumped the fence running away like cowards, I stood my ground and took a severe beating which resulted in two weeks of hospital treatment. Don’t believe those who say their your family and have your back, trust your true family who will always be there for you when your in need. Peer pressure can be avoided, stay away from negative influences and you will be okay. Words of encouragement by an OG ex-gang member. God bless!!!’Riose
This from Bro Mike…
Bottom Line? If you want out…you need to make the moves. Don’t trust your ‘friends’ to ‘let’ you out or advise you properly. You are too valuable to Christ to stay IN a potentially BAD situation…More coming. Bro Mike
THE SHORT LIST FOR TEENS:
GETTING OUT OF GANG ACTIVITY
Do You REALLY WANT Out? OUT means OUT! Can’t Even Have the appearance of being a Banger! Must Drop Colors & Even Gang Friends. If need be: Go to the police and tell on yourself!
The Banger life is one that seeks to FILL a SPIRITUAL VOID. You AND your family must decide upon a POSITIVE SPIRITUAL DIRECTION. You NEED Jesus Christ & Membership In A Bible-believing Church, with a godly, male Pastor.
You MUST respect and involve your Parents! Especially IF you are a Juvenile Involved In Gang Activity. Number ONE Factor In Putting Wayward Teens In Check ARE Parents/Guardians, PERIOD! Come CLEAN with them BEFORE the cops show up!
Understand: Perseverance and Determination ARE part of normal maturity and growth processes. It’s About DEEDS, NOT Just TALK! DO! Don’t Just TALK! You Take It ONE DAY AT A TIME!
What Are Your Entertainment Choices? Just as one must ‘starve a fever to feed a cold’, you MUST ‘starve’ the negative by feeding the positive! Get Off The Rap/Hip Hop & Thug Prison Barge!
What about your Education? Pursue what you TRULY want to be when you grow up. There IS a difference between ‘Street’ vs. ‘Classroom’ Training. The ‘Video Game’ Life Is NOT Real!
BOTTOM LINE? ONCE you MAKE Choice, STICK WITH IT!
Continuing her “Knowing How” series on how to find work, Lil Miss P deals with interviews and more particularly…
“How To Ace Any Interview”
One of the biggest things I do before everything major in my life, be it a first date to a major business meeting, is take a little time and think about how I want to handle that situation. When it’s something fun or personal, it could be remembering to put work behind me. For a major business meeting, however, it can be as elaborate as jotting down points I want to make to rehearsing what I want to say to prepare. You would be surprised at how much this helps. Not only do I go into situations more confident, but also, if things get a little sidetracked in a meeting it helps me stay focused. If you’re getting ready to interview for a job, take a business meeting, etc. here are the five best ways to prepare:
1. Know your value. You can’t sell a product without knowing what it is and why people may want to have it, and the same goes for your skills. Before you head to your meeting or interview, be sure to take a little time and ask yourself “What do I bring to the table? What skills, experience, etc. do I have that makes me a fit for this position? Once you have this established, write it down into short, simple points. These are your “message points,” and by having them set in your mind will help you communicate them better.
2. Be the part. Another strategy I’ve used that has worked is focusing on not just looking the part, but being it – in what I wear, how I style my hair, what I do, how I carry myself, etc. It doesn’t mean I’m not being myself by any means – I’m just pulling out the qualities and elements that I know can set me apart in business. A good suit is of course a starting point but don’t forget the whole package. Take confidence in yourself and your work, remember to keep your presentation of yourself tight and pulled together from what you wear to how you walk into the room.
3. Practice, Practice. No matter what I do, I always practice and “pregame” before any big meeting or interview. Once I’ve got my message points about myself pulled together and know what I want to say or get across, I practice, practice, practice – in the car, in the mirror, as I’m on my way to the meeting location. If it’s a really big meeting, I’ll even talk it out with friends and/or business partners. It’s just another way to making sure I am confident, ready and prepared.
4. Do research. I always, always make sure that I take a look at the companies I’m meeting with and even the executives, if I can, to ensure I’m well prepared and versed in who they are, what they offer, etc. It can be as simple as a quick Google search or just taking a good look at the company description in a job listing. Not only will it help you feel more confident, prepared and comfortable going into a meeting or interview, but an effort to get to know the company, etc. can also show your attention to detail and hard work – and impress prospective employers.
5. Be prepared with a few questions. During your interview, it’s more than likely prospective employers, business associates, etc. will ask if you have any questions. This can be an awkward time because you might feel put on the spot, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s always a great opportunity to find out if the job, relationship, etc. is the right fit. To be prepared, think of a few questions you’d like to know before you go in. Great things to ask include “What would you consider the ideal candidate?” and “Is there opportunity for advancement?”
A little pregame and preparation can go a long way to make an impact no matter what you’re doing. When it comes to job hunting or work, it can help edge you above other candidates and help you get the gig.
Also in this series:
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