Online Archives

On Aug. 12, Baltimore-Washington Conference leaders issued a call for prayer for United Methodists affected by gang violence. Read A letter of support in the shadow of gang violence.

By Melissa Lauber
UMCONNECTION STAFF

The recent gang violence in Montgomery County, resulting in the stabbing of six teens and the arrest of 12 others, should be sending shockwaves through the church, said one United Methodist pastor. 'This shoots to the heart of who we are. God is needed here.'

The pastor, who is not being identified in this story for reasons of safety, has been warned by police to relocate his home. Conversations he has had with gang members might make him a target.

He admits to being fearful, especially for his family. 'But I also feel faithful,' he said. 'This is the place God has called me to be. It?s not a job. It?s a ministry. I will not take unnecessary risks, but I will be available for my people, my community. They can not escape the situation. I will not either.'

According to reports from law enforcement officials, two rival gangs -- Mara Locos and Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, -- clashed Aug. 5 outside Springbrook High School in Colesville. Two boys were stabbed. Four hours later, at the Westfield Shoppingtown in Wheaton, four other teens were stabbed when a fight broke out at a Target store.

Twelve young men and teenagers have been charged in the two incidents.

In June, police believe, gang members were also involved in the stabbing of a man playing soccer in Gaithersburg.

County executive Douglas Duncan called the violence 'a wake-up call.' Police officers are planning to address an increase in gang violence, especially at the start of the new school year, which begins Aug. 29.

The pastor, who has been working in high schools and other venues to prevent such violence before it occurs, is shocked, but not surprised, at the brutality that is erupting.

According to the Washington Post, a 2004 report by a joint Montgomery-Prince George?s county gang prevention task force estimated that Montgomery had 20 to 22 active gangs with 540 to 560 active members and associates.

Newsweek magazine calls MS-13 'the most dangerous gang in America,' and reports the gang is vigorously expanding its territory into the northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. area, which has the nation?s second highest population of immigrants.

The allure of this gang frightens some church leaders, who trace it back to the youths? desire to feel like they belong in a family.

The county?s policy that students who don?t make good grades in school may not play extra-curricular activities is also a big factor.

A 2001 survey of more than 500 Montgomery County Latinos, ages 14 to 19, showed that nearly half spent zero time during the week in school clubs or sports; another 53 percent spent no time in such activities outside of school.

The church needs to provide opportunities, the pastor said. But during these times when police warn pastors about children carrying weapons, even more is needed.

'People are needed to work with police, government and church leaders,' said the pastor. 'But this is radical. It is not about volunteers. I am not looking for volunteers. It?s only for missionaries with a Jesus heart. You have to have a call. Call means passion.'

Church leaders are also asking for prayers for the gang members, that God will touch their lives; for all the children, youth and adults in the region whose lives are affected by violence; and for protection from fears real and imagined.

'But these prayers must be said in the name of Jesus. Jesus must intervene in this community. There is no solution. People are killing each other. It?s a simple as that,' the pastor said. 'We need something different than human wisdom. We need the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing less.'