Experiencing Gangs

Interesting - the youth justice definition of a ‘gang’ is a group of young people with a common goal /identity to be involved in activities that are against the law.

I gather you will be involved in detached youth work?

It’s a good idea to contact youth service/council to see if they do detached work in your local area that involves working with gangs/.

Richard Passmore has written a good book on starting detached work from scratch.(You can get it through the Frontier Youth Trust)

In my experience to work with gangs we need to spend time in prayer and make sure you get the church praying for you.

go out in 2s(male and female).

what I’ve found important is to get to know young people on streets in a non- preachy way. So you can start to get to know the young people. it might take 12 months to gain their trust.

here’s a story from my experience - a group of young people (townie young people) as they identified themselves as. They were hanging out on streets and sometimes involved in anti social behaviour. 3 yrs ago I started playing sports with them on the streets and in the fields. I began building relationships with young people and gaining their trust. 6 months on we started a sports project that that promoted team building and self esteem and healthy lifestyles. the project has gone from strength to strength . we have also taken the young people to residentials with outdoor sports and an evangelistic celebration. Aswell we have organised football tournament and matches with church and Christian organisations. Some of the young people now attend our youth cafe where they learn life skills.

None of them have given their life to Christ yet but they come back every week and have good relationships with youth leaders.

Just recently, CO-OP gave the project some funds so every child can have a full football kit with their name/nickname and chosen number on their shirt. This makes them feel special and important.

The young people ask questions about the Christian faith but are not yet ready to make a commitment to Christ. We know through the Holy Spirit God in his timing will open young people’s hearts. One thing we will do is give them confidence in their abilities that helps them now and in their future.

This work is great as it is making a difference in young people’s lives and gives them a hope - but also in long term youth work.

I hope this encourages you in the area of working with gangs. just a thought: I don’t think God sees these young people as gangs but young people created in the image of God
and unique and special.

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