Answered prayers... Yesterday we launched POPP 40 Days to Freedom inside our first Juvenile Correctional Facility in Ohio. There are two gangs that dominate the youth prisons here-- one comes out of Cleveland and the other predominately out of Cincinnati-- one is the product of the other, as young inmates are seeking protection. As they all came into the gym, they were seated in two big sections, separated from one another by a bleacher railing. Two large rival groups were there to listen to something that they knew nothing about... The vibe was understandably intense, as everything at the age of 17-18 in this place is about reputation, credibility and status. It was a very tough audience, but I had them for five hours on Day-One. At the end of the first day they were given an option as to whether they wanted to attend Day-Two, for it is a voluntary program, but this program happens to go against every part of their convict code. This morning I didnt know what to expect and neither did the staff. However, to our surprise, 100% of the youth returned. Today it was another full five hours of motivating, inspiring and educating them, and trying to bring them to a decision. Again, they were able to choose whether to sign the peace pledge and fully engage in the eight week POPP program. And once again, 100% of these tough young men signed and agreed to participate-- the staff was blown away; these teens just dont typically do this, but then again, theyve never been caught up in something that they feel is their own movement for peace in their dysfunctional, small community. Now we let the peace process unfold, as the staff works in small groups, with DVDs and journaling over the next 40 days with these hard-to-handle, but full-of-potential young offenders. After the eight weeks, I will go back and we will celebrate, graduate, and launch POPP Phase Two. If it can work here, it can work anywhere... All the glory is His and only the mistakes are mine. See you on the field.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 22:45:53 +0000
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