city cry

Why does life have to be so complicated at times? Why is it that when we are just starting to get our feet under us at times that more negative stuff starts happening? Sometimes we bring the problems on ourselves, sometimes it is others, and sometimes we are being affected by the spiritual battles which are going on for our lives. I think this last one happens more than we or give credit to.
Working at Project Destiny here with the street kids, we know that we are in a battle. Satan and his evil forces have a tight grip on these kids and do not want to let go. It is tough because the holes have been dug so deep that these kids are in that it is nearly impossible for them to get out alone. Some of the digging has been done by them but much has been caused by others as well.
JR is one who has come on a regular basis. He is one of the leaders of the gang "Bloods" here and has been involved in some pretty bad stuff. Recently though he has seemed to be trying to make some changes. We have been encouraged by this.
Then last week a sweep was made of people using rugby, the glue drug here, and many were arrested including JR who had the drug on himself. We know that almost all of the street kids here are using it. It is cheap, easy to get, and numbs their pain for at least a while. We knew that he was a minor, but he had no proof of it.
We decided to do some research and try to help him. JR's dad had an affair and he was the result. That lady died though and so his dad brought JR home to his family. "Here is our son from a woman I have been having an affair with." You can imagine the reaction. Mom wanted nothing to do with him and so at a young age, JR was abandoned to the streets. His dad became an alcoholic and began beating JR when he would come around, so he left for the streets on a permanent basis. He has been on hs own for years since being young.
So can you imagine trying to find a birth certificate to prove his age? Next to impossible - and here basically without that you basically do not exist. He is going to be sent to jail with adults.
Now was he doing drugs? Yes, no questions, so one can have feelings on both sides. But there are issues which go deeper than just that. The pain that has been caused in this young one's life, being abndoned and beaten by your own family, raising yourself on the streets, being hopeless and looked upon by so many as just a nuisance - the list could go on and on. We are trying to let JR know that he is deeply loved by God who has a plan for his life and that we care too.
The search to aquire some proof of his age goes on. Next week he is supposed to be sent to prison from where he is being held now. Please pray for him and the spiritual war which is going on for his precious life. Thanks.