The Meeting

2 shootings, in 2 weeks, blocks away from where we work.  A guy that we have been praying for for weeks.  To get right and quit doing what he is doing or get out.  First shooting was unsuccessful drive by attempt in which 3 people were shot and one killed. 

This weekend, details are a bit sketchy, but it seems this gang retaliated for the shooting last week.  They shot one man in face and then a chase happened back to the house from the previous shooting.  Now mob justice takes over and the community attacks the guys house in an effort to stop the violence.  Police finally arrive and escort the family to safety.

There is a girl on our team whose parents are missionaries in Columbia.  They have been praying for this particular man and had a verse and a word that they wanted to share. 

When asked who wanted to go to the house and share, 2 people raised their hands.  I was one of them.  I am not sure that I can even explain why.  My wife said I am either really brave or really stupid.  I think its more that I know the hurt and pain this man is causing people and families where we are trying to help.  Imagine would could happen if God got a hold of this guy.  Nothings impossible right.  At least that's what we say, time to start practicing it. 

We went to the house.  A man meets us at the gate.  Wants to know what we want.  We have a word for Andrew (not real name).  He wants to see it.  My partner says no, it must be hand delivered.  He says we don't need you coming here and telling us how wrong we are and how bad we are.  Andrew doesn't need to hear those things.  This is a difficult time for us right now.  We explained thats not who we are and not why we are here.  We have been praying for Andrew and explained how this scripture came from a lady 1/2 way around the world.  Andrew came up from behind house.  He had walked around from a back door.  He shook our hands and said thanks, but it wasn't safe for us to be outside.  He walked back away the way he came. 

I went back later.  Some of his guys were working on the house.  I brought them some bread and cool drink.  Told them that we would like to come around every week and chat with them maybe even do a Bible study with them.  I told them to ask Andrew and we would come back by. 

Today we go back.  It's raining.  No standing outside.  Maybe the rain would help us get inside.  We heard that maybe Andrew was in jail so I stopped by to ask the guys.  They said no he was inside, just busy.  Said to come back in 30 minutes.  Came back with the same guy who came with me yesterday.  There is a big gate, like a garage door.  A man standing just inside.  We walk up.  He looks back to someone else who says ok and he opens the gate to let us in.  He directs us away from a crazy looking dog sitting in the corner and stands between us and the dog.  There are 6-7 guys in here.  Its basically a part of the yard that has been concreted and covered with a cheap roof.  One that leaks badly.  Most of these guys look like boys.  Maybe late teens early 20's.  One goes off and brings back another older man.  I would say he's in charge.  We said we wanted to follow up with Andrew.  He brings into another room.  This now seems like an actual garage.  There is a bed on the floor and a sink in the corner.  He sits and says Andrew is busy today.  Dealing with insurance claims that happened to his house and car at the riots over the weekend.  We ask if we can make an appointment to see him tomorrow.  He calls someone in to sit with us as he goes back into the house.  He comes back and we agree to return again tomorrow at 12:30 

Pray.  Pray hard for the salvation of this man.  The word kingpin is an understatement.  Pray for words of wisdom as we meet tomorrow.  There are lives literally in the balance as there seems to be another battle brewing for this weekend.