Our young people are dying. How are we reaching out to them to help them?

[Joanna Finch]

I am so saddened by the condition and state of mind of our young people. They are addicted to drugs, many have sexually transmitted diseases, there is no end to the number of young people joining gangs. But what are we doing to help stop this madness? I used to work in a high school alternative program with students who were called "at risk". I heard many stories from those who were in the gangs, sexually active and using the drugs and they would tell me that their parents didn't care what they do, the gang was like a family, drugs is just a thing to do and they didn't care if they lived or died. Some didn't believe there was a heaven or a hell. They said the church was a joke because of the fact that some of their best customers to sell drugs to were in the church. Sure they were making excuses for their actions and trying to justify them by casting blame elsewhere but it goes deeper. Somewhere along the line, some of us stopped caring for the younger generation, we are afraid to speak to the youth with the colors, bandanas or hats on becauseof concern for our own safety. And then there's some who are abused or homeless that we pass by on the street and when they ask for spare change or a place to lay their heads, we keep going as if we don't heart them. That could be your child. Don't you know they are all crying out for love and attention? We are overcomers, but they need us to help them now to be an overcomers. How are we going to reach out and help them? My heart aches for them.