Do gang bangers go to Heaven?

Yesterday in Bible study at Homework Center I was all set to lead my girls, grades 2nd - 6th, through our November Bible verse: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.” Psalm 118:24. We were going to talk about gratitude. About how all good things come from the Lord. How God is good even when things don’t go our way.

But the girl’s talk quickly turned to the topic of Halloween. The scary part of Halloween. Rapid fire questions: Why does the devil have a holiday? Do people really worship the devil? Question after question… Do people who worship the devil go to Hell? Do good people who do bad things go to Hell?

Then a 5th grader asked with great intensity, “Do gang bangers go to Heaven?” Her intensity felt personal as she locked eyes with me. She explained to the younger girls about the Crips and Bloods who have an intense and bitter rivalry.

They are so desperate for the Truth. Desperate for Hope.

What a beautiful way to share that the blood of Jesus covers all sin, past, present and future - when we give our lives, hearts and souls to Him. That we all sin, but by His grace He covers all. She listened intently, then said “So…. if you love Jesus and give your life to Him, you won’t want to be a gang banger anymore.” She prayed over the group and thanked God for the girls, Homework Center and for loving us.

How grateful to have the time and space of Homework Center to talk about what THEY want to talk about. What’s on THEIR hearts. The hard questions.

Aren’t we grateful: Hope covers all.

I am a Child of God
I am saved by Grace
Filled with the Holy Spirit
Overcomer
Set Free
The Light of the World
Beloved
Chosen
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

-smt