Overcoming Obstacles With Godනියැදිය

Taking that First Step through the Door

What was your first time going to church like? Do you remember the person standing at the pulpit? What was your initial reaction to the sermon?

Walking up the steps of the old Hispanic church building with the faded stucco, I could smell the tamales and pupusas. I could hear the music, the sounds of Spanish-speaking voices around me—my culture, mi raza, my people. There was little to no air conditioning past the front doors, creating a hot, sticky room. But that didn’t faze these people - they were survivors.

“For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.” – Romans 5:10, MEV

People knew I was a gang member just by the way I dressed. I recognized the man on stage giving his testimony as a former rival gang member. He was preaching, and as he spoke, he was getting louder, and looking right at me.

“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.” – Psalm 147:1, MEV

There were no smog machines and no concert lights. This was an old, humble church, but man, they sang that song like they meant it. Everyone in that room had their hands raised. Some people were clapping; others were crying. There was such innocence and a lack of judgment from everyone. The room had such peace and love I didn’t recognize. I didn’t know how to respond to it. A tear fell from my eye and then another and another. At the same time, I was still holding tight to my gun. I had been taught never to let my guard down.