Random Chronicle: Stop the Violence 2009 Announced

Through my eleven years of ministry in Abilene, I have witnessed all too often the devastating and life-altering effects of violent crime against victims, families, friends, as well as on those who actually commit violent acts.  We see and hear about violent crime so often on local and national news that many of us have become accustomed and almost numb to senseless acts of hatred, vengeance, prejudice, and assault.  My friend Eric McMahon was the victim of violent crime.  He was just a 48-year old homeless man but his body was found severely beaten and thrown into a trash dumpster in the early morning hours of October 27, 2007.  I will never forget my friend who was killed most recently a year ago on May 26.  Albert Cadena, a 28-year-old husband and father was found murdered in a north Abilene alley.  We are all horrified and grieved by hidden violent acts of domestic violence and abuse perpetrated behind closed doors on the very people abusers say they love the most.  Geana Mac lived to share her terrifying experience when she fought for her life after her ex-boyfriend poured a gallon jug of gasoline on her and ignited her in front of her own six year old son.  Gang violence is no respector of persons.  Janie de la Paz, a precious little four year old girl attended Mission Abilene until January 21, 2007, the night she was shot while sleeping in her bed—the target of a drive-by shooting. 

            We hear story after heartbreaking story as the list of violent crimes in our city continues to grow--gang violence and drive-by shootings, domestic violence and abuse, random disputes gone awry, and malevolent intentional harm.  We hear it on the news all the time unaffected as long it doesn’t touch people we know personally.  If a crime doesn’t actually interfere in our own lives, we remain unchanged, unaware that in reality, one single act of violence touches so many more lives than just the one taken.  The traumatized living victims remain nameless and faceless to us and we are ignorant of the long-term consequences they face.  It’s none of our concern.  We shake our heads in pity and compassions but, in all honesty, our lives remain unaffected by the painful suffering of others…until violence touches our own lives and we or someone we love becomes a victim.  Suddenly, the chaos on the news becomes our own personal stories.

            As I reach out to the homeless and rejected of our society, the gang members, the poor and disadvantaged, and even the prisoners and convicts, I continually see the horrible effect of violence up close.  Because of all that I have seen and experienced, I ask you to join Mission Abilene and our partnering sponsors in awareness and intent to make a difference at our annual “Stop the Violence, Start the Love” event on May 31, 2009 at the Civic Center in Abilene.  The event will host live entertainment, food vendors, speakers, and merchandise.  Local agencies and organizations in our community will provide needed information, education, and resources to the residents of Abilene and the surrounding communities.  A city-wide memorial service will be held to honor those who have been killed by violence with a concert following the service.

            Proceeds from the event will benefit the Regional Crime Victims Crisis Center in Abilene, a nonprofit agency that strives to meet needs and provide resources to victims and their families.  I ask you to join us in the fight to take back our streets and neighborhoods through your donations, sponsorship, and participation in the event.  To become a sponsor or to receive more information, please contact me at Mission Abilene by phone at (325) 232-8258 or by email at chad@missionabilene.com 

Together, we can and will make a difference.

 

Live to Love,

C