On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, I had the privilege of joining a FORCLT Youth Prayer Network gathering here in Charlotte. (FORCLT is a network of pastors and churches, here in Greater Charlotte, North Carolina, USA). This wasn’t just another meeting—it was a critical moment to connect with some of the most at-risk youth in our city. These young people, many of whom are involved with gangs like the Hidden Valley Kings, MS-13, SUR-13, Crips, and Bloods, carry stories marked by pain, crime, and brokenness.
It’s easy to hear the names of these gangs and think of the headlines: drug trafficking, violence, theft, and so much more. But behind those headlines are young lives—precious lives—that desperately need to know their true value.
A Message of Hope and Value
At the event, I spoke to a group of 300 youth. My message was drawn straight from Derek Prince’s book, You Matter to God, specifically Chapter One: “Do you know how valuable you are?” These words were a revelation for many of these young people because, truthfully, most of them have never been told they matter. Many of them wrestle with deep trust and abandonment issues, and it’s no wonder—so many have felt unseen, unloved, and alone.
As I spoke, I could see hearts beginning to soften. By the end of our time together, I invited them to take the most important step they could ever take: to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. To my amazement, 85 young people said YES to Jesus that day! It was a powerful, life-changing moment.
Building Trust and Relationships
But this work doesn’t stop with a single prayer or gathering. These youth need consistency; they need people who will stand by them week after week, showing them the love of God through action and relationship. My husband and I are committed to checking in on them regularly, building trust that many have never known before. It’s a slow process, but it’s essential.
One young man recently shared a testimony that brought me to tears. After receiving Derek Prince’s book, Prayers and Proclamations, he told me that it had kept him from falling back into trouble. He said it gave him strength to resist temptations he’s struggled with for so long. It reminded me again how powerful Derek’s teachings are—even decades later, they are still opening eyes and hearts to God’s truth.
"He told me that it had kept him from falling back into trouble. He said it gave him strength to resist temptations he’s struggled with for so long."
Enter The Danger Zone
The need to reach this group is urgent. They are in the danger zone! These are lives that the enemy has targeted with lies, violence, and despair. But God is moving, and there is hope. We can’t simply stand by; we must go to where they are, meet them in their struggles, and share the life-changing truth of the Gospel.
Please keep these young people in your prayers. Pray for continued opportunities to minister to them, for relationships to grow stronger, and for hearts to be transformed. Thank you for standing with us as we bring hope and light to Charlotte’s youth.
