Youth Violence Survey

I invite ALL youth ages 12 to 19 to complete the enclosed survey. This says "Peoria" however, no matter where you live, please have your young person(s) complete. Simply enter your current zip code.

Please only 1 survey per person, so that our evaluations can be accurate and remember, it is anonymous and there are no right or wrong answers. We want a youth perspective on violence, violence activities and how it may or may not have effected them. Thank you and Blessed!

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The Restoration Of Marriage & Right Relationships Pt. 2 ~ Building The Family

2: IF YOU DON'T HAVE A HOBBY, FIND ONE. A PERSONAL INTEREST, OR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH, CHURCH ACTIVITY, 

OR 4 WALL VISION.

In his book, "What I know For Sure, My story of growing up in America" author Tavis Smiley described scenarios that are all too familiar to many Black families, especially individuals in the early days of the Black church in America. He described a time when there was a church service and or a church function nearly every day of the week. He described at time when life in the Black community, was synonymous with church. There were only 2 conditions and possibly three of the average Black family and individual; going to church, coming home from church or going or coming home from work, getting ready to go to church.

In those days there was a different study, rehearsal, preparation or practice for something all the time and every day. If one wasn't in a study, then one was in prayer. You mother, father and the whole family was engaged in something. Church was certainly a lively place, and a place full of activity, but it was also one that made a generation of folk commit to themselves, that once they were free from being required to attend church, that they weren't looking back. Some of them grew, left home, left the church and made true on their promises. Some never came back, although many of them continue to send their children to church even if they stay home.

A Little Different, But A Little The Same

Although the church has changed in its core makeup and type of activities that it offers, many of its practices have not changed at all. One could spend weeks if not months simply traveling back and forth to church everyday, somewhere, someplace if one followed all of the outlined and regimented services that they are "required" to attend. As a District Supt, within the organization that I am a part of, if I were to attend all of the services asked of me, and give all the offering that I am asked to give ever year, not only would I be physically worn out, but I would have no time to pastor a church, yet alone be a husband to my wife or a father to my children, and on top of that I would be broke nearly all year round.

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