I wrote recently about one of our residents and his "Street" mentality, but tried to keep a positive attitude because he was at least willing to accept correction. Now I am not so sure I am equipped to deal with him.

Let me explain...

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The white man is holding me down...

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In our house we have 5 men of African heritage, and out of a total of 16 beds that is proportionate to our population. We are a Christian ministry and in no way single out anyone for anything other than behavior.

The new guy in our house comes from New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina and has been in the prison system before. I also have done about 11 years in the system and am familiar with a lot of the prison "Religions" and beliefs. One of these belief systems is based VERY loosely on Islam but has been corrupted into a "Black" nationalist movement. It goes by many names, Nation of Islam, Moorish Science Temple, Melanic Temple, but basically the thinking behind most of them is that the "Black" man is the "Original" man and that they actually created all other races. The Nation of Islam actually teaches that an evil "Wizard" named "Yacoob" (Jacob in the Bible) created the white man from as pig, a goat, and a dog, in a cave. In reality it is all a way to dehumanize one group so that another can have identity behind it.

Now, knowing this things that most people don't know as a result of my years in a "Muslim" street gang, I try to talk to this young man and express Jesus' love for him and redemptive power. He comes back a lot with questions like "Am I supposed to forget about my people?" and I explain to him, No but if you want to help anyone, first you have to have yourself right.

This young guy has always been willing to listen and take correction. He has never given me any grief when it come to me having to tell him to do something or not to do something. But how do I address someone speaking on his beliefs when they aren't in line with our ministry?

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Need for sensitivity

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When I deal with this young man I want to be aware of where he comes from and the fact that his life is not mine. Just because I see something one way I cannot expect him to agree.

The problem arises when he is in discussion with one of the other Black residents and discussing with them this unfounded "Esoteric" knowledge. I mean some of this stuff is way out there, like the "Black" man has melanin in him which originally came from Chlorophyll and the first men didn't need to eat they just got their food from the Sun. Oh yeah, and the "White" man somehow (I am not sure how) took this ability and made it to where they had to eat food.

I mean this kid actually believes this stuff, and unfortunately he seems to be gaining an audience with a couple of the other residents.

I always do everything I can to make things fair here. I give out the chores based on seniority and try to base my actions on behavior, but I fear this guy is going to foment an air of "Us against them" mentality in the house.

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Trust in God

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I know that the Lord has his hand on this ministry, I see it everyday when someone comes into a new job, or makes a breakthrough with their estranged family. I know I shouldn't worry about things as they will work out exactly how they should.

What I worry about is my own actions. I want to continue to say what I mean and mean what I say, and for my guys to know that I treat them all as brothers in Christ regardless of what background they have.

Pray for my wisdom in helping these men.

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Please Read...

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Thank you and God Bless!

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