1296 & Counting?

“The rising wave of knife crime saw six stabbings in 90 minutes in the capital on Thursday, with a 13-year-old left fighting for his life after an attack in Newham, east London” - 7 April 2018. (Article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/07/london-stabbings-300-extra-police-deployed-streets-tackle-spike/)

2018 has seen an unprecedented amount of reported killings amongst the youth of the UK. Reported number of stabbings stands at approximately 1296, and that was only up until April 2018!

With public sector funding cut for local communities across the country under the Coalition government, it goes without saying that the State is arguably failing our youth. There are a number of contributing factors as to why violence is prevalent amongst this generation, with poverty, unemployment, social media being but a few.

BBC Radio 1xtra recently aired a documentary titled ‘Gangs, Drill and Prayer’ shedding lighton the lives of young people previously

involved in illicit activity and their transformation into young Christians serving the Kingdom. The documentary raised several concerns and sparked controversy with several Christian commentators arguing against the mode of worship that these young people opt for. What are your thoughts? Watch the documentary and let us know.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p065zhf8

I personally believe that the enemy attacks great potential. Perpetuating a culture of violence amongst our young people is a prime example. Harry Uzoka is just one of those who had great potential - a fashion model, who had his life cut short mercilessly at the hands of a knife. Millennials and Generation Z are gifted and brimming with potential. Having grown up in an age of globalisation and technological advancements, the possibilities for the future generations are endless and certainly steering away from traditional societal norms. Being the future leaders of tomorrow, it goes without saying that the enemy is trying to tear down many of these children and young people but he will not win in Jesus name.

As the school term draws to an end for students across the country and capital to be specific, there is a harrowing possibility that we may witness another spike in youth violence. A local councillor who has asked to be kept anonymous, mentioned that there has been a slight trend in the peaks of violence this year - notably when students are out of school, college and university. Although we may not be able to collate millions to fund social outreach projects to help the youth, what we can do is cry out to the Lord this summer and for the remaining months in 2018.

I pray for every single young person in the UK and world as a whole. I pray against the crippling feeling of fear and helplessness. I pray against the unhealthy desire for social acceptance. I pray against every spirit of raging violence. I pray that peace will locate every young person and that some way, some how, they will have an encounter with the Lord and come to the realisation that inner satisfaction and peace comes from Him and Him alone.

My prayer is that there will be an overwhelming presence of peace across all local communities. I pray and commit all youth leaders and those heavily involved in outreach projects into the hands of the Most High. I pray that as they walk in purpose and passion, the Lord will protect and keep them, provide the necessary resources and most importantly, use them as a vessels to positively influence the lives those involved in crime and violence. Finally, I pray for our leaders, that as we are in somewhat of a tense political climate, that they will be able to govern the country in a just manner and allocate the necessary resources and governance to meet the needs of the people.

Continue to keep those who have been affected by knife crime in your prayers - Matthew 5:4.