Anti-Gang Drama to Focus on Hope
Hoping to help curb a recent spate of youth violence, an Oxnard-based religious group will stage a dramatic performance Saturday designed to demonstrate the dead-end prospects of gang life.
Victory Outreach Oxnard will host the play “16 to Life” as part of its annual push to keep kids off the streets and out of trouble. The street-tough ministry of self-professed ex-gang members and former drug addicts has waged an 11-year war on gangs and drugs in Oxnard.
“I believe it’s perfect timing,” said the Rev. Bob Herrera, spiritual leader of the 400-member congregation. “Gang-infested and drug-infested areas have always been our target. But just recently violence has really been breaking out.”
Since the start of the year, at least half a dozen Oxnard youngsters have been killed in gang-related violence.
Through the drama and other activities sponsored by Victory Outreach, Herrera and others hope to deliver a message of hope to gang members.
“We don’t see immediate fruit,” Herrera said. “But we get the message out. When these people are ready for change, when they’re tired and feel a need to fill the emptiness, they’ll know where to go.”
The play will be presented at 6 p.m. Saturday at Channel Islands High School, 1400 Raiders Way. A $3 donation is requested.
For more information, call Victory Outreach at 986-8862.
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