0:00:00.000,0:00:01.580 This ministry is made possible 0:00:01.580,0:00:02.860 by the generous donations 0:00:02.860,0:00:03.940 of friends and viewers 0:00:03.940,0:00:05.040 of Greater Things. 0:00:05.656,0:00:07.866 Can you think of just[br]one place in the world 0:00:07.866,0:00:09.395 that is free of violence? 0:00:09.395,0:00:10.485 Not likely. 0:00:10.485,0:00:12.125 Violence can strike anywhere, 0:00:12.125,0:00:14.145 and anyone at any moment. 0:00:14.145,0:00:16.685 The high percentage [br]of violence involves you, 0:00:16.685,0:00:19.085 whether they be[br]the victim or perpetrator. 0:00:19.085,0:00:22.066 On today's episode[br]we will discuss what our Christian duty is 0:00:22.066,0:00:24.966 to the hurting before[br]they lash out in violence. 0:00:24.966,0:00:27.156 Also we will discuss[br]youth violence, 0:00:27.156,0:00:29.906 such as school shootings[br]with law enforcement. 0:00:29.906,0:00:32.036 This and more[br]on Greater Things. 0:00:33.190,0:00:37.190 (Intro Music Playing) 0:01:19.567,0:01:21.657 Alot has happened since our last report. 0:01:21.657,0:01:23.547 We begin from news[br]from December ninth 0:01:23.547,0:01:27.777 with The Church of God being established[br]in the African country of Malawi. 0:01:27.777,0:01:30.417 This has also revived the work[br]for neighboring countries 0:01:30.417,0:01:32.407 of Zimbabwe and Zambia. 0:01:32.407,0:01:35.064 Please join with me in welcoming[br]the youth of Malawi 0:01:35.064,0:01:36.574 to the Victory Leaders Band. 0:01:36.574,0:01:40.754 We've received a fantastic report from[br]the former youth leader of Costa Rica 0:01:40.754,0:01:42.864 about their recent National Convention. 0:01:42.864,0:01:43.694 Take a look. 0:01:45.884,0:01:50.824 We have 297 youth members[br]in the VLB department. 0:01:53.926,0:01:59.356 We have 350 youth members[br]in attendance for National Youth Camp. 0:02:03.475,0:02:08.565 Yesterday, we had a march of over 260[br]youth people in the National Convention. 0:02:09.658,0:02:11.208 Three were sanctified 0:02:12.217,0:02:14.547 and seven were saved. 0:02:15.914,0:02:17.314 I ask you to pray for us. 0:02:18.276,0:02:19.816 We are praying for you. 0:02:20.369,0:02:21.719 May the Lord bless you. 0:02:21.988,0:02:24.358 Youth emphasis week[br]is quickly approaching. 0:02:24.358,0:02:26.998 We were able to grab an interview[br]with the General Coordinator 0:02:26.998,0:02:29.338 regarding his thoughts[br]for this designated week. 0:02:29.338,0:02:30.518 For Youth Emphasis Week, 0:02:30.518,0:02:35.158 I'd like to see our local state,[br]regional, and national coordinators 0:02:35.158,0:02:39.126 to make this week one of the biggest[br]youth events all year long. 0:02:39.943,0:02:42.123 Take this time to serve the youth. 0:02:42.692,0:02:44.282 They are important. 0:02:44.282,0:02:46.162 So lets give to the youth[br]during this week. 0:02:46.162,0:02:49.702 Youth Emphasis Week is[br]April 28-May 4th. 0:02:49.885,0:02:52.865 Greater Things is having an[br]impact in foreign countries. 0:02:52.865,0:02:55.875 Costa Rica plans to use[br]one of last years episodes, 0:02:55.875,0:02:57.695 "The Millennials Big Challenge," 0:02:57.695,0:03:00.755 as their main topic of their[br]upcoming National Camp. 0:03:00.755,0:03:01.955 We wish them the best, 0:03:01.955,0:03:04.385 and pray that it is overflowing[br]with God's presence. 0:03:05.015,0:03:07.705 We have big news concerning[br]International Youth Camp. 0:03:07.705,0:03:10.385 This year it will be held in[br]Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 0:03:10.385,0:03:12.265 at the Smoky Mountain Resort. 0:03:12.265,0:03:16.565 This positions IYC in the beautiful[br]Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee, 0:03:16.565,0:03:19.865 only 90 miles from [br]the General Assembly in Kingsport. 0:03:20.465,0:03:25.495 IYC provides vital training for youth camp[br]directors, staff, and representatives. 0:03:25.991,0:03:29.771 Also, all youth leaders are invited[br]to attend this event. 0:03:29.771,0:03:33.771 Get your applications in early[br]to reserve your place at IYC. 0:03:34.543,0:03:39.393 Share your news and events with us[br]by sending them to gt@thechurchofgod.org 0:03:39.511,0:03:41.371 This has been the news for today 0:03:41.371,0:03:43.471 and we're looking forward[br]to greater things. 0:03:53.075,0:03:55.675 Real hope is the opposite of death. 0:03:55.675,0:03:58.825 Real hope is the opposite of fear. 0:04:03.409,0:04:05.549 Real hope won't let go, 0:04:05.549,0:04:09.059 No matter what the present[br]circumstances may look like 0:04:14.891,0:04:17.971 Real hope holds on. 0:04:25.053,0:04:27.343 It is not to early to start[br]planning your events 0:04:27.343,0:04:29.373 for this year’s Youth Emphasis Week. 0:04:29.373,0:04:31.283 This week of activities[br]and encouragement 0:04:31.283,0:04:34.223 is dedicated to the ministry[br]of all youth around the world, 0:04:34.223,0:04:36.113 so go ahead and plan a special outing 0:04:36.113,0:04:38.283 or take initiative to start a new project. 0:04:38.283,0:04:40.363 It’s a great opportunity to be creative, 0:04:40.363,0:04:41.433 have lots of fun, 0:04:41.433,0:04:43.013 and reiterate the importance 0:04:43.013,0:04:44.753 of being a follower of Christ. 0:04:44.753,0:04:46.453 Whatever your inspiration may be 0:04:46.453,0:04:48.883 there is no better time[br]than Youth Emphasis Week. 0:04:49.232,0:04:53.232 No matter how far we've run or[br]how extensive our policies and laws are, 0:04:53.232,0:04:55.252 we can't escape violence. 0:04:55.252,0:04:57.309 It occurs in homes, department stores, 0:04:57.309,0:05:01.309 daycares, courthouses, airports,[br]schools, and even churches. 0:05:01.309,0:05:03.169 There is not one place[br]that can be named 0:05:03.169,0:05:05.949 in which violence in some[br]degree hasn't occurred. 0:05:06.419,0:05:08.049 Recent school and church shootings 0:05:08.049,0:05:10.899 has prompted a lot of discussion[br]regarding this topic. 0:05:11.273,0:05:15.273 What we learn in many of these cases[br]is the perpetrator is a youth 0:05:15.273,0:05:17.253 which targeted other youth. 0:05:17.253,0:05:19.033 We then ask ourselves, 0:05:19.033,0:05:24.554 how can someone so young be capable[br]of committing such acts of violence? 0:05:24.554,0:05:27.574 If we had the opportunity[br]to study their history, 0:05:27.574,0:05:31.434 then we will likely discover[br]that they too were victims of violence. 0:05:31.434,0:05:34.766 There is a vicious cycle[br]that must be stopped. 0:05:34.766,0:05:37.726 When sin entered this world,[br]violence soon followed. 0:05:37.726,0:05:41.976 Sin produces violence[br]and violence produces more violence. 0:05:42.783,0:05:46.402 As Christians, we are called[br]to do more than passively wait 0:05:46.402,0:05:48.712 for the next person to draw a gun. 0:05:48.712,0:05:51.712 We must close the gap[br]with those that are rejected 0:05:51.712,0:05:55.712 and connect with the wounded[br]before they lash out and wound others. 0:05:56.278,0:05:59.628 We must bring down the level[br]of tension and stress around us 0:05:59.628,0:06:02.018 by being a peacemaker. 0:06:02.236,0:06:05.796 You don't have to look far[br]to find someone who is a victim of hurt 0:06:05.796,0:06:08.256 feeling all alone and rejected. 0:06:08.256,0:06:12.036 God is calling for us to be a[br]peacemaker in someone's life. 0:06:12.414,0:06:13.964 Matthew 5:9 says, 0:06:13.964,0:06:17.964 "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they[br]shall be called the children of God." 0:06:18.240,0:06:22.090 A peacemaker doesn't sit idly by[br]while violence occurs, 0:06:22.090,0:06:27.754 but rather he intervenes much the same way[br]God sustains the weak, runs to the weary, 0:06:27.754,0:06:31.644 defends the feeble,[br]and serves the unfortunate. 0:06:31.954,0:06:33.314 On the other side of this, 0:06:33.314,0:06:36.684 if you are a Christian,[br]and violence is occuring against you, 0:06:36.684,0:06:38.234 what do you do then? 0:06:38.608,0:06:41.728 Some people are of the believe[br]that no action should be taken, 0:06:41.728,0:06:44.968 rather we should just pray[br]and hope for the best outcome. 0:06:45.378,0:06:48.828 Others believe self defense[br]is appropriate and permissible. 0:06:49.568,0:06:54.998 One thing we can all agree on[br]is that the Bible condemns violence. 0:06:54.998,0:06:58.638 It's biblically wrong for someone[br]to commit violence against others, 0:06:58.638,0:07:02.478 and it's just as Biblically wrong[br]if someone commits violence against you. 0:07:02.873,0:07:05.523 God makes it clear that[br]He values human life. 0:07:05.892,0:07:11.162 We are to protect and preserve life[br]including our own. 0:07:11.162,0:07:15.362 However violence takes on many forms[br]such as school, domestic, gang related, 0:07:15.362,0:07:18.142 sexual and physical assaults,[br]and much more. 0:07:18.142,0:07:22.342 And for this portion of this discussion[br]we have obtained a personal interview 0:07:22.342,0:07:24.142 with the local sheriff's office. 0:07:25.272,0:07:28.202 We have with us today,[br]Heath Arthur, Field Training Officer 0:07:28.202,0:07:30.162 with the Bradley County Sheriff's Office. 0:07:30.162,0:07:31.882 We appreciate you[br]being here with us. 0:07:31.882,0:07:32.622 Yes sir. 0:07:32.850,0:07:36.510 In your line of work, you deal with[br]violence on a regular basis. 0:07:36.823,0:07:43.173 How often are you seeing youth involved[br]in violence and other criminal activity? 0:07:43.173,0:07:45.051 It's on a daily basis, man. 0:07:45.051,0:07:49.191 At what age are you noticing[br]youth involved in violence? 0:07:49.194,0:07:52.774 Is it in high school age[br]or much earlier than that? 0:07:52.774,0:07:55.814 We're seeing it more and more[br]during grade school times now, 0:07:55.814,0:07:58.314 it's from Kindergarten on up. 0:07:58.314,0:08:01.604 Where are the parents of the youth[br]that commit violence? 0:08:01.604,0:08:04.084 Are they involved in their child's life? 0:08:05.114,0:08:08.951 Are they neglecting their child[br]that caused them to turn to violence? 0:08:08.951,0:08:11.321 We have a large number[br]of children in foster care 0:08:11.321,0:08:12.811 that are committing these acts. 0:08:12.811,0:08:15.521 That's only because their[br]parents have gotten in trouble, 0:08:15.521,0:08:16.221 put in prison, 0:08:16.221,0:08:17.361 or because of drug use, 0:08:17.361,0:08:19.041 their children have[br]been taken away. 0:08:19.041,0:08:21.941 So it just depends on[br]how their household is going at home. 0:08:21.941,0:08:23.921 Could be a broken home[br]but we see it alot 0:08:23.921,0:08:25.171 from the foster system too 0:08:25.171,0:08:27.691 where they're having to deal[br]with these trouble kids. 0:08:27.691,0:08:29.500 A lot of violence occurs in schools. 0:08:29.500,0:08:33.920 Most have policies and procedures[br]to prevent violence. 0:08:33.920,0:08:37.548 Do you feel that more measures[br]could be taken to prevent it? 0:08:37.548,0:08:41.548 I think one of the biggest measures[br]could be taken from the home standpoint. 0:08:41.939,0:08:44.049 I think discipline starts in the home. 0:08:44.049,0:08:47.829 The values for life[br]the value for property, 0:08:47.829,0:08:50.679 I think it starts at home[br]and how the child is being raised. 0:08:50.679,0:08:52.349 On the law enforcement standpoint, 0:08:52.349,0:08:53.429 I would look at it as, 0:08:53.429,0:08:56.069 we need to have that officer[br]present inside the schools 0:08:56.069,0:08:57.679 so they know they'll be repercussions 0:08:57.679,0:09:00.249 for any acts that would be[br]committed inside the school. 0:09:00.249,0:09:05.929 So you feel that the parents can be active[br]in helping to prevent youth violence? 0:09:05.929,0:09:06.689 Absolutely. 0:09:06.979,0:09:09.989 A lot of youth violence occur in schools. 0:09:09.989,0:09:13.145 Probably the most extreme forms[br]that we have witnessed 0:09:13.145,0:09:15.205 over the years is school shootings. 0:09:15.205,0:09:19.205 In many cases, it was youth[br]that targeted other youth. 0:09:19.650,0:09:20.780 Why is that? 0:09:20.780,0:09:22.750 I think the biggest problem,[br]first of all, 0:09:22.750,0:09:24.750 is going to be bullying[br]inside the schools. 0:09:24.750,0:09:26.160 The teachers, the principals, 0:09:26.160,0:09:28.365 the people that are there[br]at the schools need to take 0:09:28.365,0:09:30.832 and they need to recognize[br]what's going on with the children. 0:09:30.832,0:09:34.481 They need to realize why these children[br]are acting out and how they're acting out. 0:09:34.481,0:09:36.441 And that needs to be reported[br]to law enforcement 0:09:36.441,0:09:39.161 and law enforcement is responsible[br]for acting on that 0:09:39.161,0:09:41.921 and making sure it's corrected[br]before anything bad happens. 0:09:41.921,0:09:43.941 First it starts with[br]the parents, teachers, 0:09:43.941,0:09:46.011 and that accountability[br]towards the students 0:09:46.011,0:09:48.061 and the teachers[br]getting that taken care of. 0:09:48.061,0:09:51.021 What are the most important steps[br]that anyone of us should take 0:09:51.021,0:09:54.301 if we were faced with[br]an active shooter situation? 0:09:54.301,0:09:58.301 A lot of folks don't know--they've not[br]been in this kind of situation before 0:09:58.301,0:10:01.541 but what is the absolute first thing[br]that we should do? 0:10:01.541,0:10:04.501 Protection of life. You go,[br]you find cover, 0:10:04.501,0:10:06.625 and you wait on law enforcement. 0:10:06.625,0:10:10.185 And if you have a phone, it doesn't[br]matter if 100 people have called 9-1-1, 0:10:10.185,0:10:12.205 you might be the very first one[br]to call 9-1-1 0:10:12.205,0:10:13.915 so make sure that you[br]notify the authorities 0:10:13.915,0:10:15.565 and you get help there[br]as quick as possible. 0:10:15.565,0:10:17.255 There is no doubt students 0:10:17.255,0:10:21.615 that are throughout this country,[br]they are living in fear, 0:10:21.615,0:10:26.655 they are afraid to go to school tomorrow,[br]what would you say to those students? 0:10:26.655,0:10:28.803 Go to school, live your lives as normal, 0:10:28.803,0:10:32.603 because if you change,[br]your basically giving that shooter, 0:10:32.603,0:10:34.763 whoever is doing these acts,[br]what they wanted. 0:10:34.763,0:10:37.363 They want things to change;[br]they want that attention. 0:10:37.363,0:10:40.018 Go about your life as normal,[br]don't let them win. 0:10:40.578,0:10:43.418 Well we appreciate all the advice[br]you have given today 0:10:43.418,0:10:47.418 and we want to make sure that we[br]make application with what we hear 0:10:47.418,0:10:52.018 so that we can be better prepared and[br]understand situations a little bit better, 0:10:52.018,0:10:53.873 pertaining to youth violence. 0:10:53.873,0:10:56.603 Thank you again, Deputy Arthur,[br]for being here, 0:10:56.603,0:11:00.083 thank you for your service to the[br]Bradley County Sheriff's Office, 0:11:00.083,0:11:03.653 for protecting and serving[br]in our community, we appreciate that. 0:11:03.653,0:11:04.813 Thanks sir, My pleasure. 0:11:05.985,0:11:09.985 (Piano music playing) 0:11:16.749,0:11:19.499 The words you've seen[br]are such a beautiful message. 0:11:19.499,0:11:20.975 "For God so loved the world 0:11:20.975,0:11:22.975 that He gave his only begotten son, 0:11:22.975,0:11:25.505 that whosoever believeth in him,[br]should not perish, 0:11:25.505,0:11:27.285 but have everlasting life." 0:11:27.285,0:11:29.845 Because they are not of a language[br]we speak or read, 0:11:29.845,0:11:31.705 most of us could not understand them. 0:11:31.705,0:11:34.615 The Victory Leaders Band[br]is tasked with raising funds 0:11:34.615,0:11:36.635 to print and translate the gospel message 0:11:36.635,0:11:38.895 to reach every area[br]and language of the world. 0:11:38.895,0:11:41.255 Through the fundraising efforts[br]of young people like you, 0:11:41.255,0:11:44.725 this beautiful gospel is printed,[br]translated, and sent to souls 0:11:44.725,0:11:46.825 who need to know the peace, comfort, joy, 0:11:46.825,0:11:49.375 and salvation that only comes from God. 0:11:49.375,0:11:51.425 We encourage you to[br]raise a special offering 0:11:51.425,0:11:52.705 for outreach literature. 0:11:52.705,0:11:55.185 These donations, in addition to[br]our monthly offerings, 0:11:55.185,0:11:57.735 are vital as we help[br]lost souls of the world 0:11:57.735,0:11:59.205 hear about Jesus Christ. [br] 0:11:59.205,0:12:02.145 Will you help us publish his Word today? 0:12:02.849,0:12:05.219 Perhaps some of you[br]watching today are victims. 0:12:05.220,0:12:07.310 Victims of what, you may ask? 0:12:07.311,0:12:08.531 Of fear. 0:12:08.531,0:12:09.621 Paralyzed by fear, 0:12:09.621,0:12:11.641 dreading to walk into[br]your school tomorrow, 0:12:11.641,0:12:15.671 wondering if you will have to face[br]the nightmare that other students lived. 0:12:15.988,0:12:18.408 2 Timothy 1:7 says, 0:12:18.408,0:12:20.968 "For God hath not given us[br]the spirit of fear, 0:12:20.968,0:12:23.888 but of power, and of love,[br]and of a sound mind. 0:12:24.198,0:12:26.988 The fear you may be experiencing[br]did not come from God, 0:12:27.367,0:12:31.058 but from the enemy of our souls[br]seeking to destroy our peace 0:12:31.058,0:12:32.338 and shake our faith. 0:12:32.618,0:12:34.678 John 16:33 says, 0:12:34.678,0:12:37.488 "These things I have spoken unto you, 0:12:37.488,0:12:39.318 that in me ye might have peace. 0:12:39.318,0:12:42.598 In the world ye have tribulation[br]but be of good cheer, 0:12:42.598,0:12:44.718 I have overcome the world." 0:12:44.718,0:12:49.756 What better way to close this episode[br]than with the Words of Christ? 0:12:49.756,0:12:52.106 Can you bow your heads[br]with me, and let's pray. 0:12:52.924,0:12:54.624 Our Father, which art in Heaven, 0:12:54.624,0:12:56.814 Lord we come to you this day, 0:12:56.814,0:12:59.494 we thank you, Father,[br]that we can run to you 0:12:59.494,0:13:01.014 in our time of trouble, 0:13:01.014,0:13:03.444 Lord you are our high tower, 0:13:03.444,0:13:07.414 And Father, we can find shelter[br]and peace in you 0:13:07.414,0:13:10.498 and Lord, I pray for those that are[br]watching right now 0:13:10.498,0:13:13.378 that you would just bring peace[br]to their hearts 0:13:13.378,0:13:17.604 Lord, You know of all of the students[br]that are watching this episode 0:13:17.604,0:13:21.034 that are afraid to[br]go into their school tomorrow. 0:13:21.034,0:13:26.160 Afraid that some violent crime[br]is going to happen there in that place 0:13:26.160,0:13:29.150 or somebody is going to come in[br]and do awful things 0:13:29.150,0:13:33.620 but God I pray that you just send[br]your Comforter to them, 0:13:33.620,0:13:36.060 send your peace to them right now. 0:13:36.060,0:13:41.260 Father, and reassure them that[br]You are in control of tomorrow. 0:13:41.260,0:13:42.620 You are already there. 0:13:42.620,0:13:45.370 And God I pray that you[br]would just minister to them, 0:13:45.370,0:13:47.520 you know what they have need of right now 0:13:47.520,0:13:50.470 Lord you know what's on[br]their hearts what's on their mind, God, 0:13:50.470,0:13:52.770 and I pray that you[br]would meet their needs 0:13:52.774,0:13:57.394 and bring an overwhelming[br]peace to them right now, we pray, 0:13:57.394,0:14:00.114 in Jesus' name, Amen. 0:14:00.114,0:14:01.614 We would love to hear from you, 0:14:01.614,0:14:03.444 so send us an email with your thoughts 0:14:03.444,0:14:05.904 to gt@thechurchofgod.org, 0:14:05.904,0:14:08.574 or leave us a comment[br]on our facebook or Twitter feeds. 0:14:08.574,0:14:11.194 Your feedback will help us[br]to improve each episode 0:14:11.194,0:14:13.582 and we'll know what topics[br]are important to you. 0:14:13.582,0:14:16.592 You can watch this and future[br]episodes of Greater Things 0:14:16.592,0:14:18.782 on our website, through our mobile apps, 0:14:18.782,0:14:20.682 via our social media pages, 0:14:20.682,0:14:23.322 or by subscribing to our podcast feed. 0:14:23.322,0:14:24.342 Until next time, 0:14:24.342,0:14:26.232 keep your eyes firmly set on Jesus, 0:14:25.739,0:14:28.619 and get ready to see Him[br]perform greater things 0:14:28.619,0:14:29.739 in your life. [br]