1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,580 This ministry is made possible 2 00:00:01,580 --> 00:00:02,860 by the generous donations 3 00:00:02,860 --> 00:00:03,940 of friends and viewers 4 00:00:03,940 --> 00:00:05,040 of Greater Things. 5 00:00:05,656 --> 00:00:07,866 Can you think of just one place in the world 6 00:00:07,866 --> 00:00:09,395 that is free of violence? 7 00:00:09,395 --> 00:00:10,485 Not likely. 8 00:00:10,485 --> 00:00:12,125 Violence can strike anywhere, 9 00:00:12,125 --> 00:00:14,145 and anyone at any moment. 10 00:00:14,145 --> 00:00:16,685 The high percentage of violence involves you, 11 00:00:16,685 --> 00:00:19,085 whether they be the victim or perpetrator. 12 00:00:19,085 --> 00:00:22,066 On today's episode we will discuss what our Christian duty is 13 00:00:22,066 --> 00:00:24,966 to the hurting before they lash out in violence. 14 00:00:24,966 --> 00:00:27,156 Also we will discuss youth violence, 15 00:00:27,156 --> 00:00:29,906 such as school shootings with law enforcement. 16 00:00:29,906 --> 00:00:32,036 This and more on Greater Things. 17 00:00:33,190 --> 00:00:37,190 (Intro Music Playing) 18 00:01:19,567 --> 00:01:21,657 Alot has happened since our last report. 19 00:01:21,657 --> 00:01:23,547 We begin from news from December ninth 20 00:01:23,547 --> 00:01:27,777 with The Church of God being established in the African country of Malawi. 21 00:01:27,777 --> 00:01:30,417 This has also revived the work for neighboring countries 22 00:01:30,417 --> 00:01:32,407 of Zimbabwe and Zambia. 23 00:01:32,407 --> 00:01:35,064 Please join with me in welcoming the youth of Malawi 24 00:01:35,064 --> 00:01:36,574 to the Victory Leaders Band. 25 00:01:36,574 --> 00:01:40,754 We've received a fantastic report from the former youth leader of Costa Rica 26 00:01:40,754 --> 00:01:42,864 about their recent National Convention. 27 00:01:42,864 --> 00:01:43,694 Take a look. 28 00:01:45,884 --> 00:01:50,824 We have 297 youth members in the VLB department. 29 00:01:53,926 --> 00:01:59,356 We have 350 youth members in attendance for National Youth Camp. 30 00:02:03,475 --> 00:02:08,565 Yesterday, we had a march of over 260 youth people in the National Convention. 31 00:02:09,658 --> 00:02:11,208 Three were sanctified 32 00:02:12,217 --> 00:02:14,547 and seven were saved. 33 00:02:15,914 --> 00:02:17,314 I ask you to pray for us. 34 00:02:18,276 --> 00:02:19,816 We are praying for you. 35 00:02:20,369 --> 00:02:21,719 May the Lord bless you. 36 00:02:21,988 --> 00:02:24,358 Youth emphasis week is quickly approaching. 37 00:02:24,358 --> 00:02:26,998 We were able to grab an interview with the General Coordinator 38 00:02:26,998 --> 00:02:29,338 regarding his thoughts for this designated week. 39 00:02:29,338 --> 00:02:30,518 For Youth Emphasis Week, 40 00:02:30,518 --> 00:02:35,158 I'd like to see our local state, regional, and national coordinators 41 00:02:35,158 --> 00:02:39,126 to make this week one of the biggest youth events all year long. 42 00:02:39,943 --> 00:02:42,123 Take this time to serve the youth. 43 00:02:42,692 --> 00:02:44,282 They are important. 44 00:02:44,282 --> 00:02:46,162 So lets give to the youth during this week. 45 00:02:46,162 --> 00:02:49,702 Youth Emphasis Week is April 28-May 4th. 46 00:02:49,885 --> 00:02:52,865 Greater Things is having an impact in foreign countries. 47 00:02:52,865 --> 00:02:55,875 Costa Rica plans to use one of last years episodes, 48 00:02:55,875 --> 00:02:57,695 "The Millennials Big Challenge," 49 00:02:57,695 --> 00:03:00,755 as their main topic of their upcoming National Camp. 50 00:03:00,755 --> 00:03:01,955 We wish them the best, 51 00:03:01,955 --> 00:03:04,385 and pray that it is overflowing with God's presence. 52 00:03:05,015 --> 00:03:07,705 We have big news concerning International Youth Camp. 53 00:03:07,705 --> 00:03:10,385 This year it will be held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 54 00:03:10,385 --> 00:03:12,265 at the Smoky Mountain Resort. 55 00:03:12,265 --> 00:03:16,565 This positions IYC in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee, 56 00:03:16,565 --> 00:03:19,865 only 90 miles from the General Assembly in Kingsport. 57 00:03:20,465 --> 00:03:25,495 IYC provides vital training for youth camp directors, staff, and representatives. 58 00:03:25,991 --> 00:03:29,771 Also, all youth leaders are invited to attend this event. 59 00:03:29,771 --> 00:03:33,771 Get your applications in early to reserve your place at IYC. 60 00:03:34,543 --> 00:03:39,393 Share your news and events with us by sending them to gt@thechurchofgod.org 61 00:03:39,511 --> 00:03:41,371 This has been the news for today 62 00:03:41,371 --> 00:03:43,471 and we're looking forward to greater things. 63 00:03:53,075 --> 00:03:55,675 Real hope is the opposite of death. 64 00:03:55,675 --> 00:03:58,825 Real hope is the opposite of fear. 65 00:04:03,409 --> 00:04:05,549 Real hope won't let go, 66 00:04:05,549 --> 00:04:09,059 No matter what the present circumstances may look like 67 00:04:14,891 --> 00:04:17,971 Real hope holds on. 68 00:04:25,053 --> 00:04:27,343 It is not to early to start planning your events 69 00:04:27,343 --> 00:04:29,373 for this year’s Youth Emphasis Week. 70 00:04:29,373 --> 00:04:31,283 This week of activities and encouragement 71 00:04:31,283 --> 00:04:34,223 is dedicated to the ministry of all youth around the world, 72 00:04:34,223 --> 00:04:36,113 so go ahead and plan a special outing 73 00:04:36,113 --> 00:04:38,283 or take initiative to start a new project. 74 00:04:38,283 --> 00:04:40,363 It’s a great opportunity to be creative, 75 00:04:40,363 --> 00:04:41,433 have lots of fun, 76 00:04:41,433 --> 00:04:43,013 and reiterate the importance 77 00:04:43,013 --> 00:04:44,753 of being a follower of Christ. 78 00:04:44,753 --> 00:04:46,453 Whatever your inspiration may be 79 00:04:46,453 --> 00:04:48,883 there is no better time than Youth Emphasis Week. 80 00:04:49,232 --> 00:04:53,232 No matter how far we've run or how extensive our policies and laws are, 81 00:04:53,232 --> 00:04:55,252 we can't escape violence. 82 00:04:55,252 --> 00:04:57,309 It occurs in homes, department stores, 83 00:04:57,309 --> 00:05:01,309 daycares, courthouses, airports, schools, and even churches. 84 00:05:01,309 --> 00:05:03,169 There is not one place that can be named 85 00:05:03,169 --> 00:05:05,949 in which violence in some degree hasn't occurred. 86 00:05:06,419 --> 00:05:08,049 Recent school and church shootings 87 00:05:08,049 --> 00:05:10,899 has prompted a lot of discussion regarding this topic. 88 00:05:11,273 --> 00:05:15,273 What we learn in many of these cases is the perpetrator is a youth 89 00:05:15,273 --> 00:05:17,253 which targeted other youth. 90 00:05:17,253 --> 00:05:19,033 We then ask ourselves, 91 00:05:19,033 --> 00:05:24,554 how can someone so young be capable of committing such acts of violence? 92 00:05:24,554 --> 00:05:27,574 If we had the opportunity to study their history, 93 00:05:27,574 --> 00:05:31,434 then we will likely discover that they too were victims of violence. 94 00:05:31,434 --> 00:05:34,766 There is a vicious cycle that must be stopped. 95 00:05:34,766 --> 00:05:37,726 When sin entered this world, violence soon followed. 96 00:05:37,726 --> 00:05:41,976 Sin produces violence and violence produces more violence. 97 00:05:42,783 --> 00:05:46,402 As Christians, we are called to do more than passively wait 98 00:05:46,402 --> 00:05:48,712 for the next person to draw a gun. 99 00:05:48,712 --> 00:05:51,712 We must close the gap with those that are rejected 100 00:05:51,712 --> 00:05:55,712 and connect with the wounded before they lash out and wound others. 101 00:05:56,278 --> 00:05:59,628 We must bring down the level of tension and stress around us 102 00:05:59,628 --> 00:06:02,018 by being a peacemaker. 103 00:06:02,236 --> 00:06:05,796 You don't have to look far to find someone who is a victim of hurt 104 00:06:05,796 --> 00:06:08,256 feeling all alone and rejected. 105 00:06:08,256 --> 00:06:12,036 God is calling for us to be a peacemaker in someone's life. 106 00:06:12,414 --> 00:06:13,964 Matthew 5:9 says, 107 00:06:13,964 --> 00:06:17,964 "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." 108 00:06:18,240 --> 00:06:22,090 A peacemaker doesn't sit idly by while violence occurs, 109 00:06:22,090 --> 00:06:27,754 but rather he intervenes much the same way God sustains the weak, runs to the weary, 110 00:06:27,754 --> 00:06:31,644 defends the feeble, and serves the unfortunate. 111 00:06:31,954 --> 00:06:33,314 On the other side of this, 112 00:06:33,314 --> 00:06:36,684 if you are a Christian, and violence is occuring against you, 113 00:06:36,684 --> 00:06:38,234 what do you do then? 114 00:06:38,608 --> 00:06:41,728 Some people are of the believe that no action should be taken, 115 00:06:41,728 --> 00:06:44,968 rather we should just pray and hope for the best outcome. 116 00:06:45,378 --> 00:06:48,828 Others believe self defense is appropriate and permissible. 117 00:06:49,568 --> 00:06:54,998 One thing we can all agree on is that the Bible condemns violence. 118 00:06:54,998 --> 00:06:58,638 It's biblically wrong for someone to commit violence against others, 119 00:06:58,638 --> 00:07:02,478 and it's just as Biblically wrong if someone commits violence against you. 120 00:07:02,873 --> 00:07:05,523 God makes it clear that He values human life. 121 00:07:05,892 --> 00:07:11,162 We are to protect and preserve life including our own. 122 00:07:11,162 --> 00:07:15,362 However violence takes on many forms such as school, domestic, gang related, 123 00:07:15,362 --> 00:07:18,142 sexual and physical assaults, and much more. 124 00:07:18,142 --> 00:07:22,342 And for this portion of this discussion we have obtained a personal interview 125 00:07:22,342 --> 00:07:24,142 with the local sheriff's office. 126 00:07:25,272 --> 00:07:28,202 We have with us today, Heath Arthur, Field Training Officer 127 00:07:28,202 --> 00:07:30,162 with the Bradley County Sheriff's Office. 128 00:07:30,162 --> 00:07:31,882 We appreciate you being here with us. 129 00:07:31,882 --> 00:07:32,622 Yes sir. 130 00:07:32,850 --> 00:07:36,510 In your line of work, you deal with violence on a regular basis. 131 00:07:36,823 --> 00:07:43,173 How often are you seeing youth involved in violence and other criminal activity? 132 00:07:43,173 --> 00:07:45,051 It's on a daily basis, man. 133 00:07:45,051 --> 00:07:49,191 At what age are you noticing youth involved in violence? 134 00:07:49,194 --> 00:07:52,774 Is it in high school age or much earlier than that? 135 00:07:52,774 --> 00:07:55,814 We're seeing it more and more during grade school times now, 136 00:07:55,814 --> 00:07:58,314 it's from Kindergarten on up. 137 00:07:58,314 --> 00:08:01,604 Where are the parents of the youth that commit violence? 138 00:08:01,604 --> 00:08:04,084 Are they involved in their child's life? 139 00:08:05,114 --> 00:08:08,951 Are they neglecting their child that caused them to turn to violence? 140 00:08:08,951 --> 00:08:11,321 We have a large number of children in foster care 141 00:08:11,321 --> 00:08:12,811 that are committing these acts. 142 00:08:12,811 --> 00:08:15,521 That's only because their parents have gotten in trouble, 143 00:08:15,521 --> 00:08:16,221 put in prison, 144 00:08:16,221 --> 00:08:17,361 or because of drug use, 145 00:08:17,361 --> 00:08:19,041 their children have been taken away. 146 00:08:19,041 --> 00:08:21,941 So it just depends on how their household is going at home. 147 00:08:21,941 --> 00:08:23,921 Could be a broken home but we see it alot 148 00:08:23,921 --> 00:08:25,171 from the foster system too 149 00:08:25,171 --> 00:08:27,691 where they're having to deal with these trouble kids. 150 00:08:27,691 --> 00:08:29,500 A lot of violence occurs in schools. 151 00:08:29,500 --> 00:08:33,920 Most have policies and procedures to prevent violence. 152 00:08:33,920 --> 00:08:37,548 Do you feel that more measures could be taken to prevent it? 153 00:08:37,548 --> 00:08:41,548 I think one of the biggest measures could be taken from the home standpoint. 154 00:08:41,939 --> 00:08:44,049 I think discipline starts in the home. 155 00:08:44,049 --> 00:08:47,829 The values for life the value for property, 156 00:08:47,829 --> 00:08:50,679 I think it starts at home and how the child is being raised. 157 00:08:50,679 --> 00:08:52,349 On the law enforcement standpoint, 158 00:08:52,349 --> 00:08:53,429 I would look at it as, 159 00:08:53,429 --> 00:08:56,069 we need to have that officer present inside the schools 160 00:08:56,069 --> 00:08:57,679 so they know they'll be repercussions 161 00:08:57,679 --> 00:09:00,249 for any acts that would be committed inside the school. 162 00:09:00,249 --> 00:09:05,929 So you feel that the parents can be active in helping to prevent youth violence? 163 00:09:05,929 --> 00:09:06,689 Absolutely. 164 00:09:06,979 --> 00:09:09,989 A lot of youth violence occur in schools. 165 00:09:09,989 --> 00:09:13,145 Probably the most extreme forms that we have witnessed 166 00:09:13,145 --> 00:09:15,205 over the years is school shootings. 167 00:09:15,205 --> 00:09:19,205 In many cases, it was youth that targeted other youth. 168 00:09:19,650 --> 00:09:20,780 Why is that? 169 00:09:20,780 --> 00:09:22,750 I think the biggest problem, first of all, 170 00:09:22,750 --> 00:09:24,750 is going to be bullying inside the schools. 171 00:09:24,750 --> 00:09:26,160 The teachers, the principals, 172 00:09:26,160 --> 00:09:28,365 the people that are there at the schools need to take 173 00:09:28,365 --> 00:09:30,832 and they need to recognize what's going on with the children. 174 00:09:30,832 --> 00:09:34,481 They need to realize why these children are acting out and how they're acting out. 175 00:09:34,481 --> 00:09:36,441 And that needs to be reported to law enforcement 176 00:09:36,441 --> 00:09:39,161 and law enforcement is responsible for acting on that 177 00:09:39,161 --> 00:09:41,921 and making sure it's corrected before anything bad happens. 178 00:09:41,921 --> 00:09:43,941 First it starts with the parents, teachers, 179 00:09:43,941 --> 00:09:46,011 and that accountability towards the students 180 00:09:46,011 --> 00:09:48,061 and the teachers getting that taken care of. 181 00:09:48,061 --> 00:09:51,021 What are the most important steps that anyone of us should take 182 00:09:51,021 --> 00:09:54,301 if we were faced with an active shooter situation? 183 00:09:54,301 --> 00:09:58,301 A lot of folks don't know--they've not been in this kind of situation before 184 00:09:58,301 --> 00:10:01,541 but what is the absolute first thing that we should do? 185 00:10:01,541 --> 00:10:04,501 Protection of life. You go, you find cover, 186 00:10:04,501 --> 00:10:06,625 and you wait on law enforcement. 187 00:10:06,625 --> 00:10:10,185 And if you have a phone, it doesn't matter if 100 people have called 9-1-1, 188 00:10:10,185 --> 00:10:12,205 you might be the very first one to call 9-1-1 189 00:10:12,205 --> 00:10:13,915 so make sure that you notify the authorities 190 00:10:13,915 --> 00:10:15,565 and you get help there as quick as possible. 191 00:10:15,565 --> 00:10:17,255 There is no doubt students 192 00:10:17,255 --> 00:10:21,615 that are throughout this country, they are living in fear, 193 00:10:21,615 --> 00:10:26,655 they are afraid to go to school tomorrow, what would you say to those students? 194 00:10:26,655 --> 00:10:28,803 Go to school, live your lives as normal, 195 00:10:28,803 --> 00:10:32,603 because if you change, your basically giving that shooter, 196 00:10:32,603 --> 00:10:34,763 whoever is doing these acts, what they wanted. 197 00:10:34,763 --> 00:10:37,363 They want things to change; they want that attention. 198 00:10:37,363 --> 00:10:40,018 Go about your life as normal, don't let them win. 199 00:10:40,578 --> 00:10:43,418 Well we appreciate all the advice you have given today 200 00:10:43,418 --> 00:10:47,418 and we want to make sure that we make application with what we hear 201 00:10:47,418 --> 00:10:52,018 so that we can be better prepared and understand situations a little bit better, 202 00:10:52,018 --> 00:10:53,873 pertaining to youth violence. 203 00:10:53,873 --> 00:10:56,603 Thank you again, Deputy Arthur, for being here, 204 00:10:56,603 --> 00:11:00,083 thank you for your service to the Bradley County Sheriff's Office, 205 00:11:00,083 --> 00:11:03,653 for protecting and serving in our community, we appreciate that. 206 00:11:03,653 --> 00:11:04,813 Thanks sir, My pleasure. 207 00:11:05,985 --> 00:11:09,985 (Piano music playing) 208 00:11:16,749 --> 00:11:19,499 The words you've seen are such a beautiful message. 209 00:11:19,499 --> 00:11:20,975 "For God so loved the world 210 00:11:20,975 --> 00:11:22,975 that He gave his only begotten son, 211 00:11:22,975 --> 00:11:25,505 that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, 212 00:11:25,505 --> 00:11:27,285 but have everlasting life." 213 00:11:27,285 --> 00:11:29,845 Because they are not of a language we speak or read, 214 00:11:29,845 --> 00:11:31,705 most of us could not understand them. 215 00:11:31,705 --> 00:11:34,615 The Victory Leaders Band is tasked with raising funds 216 00:11:34,615 --> 00:11:36,635 to print and translate the gospel message 217 00:11:36,635 --> 00:11:38,895 to reach every area and language of the world. 218 00:11:38,895 --> 00:11:41,255 Through the fundraising efforts of young people like you, 219 00:11:41,255 --> 00:11:44,725 this beautiful gospel is printed, translated, and sent to souls 220 00:11:44,725 --> 00:11:46,825 who need to know the peace, comfort, joy, 221 00:11:46,825 --> 00:11:49,375 and salvation that only comes from God. 222 00:11:49,375 --> 00:11:51,425 We encourage you to raise a special offering 223 00:11:51,425 --> 00:11:52,705 for outreach literature. 224 00:11:52,705 --> 00:11:55,185 These donations, in addition to our monthly offerings, 225 00:11:55,185 --> 00:11:57,735 are vital as we help lost souls of the world 226 00:11:57,735 --> 00:11:59,205 hear about Jesus Christ. 227 00:11:59,205 --> 00:12:02,145 Will you help us publish his Word today? 228 00:12:02,849 --> 00:12:05,219 Perhaps some of you watching today are victims. 229 00:12:05,220 --> 00:12:07,310 Victims of what, you may ask? 230 00:12:07,311 --> 00:12:08,531 Of fear. 231 00:12:08,531 --> 00:12:09,621 Paralyzed by fear, 232 00:12:09,621 --> 00:12:11,641 dreading to walk into your school tomorrow, 233 00:12:11,641 --> 00:12:15,671 wondering if you will have to face the nightmare that other students lived. 234 00:12:15,988 --> 00:12:18,408 2 Timothy 1:7 says, 235 00:12:18,408 --> 00:12:20,968 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, 236 00:12:20,968 --> 00:12:23,888 but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 237 00:12:24,198 --> 00:12:26,988 The fear you may be experiencing did not come from God, 238 00:12:27,367 --> 00:12:31,058 but from the enemy of our souls seeking to destroy our peace 239 00:12:31,058 --> 00:12:32,338 and shake our faith. 240 00:12:32,618 --> 00:12:34,678 John 16:33 says, 241 00:12:34,678 --> 00:12:37,488 "These things I have spoken unto you, 242 00:12:37,488 --> 00:12:39,318 that in me ye might have peace. 243 00:12:39,318 --> 00:12:42,598 In the world ye have tribulation but be of good cheer, 244 00:12:42,598 --> 00:12:44,718 I have overcome the world." 245 00:12:44,718 --> 00:12:49,756 What better way to close this episode than with the Words of Christ? 246 00:12:49,756 --> 00:12:52,106 Can you bow your heads with me, and let's pray. 247 00:12:52,924 --> 00:12:54,624 Our Father, which art in Heaven, 248 00:12:54,624 --> 00:12:56,814 Lord we come to you this day, 249 00:12:56,814 --> 00:12:59,494 we thank you, Father, that we can run to you 250 00:12:59,494 --> 00:13:01,014 in our time of trouble, 251 00:13:01,014 --> 00:13:03,444 Lord you are our high tower, 252 00:13:03,444 --> 00:13:07,414 And Father, we can find shelter and peace in you 253 00:13:07,414 --> 00:13:10,498 and Lord, I pray for those that are watching right now 254 00:13:10,498 --> 00:13:13,378 that you would just bring peace to their hearts 255 00:13:13,378 --> 00:13:17,604 Lord, You know of all of the students that are watching this episode 256 00:13:17,604 --> 00:13:21,034 that are afraid to go into their school tomorrow. 257 00:13:21,034 --> 00:13:26,160 Afraid that some violent crime is going to happen there in that place 258 00:13:26,160 --> 00:13:29,150 or somebody is going to come in and do awful things 259 00:13:29,150 --> 00:13:33,620 but God I pray that you just send your Comforter to them, 260 00:13:33,620 --> 00:13:36,060 send your peace to them right now. 261 00:13:36,060 --> 00:13:41,260 Father, and reassure them that You are in control of tomorrow. 262 00:13:41,260 --> 00:13:42,620 You are already there. 263 00:13:42,620 --> 00:13:45,370 And God I pray that you would just minister to them, 264 00:13:45,370 --> 00:13:47,520 you know what they have need of right now 265 00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:50,470 Lord you know what's on their hearts what's on their mind, God, 266 00:13:50,470 --> 00:13:52,770 and I pray that you would meet their needs 267 00:13:52,774 --> 00:13:57,394 and bring an overwhelming peace to them right now, we pray, 268 00:13:57,394 --> 00:14:00,114 in Jesus' name, Amen. 269 00:14:00,114 --> 00:14:01,614 We would love to hear from you, 270 00:14:01,614 --> 00:14:03,444 so send us an email with your thoughts 271 00:14:03,444 --> 00:14:05,904 to gt@thechurchofgod.org, 272 00:14:05,904 --> 00:14:08,574 or leave us a comment on our facebook or Twitter feeds. 273 00:14:08,574 --> 00:14:11,194 Your feedback will help us to improve each episode 274 00:14:11,194 --> 00:14:13,582 and we'll know what topics are important to you. 275 00:14:13,582 --> 00:14:16,592 You can watch this and future episodes of Greater Things 276 00:14:16,592 --> 00:14:18,782 on our website, through our mobile apps, 277 00:14:18,782 --> 00:14:20,682 via our social media pages, 278 00:14:20,682 --> 00:14:23,322 or by subscribing to our podcast feed. 279 00:14:23,322 --> 00:14:24,342 Until next time, 280 00:14:24,342 --> 00:14:26,232 keep your eyes firmly set on Jesus, 281 00:14:25,739 --> 00:14:28,619 and get ready to see Him perform greater things 282 00:14:28,619 --> 00:14:29,739 in your life.