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