An increasing number of teenagers in London are carrying a knife to school, and some live in fear of being stabbed – or being told to stab someone else. Nowadays it’s not surprising to see kids as young as 11 carrying knives. Some teenagers, when asked why they carry weapons, said, ‘it’s to protect ourselves; stab first or risk getting stabbed yourself.’ And ‘once you’re caught up in this way of life, it’s hard to get out.’
London City Mission – London UK
This is not ok. The church is God’s vehicle for reaching the world, and we need to respond to this epidemic in the love, peace and hope of the gospel.
Many people will look to the government for the solution. David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, recently said in an interview with Radio 4, ‘We aren’t debating this in parliament. I’ve not had a phone call from the home secretary, I haven’t had a phone call from the mayor, no one’s come to visit my constituency. This is happening across London at large. I’m sick of the political football, what I want is a political consensus.’
Let’s pray this will not be true of the churches of London, and that there will be unity in how we respond.
Yes, there are government initiatives to tackle knife crime. Tougher policing, mental health support, better education, more youth activities. But there’s never enough money to make a real difference, and the problem is so complex it feels each new solution barely scratches the surface.
What our young people need, above all, is Jesus.
They need love, kindness, time and security.
They need to know they can be part of God’s family…..
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