March against gun and knife crime

 

 

Streets closed, buses were held back and tourists pulled out their cameras on Saturday, 7 June, as up to 5,000 Adventist youth, supported by Pathfinder drum cores, marched from London's Trafalgar square, down Whitehall to the houses of Parliament and then across the River Thames through more deprived neighbourhoods to a major rally in Kennington Park. Their purpose was clearly displayed on countless banners: LIVE.

 

"Our message was clear: LIVE! Live Intentional lives," states Colin Stewart, Youth Director for the South England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. This was not just a protest against gun and knife crime, this was a positive alternative – and an alternative that the media were ready to hear. "It seemed for once that our words were printed word for word in the papers," Colin said after countless press, TV and radio interviews. "We must be about our Father’s business. We must take our stand. There can be no turning back now."

 

"O when the saints go marching in" they jubilantly sang as they passed Prime Minister, Gordon Brown's residence in Downing Street. Andrew Leonce, a young adult from Luton only came because friends were involved, "but, he said, "I was impressed with their joy and positive message." The banners, many of them home-made works of art, gave a strong message. "Spread love, not bullets", "Families against gun and knife crime," "PUSH: Pray until something Happens", "Put it down," – referring to guns and knives, Youth choosing to Live Intentionally rather than just exist in a world of gangs, guns, knives and drugs.

 

"The largeness of it was awesome," states 18 year old Katya Garipova from Berkshire. "It was just amazing to see how people around wanted to know what was going on." An American tourist expressed surprise at Adventists marching on the Sabbath before coming to realise that this march glorified all the principles of positive Sabbath keeping. Another passerby, somewhat cynically said, "why are blacks marching against gun crime – it is their own problem." By the end of his conversation he recognised the powerful peer message these youth were sending out. Colin recognises that message: "The door to our communities now stands ajar and we have but a little time to enter in and make a difference for Jesus."   The door was more than ajar in Lambeth. People came out of their flats and shops clapping, waving and showing their support.

 

The march climaxed with a rally in Kennington Park where Adventist youth mixed with passers by and residents attracted to the positive music and message. In addition to the main stage, there were side shows with puppets, health displays and information on positive living. 

 

The programme included steppers, singers, poets, choirs and moving real life stories. Mark Prince, father of 15-year-old Kiyan who was stabbed to death in 2006 told the crowds, "I want to love and I want to forgive. If it means I have to forgive the guy who killed my son, then that's exactly what I'm going to do because I need some mercy myself, I need some forgiveness myself." He added: "We are the answer for this knife crime - you, right here, the young people."

 

There were special messages of support from the leader of the opposition, David Cameron and Cabinet Minster, Tessa Jowell. The Deputy Major for London, Ray Lewis told the packed and cheering audience that this kind of initiative is just what London needs. Youth need to stand up and be counted for the positive things they are doing. Christopher Wellbeloved, deputy major for Lambeth was ecstatic at the turnout to the rally and the varied musical talent on-stage. He expressed his delight that Lambeth could host such a positive event. The march comes following the deaths of 16 teenagers in London this year.

Summing up the purpose for the day Colin Stewart says, "with events like this we can somehow crash into these guys' worlds and see if we can make a difference."

 

Teen director, Eddie Hypolite says he was "overwhelmed" looking out from the stage at the great crowd. "God exceeded our expectations." Eddie recognises that the day has helped generate a climate for change. "This is a catalyst for more important stuff," he says.

 

Since the event the youth team have received calls from mothers who have lost loved ones looking for support and a way to move forward. "This tells me there are lots of hurting people waiting for the church to take the lead," Colin excitedly shares as he plans for ways for Adventist youth to interact more with the community.

 

Pathfinders, teen ministries and youth worked together to make the day a success but it is the 5,000 youth that made it happen. "This is truly an exciting time for the UK Youth Movement of the Adventist Church," Colin states. "This is just a beginning."

 

The day finished with a Gala Fundraising Concert at the nearby Emmanuel Centre, Westminster, raising £6000 towards establishing a LIVE centre and community projects right in the heart of where communities are hurting.