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Jun 4, 2010 10:30 pm US/Central
Religious Play Bringing Notice To Gang Violence
DENTON (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Gospel music fills Victory World Outreach in Denton. Friday night there was a celebration of a higher power.
As 21-year-old Xavier Salazar sang along, he says he felt that higher power. Salazar says that's what turned him around. "From drinking, gangs to fighting I was involved in it all," explains Salazar "It was something that was calling me to go to church and change my ways."
The ministry Salazar belongs to is called Breakaway. On June 26 they'll be presenting a live drama to the congregation called 'Broken: Life in the Hood.' It's about gangs, drugs, alcohol and broken families.
"The purpose is to get people to recognize the problem we are having in our community with drugs and alcohol," said Revered Eric Calloway with the local chapter of
Victory World Outreach.
The cast in the play will come from a church in Colorado. They are former gang members and addicts. For one night they'll bring their message of hope to North Texas.
CBS 11 News asked the Denton Police Department and Sheriff's Office if they have noticied a gang problem. Both said they don't know of one, but the church and thinks that's not true. "It's getting out of control. I guess the police don't want to bring fear to the community but the problem is real" explained Revered Eric Calloway with Victory World Outreach "When you have kids who don't have anything to do and no where to go they turn to trouble."
Revered Calloway can relate to those like Salazar. He's a former drug and alcohol addict and says the play can't come soon enough for a group desperately looking for redemption. "God delivered me and set me free of everything that I was going through," said Salazar "I feel like a whole new person."
The church is currently looking for more sponsors for the play and are hoping for a packed house. 'Broken' will be performed on June 26 at the University of North Texas Auditorium. For more information,
click here.
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