United Methodists can save children on the brink
5/18/1998 News media contact: Linda Bloom · (646) 369-3759 · New York NOTE: This story accompanies UMNS #304 and 306. A photograph is available.
ORLANDO, Fla. (UMNS) - Edgar could have become a headline.
After a drive-by shooting at his house wounded his mother, the 14-year-old Dallas youth might have sought revenge, assuming his family was targeted because of his gang membership.
But, influenced by the support of a mentoring program at the United Methodist-related Wesley-Rankin Community Center, he chose prayer over a gun.
Women must work harder on children's needs and moral growth, and not allow headlines about child-killers to get in the way, said Sarah Wilke, the community center's executive director.
"The vast majority of our children can be saved before their lives take that first disastrous turn," she said.
Wilke discussed Edgar during a May 15 session of the United Methodist Women's Assembly in Orlando. The three-day event drew 10,000 women from around the world to focus on children's needs and other issues.
Edgar participates in a mentoring program that matches male volunteers with boys in need. Wilke used his case to show how strong support can help young people deal with difficulties in their lives.
When his mother was shot in the face six weeks ago, Edgar was devastated. "At that moment, there was every reason in his world to retaliate," Wilke said.
But the community center staff and volunteers never flagged in their support. The youth director stayed with him as police questioned him about the incident. His volunteer mentor left a business meeting in California to be with him. A lay pastor sat by his side during his mother's 17 hours of surgery.
"It is a joy to tell you that Edgar did not pick up a gun and start shooting," Wilke added. Instead, he prayed for his mother and the rest of his family.
"As people of faith, we were there during the crisis," Wilke said. After two years of nurturing, "he knew he could trust us to lead him through."
She urged United Methodist women to give more time on behalf of children. If their foremothers could cook from scratch, wash by hand, tend their children and lay down the foundations of mission, "we darn well better find the time to finish the job," she said.
"This is not the time to wring our hands," Wilke declared. "This is the time to seek out our children on the brink."
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