Woodfest, Jazz, and Gang Beatings
A little less than a week ago, I witnessed the tailend of a catalyzing event; I saw firsthand the depravity of Akron.
For my roommates birthday we went to the Northside, a jazz/blues bar next to Luigi’s in downtown Akron. We laughed, made up some college blues songs, enjoyed each others company, and enjoyed the excellent music.
So in high spirits we headed home, and as we neared our house we saw a collegiate peer laying on the ground next to his bike. The four of us in the car hopped out to his aid, only to discover that he had recently been beaten by a group of four men in black hoodies. The police would later theorize this to be a gang initiation ritual.
We stayed as long as appropriate, then let the police and paramedics do their jobs unhindered after we had given them our respective stories. We left for home, checked on some neighbors, then returned home again, bewildered at what to do next…
This weekend was Woodfest, the college retreat for the Chapel. Duanne Crabbs spoke. Duanne the pastor of South Street missions, which is located in the even more gang intense area of South Akron. He spoke on communion, community, and commision. He challenged the group with his dynamic stories about inner-city ministry and the life of Jesus to live out their faith uncomfortably.
This week I am in the process of reconciling the two above trains of thought: Akron’s need and an uncomfortable faith.
Grace and peace…
