Hidden Treasures

In "Hidden Treasures," we journey through fields of poverty and fatherless homes to stabbings on the streets and in inner city schools, to the hospital, to courts and prison cells, to recovery homes and back around again until, one by one, gang members finally wear themselves out - and their families - and invite God into their lives. You'll meet Pastor Jesús Sandoval, who'd been stabbed and shot by age 16, each year watching friends go to prison or their graves. You'll read about Arthur Soriano who could have been a heroic firefighter but instead battled crystal meth addiction and went to prison after a street shooting in San Diego. You'll also read mothers' stories who fervently prayed for their children for years before witnessing change, as well as young sisters who longed to see their brother only to meet him in cuffs and chains. The key to transformation is in families and communities. At weekly gatherings, this group now teaches people how to "wrap around" each other and keep kids out of a gang culture that is sometimes generational. People formerly in "the life" now work alongside the Probation Department, law enforcement, churches, schools, a local university and a multitude of non-profit organizations to intervene and educate others. Get your tissues ready. This is a deeply moving set of stories that will break your heart and spur you to start a movement in your own neighborhood. We all wonder about the same universal questions. As you ponder, with these writers, about the purpose of life, you may be brought to your own knees and healing too.