"Their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Rom. 3:15-17)

The homicide rate for males between the ages of 15 and 24 is 22 homicides per 100,000 for the United States, more than four times higher than the next highest country. Homicide is the most likely cause of death for young males, and accounts for 42 percent of all black male deaths. The youth arrest rate for murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault increased 26 percent between 1989 and 1999. The cost of incarcerating young offenders runs about $29,600 per person, or $1.7 billion a year. Seven percent of the youths account for 79 percent of all youth- committed serious, violent offenses. A total of $4.2 billion a year is spent on 260 delinquency prevention programs, which are spread among 17 agencies within seven federal departments. (From Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, General Accounting Office)

The way to decrease violent crime among young people is to change their hearts with the gospel of Christ. Many churches today have miserably failed in teaching their young people to fear and respect God and His laws.