By: Carmen Lopez

In July 2012 there were 49 reported homicides in the city of Chicago. This brings the 2012 total to more than 300 homicides. Victory Outreach is a local church located in Cicero that has been fighting to lower the number of homicides in the city since 1967.

Pastor Rick Alanis has been working with Victory Outreach since 1989 in California and he began working in Chicago in 2010. Victory Outreach will begin their “Stop the Violence” events that consist of meetings in some of Chicago’s most violent neighborhoods.

“We focus on the heart through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” shared Alanis about the traits that make “Stop the Violence” and Victory Outreach effective. Victory Outreach also focuses on providing testimonials from people who used to be consumed in gangs and drugs. “My personal testimony serves as a perfect example,” said Alanis.

At events like “Stop the Violence,” troubled teens can learn more about programs offered by Victory Outreach. They are given the opportunity to speak to people who overcame a similar situation.

“Victory Outreach offers several avenues of help and hope for troubled teens,” said Alanis. “From our G.A.N.G. (God’s Anointed Now Generation) Youth Ministry, to our Youth Discipleship Homes on to our advanced youth Urban Training Centers,” he adds. These programs cater to the needs of the teens who seek help.

The trait that makes Victory Outreach and events like “Stop the Violence” so effective is that the workers and volunteers are alumni of the programs. “They are chosen because of their commitment and dedication to God and giving back to where they received help,” said Alanis about the Victory Outreach staff.

Through the testimonials at “Stop the Violence,” Victory Outreach provides hope to people who believe there is no way around their lifestyle.

“I have seen hard core gang members and drug addicts young and old, surrender all and say how they heard someone’s testimony and made the decision for change, because of the hope in Jesus Christ,” said Alanis about the power of testimony. Pastor Alanis speaks from experience, for he was able to turn his own life around after listening to testimonies from Victory Outreach people.

Victory Outreach will be hosting meetings in Englewood, Woodlawn, Lawndale, and Humboldt Park beginning August 11 and ending September 8. For specific locations and times for these “Stop the Violence” meetings visit www.vocitychurch.org.