The second day of a shoot can sometimes be more difficult than the first. Jet lag dulls the senses. Food seems to arrive at the most obscure times, with helpings that could be split three ways.
Food and sleep are both physical and if that was all that the shoot was about it would be difficult to find the energy to work the long hours and do yet another interview.
But there is more.
Today was such a day.
BLOODS and CRISPS, these are the gangs that dominate the school grounds of a high school in Newark.
Violence and crime are the rule and not the exception but God has placed his people in unusual places.
Standing in the icy winds, with temperatures below zero Olive holds up a bright red STOP sign, her bright green vest almost reflects on the white snow.
She believes God has given her a position of influence. She prays for every student that crosses the road, every day she changes the atmosphere of community. Two cars pull over and greet Olive, they shout greetings, and thank her for her duty. A teacher walks by and tells her that every day he waits to see her, and that her presence blesses the community.
Standing in the office of Maria Westbrook, we look over the school, and she tells our team that she prays for those students everyday. At the start of term, Maria and her husband Mike stand on the pavement between the CRISPS and the BLOODS. They have been peace makers in that community, and God has heard their prayers.
Alumni are creating a trust fund, and giving students the opportunity to complete their education, and to break from the bondage of gangsterism.
Prayer evangelism is changing the destiny of this city.
While filming outside another school Chris was targeted with an ice-snowball, he was reprimanded by a police officer, and questioned by an activist.
Today was good, tomorrow we will hear more stories of hope. tomorrow we will give an account of the good work that God has started in Newark, New Jersey.
