J.A.M.

On Sunday, Dr. Young continued our sermon series - The Church Awake. We encourage you to listen and share this week's message: The Sexualization of Our Children. youtube.com/watch?v=Df9vja32zHs

Dear Second Family,
One thing I think we can all agree on is, “Houston, we have a problem.” Last week, we tackled the hard truth that, as Christians, we are called to pe*****te the culture. Jesus used six metaphors to challenge His followers not just to observe but to permeate the world. He called us to be leaven, light, salt, water, bread, and a key. My heart is that collectively, we will heed the call to action: to pray, serve, lead, pe*****te, and wake up!

For accuracy, I would like to clarify two numbers I stated last week. 182 violent offenders released on bail went on to commit murder over the course of the last 2.5 years. Also, I believe the latest number for the backlog of criminal cases awaiting trial is 44,369.

Let me address some specific issues. The crime index ranges from 1(low crime) to 100 (high crime) based on collected FBI data. Violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible r**e, robbery, and aggravated assault.1 The following violent crime numbers are of note:

The national average for a US city is 22.7
Chicago is 49.9
Houston is 50.4

Based on those numbers, I believe it is safe to say that violent crime in Houston is two times the national average.

Next, we addressed property crime as follows:

The national average for a US city is 35.4
Chicago is 46.3
Houston is 63.2

These statistics form part of the basis for my belief that Houston has become one of the most dangerous large cities in America.

Houston Police Department Crisis Analysis statistics, Harris County crime stats, the FBI’s unified crime report (UCR), bestplaces.net, and Crime Stoppers all provide the public with access to detailed statistics.

Law enforcement remains overwhelmed and understaffed. I stand by my assessment that this must be addressed. We have many capable leaders in law enforcement who are desperately trying to stem the tide of rising crime that affect the people of Metropolitan Houston. Pray for them, pray for our city, and pray for answers.

I love our city and pray for Houston to be a beacon of light in a dark world. When the Allen Brothers founded Houston, they stated, “We want to establish a city ‘which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.’” My earnest prayer is that we return to that foundation!

"For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." -Hebrews 11:10

His and yours,
H. Edwin Young

https://www.bestplaces.net/crime/?city1=54835000&city2=51714000

Amos, Jonah, Hosea, Micah – four ordinary men whom the Lord used in extraordinary ways in the 8th century B.C. to remind His people that though He takes sin seriously, no one is beyond repentance and forgiveness if they will turn back to Him. Join us beginning September 4th as we journey through these four books of minor prophets this quarter and study their timeless messages for then and for now.

Dear Second Family,
The end of summer is always bittersweet for me. I love the sunshine, time with friends and family, and seeing lives changed through our church’s exciting summer programs. However, I must confess that I am excited to be back with you and eager to dive into our thrilling new sermon series, The Church Woke Awake! Scripture is timely, relevant, and full of wisdom that we can apply to our lives today! Many of us know Scripture well, but have been lulled into groggy awareness without being fully awake to the exciting call to action that Jesus gives us in His Word. Five times, Jesus calls His followers to fulfill the Great Commission. If Jesus repeats something, it must be important!

Invite friends and family to join you as you make plans to attend Worship and Bible Study this weekend on your campus. I believe we will experience an awakening together as a church family as we pore over the timeless truths of the Bible this fall.

The Holy Land trip in November is almost full. There are a few spaces available. This trip is an amazing opportunity to give your family a Christmas gift to the land of the first Christmas. Prayerfully consider if the spots we have left are meant for you!

In His will,
The best is yet to be.

H. Edwin Young