Like cults Some gang members even pray to their own leaders, whom they claim have supernatural powers. Members of Folk Nation, for example, pray to King David, who is actually a gang member in prison, Forte says Though gangs have plenty of bad traits, they also have some good ones, Forte points out. They teach about brotherhood and self-esteem, which is especially helpful to minorities. That is positive whether you're black, Cuban, Haitian or whatever. The colors and logos, often painted on walls throughout the city, are part of being proud, too.
Kids like to identify with something.
Forte gives his followers strands of red, gold and white beads to wear around their necks when they prove they are truly serving God. Not only does this serve as a source of pride, but it also is a good way to witness to others, he says. Forte and Mary Ferrer, an adult volunteer who helps him with Jesus' Disciples, say they experience differing degrees of success. Some young people who go to his church, whose ages range from 10 to 30, make radical changes, leaving behind gangs and devoting their lives to Christ. One young man, an artist who painted a Jesus' Disciple mural on the wall inside the warehouse, quit a gang, became a Christian and joined the Army, Ferrer says.