Missionary Priest Leads the 'Gang of Christ'

A Catholic priest is reaching out to violent gang members by inviting them to join the "Gang of Christ."

The Christian Examiner reports that Jose Luis Guerra, who will be ordained this month, is ministering to gang members in Monterrey, a city only 125 miles from the U.S. border. 

It is a dangerous place, but Guerra is not afraid. Working with 15 other missionaries who are ex-gang members, Guerra feels right at home in the streets with the men and women he meets.

He is a large man, but he says, "It just means that I am full of love!"

When a gang member chooses to follow Christ, they have to give up the gang lifestyle, which includes leaving behind a life of crime involving theft, assault, and sometimes murder.

Those who join Guerra in missionary work go through a tough preparation program spending three days at camp reflecting on their decision to follow Christ followed by seven weeks at missionary training.

When they graduate there is a celebration as they are accepted into the "Gang of Christ" and presented with a Bible.