Albany Pastor Offers Sneakers for Surrendered Guns in Bold Anti-Violence Initiative
In an innovative approach to curbing gun violence among teenagers, Pastor Charles Muller of Victory Church in Albany, New York, is enticing youth to hand over firearms in exchange for cash cards and Nike sneakers. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce crime and change lives in the community.
The roots of Muller’s mission trace back over 13 years, following a tragic incident where an 11-year-old girl was killed by a 14-year-old using a “community gun.” The term “community gun” refers to firearms circulated among groups, often used in criminal activities, as explained by Muller in a conversation with The Christian Post.
Though Pastor Muller is not particularly fond of the traditional gun buyback programs, his long-term commitment to supporting at-risk youth and children through various community projects has motivated him to take a stand against gun violence. He initially focused on targeting gang members frequenting a local mall, offering them cash cards in exchange for their weapons. Within the first week, he successfully collected 120 guns from the streets.
The tragic death of a 17-year-old on July 4 by two 15-year-olds spurred Muller to add a new incentive: Nike sneakers. Victory Church has now promised five pairs of these sought-after shoes for every handgun turned in by teenagers, complementing the existing $150 gift cards per weapon surrendered. In 2024 alone, they managed to collect between 200 to 300 illegal guns through these efforts.
Currently facing felony attempted second-degree murder charges, the two 15-year-olds were involved in a shooting incident on July 4, where one fired a flare gun and the other a firearm, resulting in the death of the 17-year-old and injuring three others, as reported by The Times Union.
To further facilitate this gun surrender initiative, Muller has also launched a hotline, reachable at 518-857-0726, designed to help teenagers relinquish their illegal firearms safely and discreetly.
Despite not having received any firearms since the latest campaign’s commencement on Monday, Muller remains committed to engaging with the city’s youth throughout the summer. The church’s mission-focused approach incorporates various community projects, including “Our Store,” which provides new clothing to foster children, emphasizing dignity and personal ownership.
“Our church is really kind of like a mission-type church,” Muller stated. “It’s not hand-me-downs. We are lifting them up, saying, ‘You’re worthy of a brand new coat.'” This philosophy underpins their work at Our Store, where foster children and families receive new clothing and supplies, affirming their worth and dignity.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
