Gang violence runs rampant in parts of Central America. In El Salvador, the government imprisons gang members and threatens to throw away the keys. Enter Kenton Moody—with a rehabilitation plan.
In the 1980s, hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans fled civil war. Half a million migrated to the United States. Most settled in California, and some formed violent gangs.
A decade later, U.S. officials deported 4,000 gang members to El Salvador—where gangs seized control. Their numbers swelled.
Last year, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele intervened. He reportedly arrested more than 66,000 gang members and canceled some civil rights.
Most people support Bukele. Yet some wonder how his government will dispense justice to tens of thousands of accused criminals. They also wonder about rehabilitation plans. But they don’t want new gangs to fill the void.
American pastor Kenton Moody hopes to help. From age nine, he felt God’s call to be a missionary. Moody served in El Salvador for about 10 years before starting Vida Libre (“free life”) as a ministry of his church.
Moody founded Vida Libre after visiting a juvenile prison. Released gang members regularly return to gang life. He wondered: How can I help?
Vida Libre assists minors with good conduct records who are near the end of their prison sentences. The goal is helping them transition back to society. Moody’s program offers workshops in agriculture, carpentry, automotive painting, baking, and biblical studies. There, Angel and Kevin sprinkle sugar over pastries in the Vide Libre bakery. Salvador replaces lightbulbs. Andy crafts keychains.
Vida Libre welcomes ex-gang members, even unbelievers. But every participant must attend a morning service and read the Bible daily.
A gang recruited Andy at age 12. Now 29, Andy joined Moody’s program two years ago after almost a decade in prison.
“Maybe humanity sees me as someone bad,” Andy says. “But I hope that with my attitudes changing day by day, I can prove that I’m different.”
Not everyone shares Moody’s passion for rehabilitation. After all, decades of gang violence destroyed thousands of lives in this country. Bukele says God might forgive gang members, but the government will make them pay.
“[My husband] has always visited those who nobody wants to visit,” Moody’s wife, Eunice, says. “He has worked with those who nobody wants to work with.”
God promises forgiveness to all who turn to Him. Moody and his ministry strive to live out that truth.
Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. — Mark 2:17
Why? Compassion and knowledge of Jesus’ commands frees people to work with fellow humans they might otherwise fear or shun.
