“There With Me” presents an uplifting story of recovery of a single father from the tribulations of gang life through the discovery of faith. This, in essence, is the core value of Tierra Nueva’s mission. TN’s street ministers are both go-getters and anchors for peace through faith, actively pursuing gang members to attend the ministry and provide a safe haven for those recovering from street life addiction.
Before living in Skagit County, I heard word of gang issues due mainly to the large agricultural nature of the area. After experiencing the culture and searching for contacts, Tierra Nueva appeared to be the only source of knowledge on the topic.
While a large portion Skagit County’s non-Latino population believes gangs are out for blood, this is simply not the case. This essay presents a new perspective by raising awareness to the general public: gang members are trapped in a lifestyle with no support to escape.
Raised in Juarez, Mexico, Ramon Luna came to the United States following the random murder of his brother. Blinded by rage and disconnected from his cultural roots, Luna turned to gang life in Skagit County, Washington state. After gaining a reputation on the street as a notorious fighter, Luna was accused of rape, burglary and kidnapping by a young woman who recognized him from a local party. In jail and awaiting the jury’s verdict, Ramon was met by street minister Chris Hoke, a man Ramon had previously mocked.
Through Chris’s words and an out-of-the-blue admission by the accusing woman that she had lied, Ramon was set free by what he believes was forgiveness and the grace of a newfound God. Luna continues to live in Skagit County, this time with Chris Hoke at a new age ministry called Tierra Nueva, or “new ground.” He has abandoned the gang lifestyle, despite the involvement of his current friends and family members.
Ramon recently began to use his life experiences as leverage to reason others out of the gang life.
