Hawaiian Gardens : Churches Join Rally Against Gangs, Drugs and Violence

Six Hawaiian Gardens churches will join in a community rally against gangs, drugs and violence on July 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Furgeson Elementary School, 22215 S. Elaine Ave. The Rev. Barry Bruce, pastor of Way Out Ministries, said the event is the culmination of meetings by church pastors to discuss gang diversion programs and other services they offer parishioners. “We decided to show some form of unity as churches, to put doctrinal differences aside and stand up with one voice to stem violence in the community,� Bruce said.

Each church will have a booth at the rally providing information about its ministries and services. There also will be Christian-oriented entertainment in English and Spanish, as well as food and crafts sales. Proceeds will go into a fund administered by the city to help needy families with medical or funeral expenses resulting from gang shootings.