A cypher at Unchained
Unchained was a breakdance event put on by Break Free Ministry in Chicago. Our goal with Unchained was to share how the gospel of Jesus Christ can address the issue of fatherlessness. The majority of bboys come from homes where the father is absent either physically, emotionally or spiritually. According to research:
- 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes. This is 5 times the average (US Dept. of Health/Census).
- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes. This is 32 times the average.
- 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes. This is 20 times the average (Center for Disease Control).
- 80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless home (Justice & Behavior, vol 14, p. 403-26).
- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes. This is 9 times the average (National Principals Association Report).
In order to communicate this message well and bless the breakdance community, we put on a free breakdance event. This event was a 3 on 3 crew battle, held at New Life Community Church in Little Village. In order to illustrate the freeness of the gospel, we made everything at the event free. The entrance, food, water, and we were even able to give away “battle packs,” bags with drinks, food and the gospel of John to all who entered the battle. People expressed a great appreciation for this, especially the free tacos that were made by two ladies from the church. There is nothing like good tacos!
Two crews compete in the prelim round.
We had 20 crews compete, for a total of 60 bboys. We also had about another 100-150 people come to the event to dance and watch. The competition was strong. One of the oldest crews in Chicago, Brickheadz, won the event. Here is the video of the final battle between Brickheadz and Crooks Crew: Final Battle.
Michael and Josh with the winning crew, Brickheadz.
Michael was able to share about the issue of fatherlessness. He shared how both boys and girls need an example from the father. They need to see either what it means to be a man (boys), or what to look for in a man (girls), and get the unconditional affirmation that a father can give. Michael was very clear that this does not diminish the amazing work of single mothers, but even in light of this, it does not take away from the issue of fatherlessness. Michael then shared about the love of God the Father. His love is faithful, undeserving, and ultimately demonstrated and sacrificial through the work of Christ. By putting our faith in the Son, we are made right with the Father and filled with the Holy Spirit. We are new creations and the Spirit enables us to love as the Father has loved us. Only then can we truly be the fathers we are called to be.
Michael Sharing the gospel
We are thankful for the ministries and individuals who came alongside us to make this event possible. Thank you New Life Little Village for providing a venue, sound, cleaning and security, as well as encouragement! Thank you to Thrivent Financial for donating as generously as you did. We love working with financial advisors who are so committed to stewardship for the sake of the gospel. Please take a look at their website: www.thrivent.com. Also, thank you to all the individuals who gave of your finances, time and prayed for this event!
Unchained went extremely well, but events like these are just a small step in the long process of ministering to people. We desire to see bboys in the Chicago area saved and equipped to become leaders in their families, churches, jobs and neighborhoods. Only through this process will we see changes in the urban landscape. We are thankful and honored to be a part of what God is doing here. We look forward to Unchained Chicago 2 next year!