Gangs

Today there are many people who associate themselves with or join a gang in America
and across the globe. This membership usually begins with a waiting period (sometimes
called a prospect) until an individual is sworn in as a full member of the gang, but could
it be a blessings in (somebody vouches for them) or a beat in (a pledge gets a pummeled
by or beaten up various members for a set time). These individuals who become members
(male or even females from 8 to 21 mostly) are from many ethnic backgrounds and
cultures. They usually involve a life of crime ranging from in the buying or selling of
drugs, prostitution, or violence. Sometimes they must pay dues, practice a certain set of
rules or functions.
It is often a very violent existence that involves weapons (mostly guns or knives),
fighting or killing of rival gangs for areas of control (turf wars). Often the members of a
set group have tattoos (tats or tatted up) to represent their organization. Some of them do
time behind bars (thereby recruiting others into the gang or setting up operations there in
prison) and engage in wars there when necessary.
Many want to live the life of a gangster which include parties, sex and drugs. They
wished to be treated, if only for the moment, like a celebrity, rapper or a rock star. Some
just want respect, identity, money or protection. Many cannot leave the gang except by
their own death, which happens more often than you would expect.
The structure of a gang can be loose (association or federation) or military like
(hierarchy) in structure and leadership. Some gangs are small but vicious while others are
bigger but all can be brutish in their methods to gain or take power in the neighborhoods
all across the world. They like to spray paint their areas with their particular sign. Some
gangs specialize in certain areas (i.e. extortion) which allows other gangs free to pursue
other criminal avenues (divide and conquer a city). Here is a typical gang structural
pyramid from top to bottom.
LEADER: This is often a absolute leader but could be a coalition of leaders. Usually the
leader is imprisoned, but still manages to direct overall operations via telephone or other
forms of communications. AKA: President, King, Supreme Chief, Chairman of the Board
ADVISERS: Financial, Legal, Political. (Outside consultants)
SUPPLIERS: Guns, Drugs, etc. Includes Drug Lords, Terrorist Organizations, etc.

POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS: Can consist of large groups of current or former gang

members who influence elections and legislation.

COMMUNICATIONS: Informants who supply information ranging from rival gang

activities to law enforcement operations. Messengers who communicate information
between rival gangs.
RANKING COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBERS: This group consists of gang members
acting as an advisory committee when gang activities are discussed. These members can
be separate faction leaders, or were given ranking status through loyalty, trust and
performance. AKA: Vice President, 5 Star Elite, Generals, Prince, Assistant Chief.

CHIEF ENFORCER: Coordinates/Controls gang wars, and protects existing territories.

AKA: Warlord

SECURITY CHIEF/STREET COORDINATOR: Disciplines: gang members who violate

gang code; vice independents operating within territory who fail to pay share of profit;
business owners who fail to pay street tax (protection money). AKA: Hitman
TREASURER: Responsible for income and Expenses. Capital obtained from Drugs,
Guns, Properties, Businesses, Prostitution, etc.
BOOKKEEPER: Maintains the Books and Records.

INDEPENDENTS: If the independent Vice Operator has a substantial operation within

the gang territory, a share of the profit will be required. Includes: drug dealers and
prostitution.

AREA LEADERS/AREA COORDINATORS: These leaders are in command of

assigned areas, and control/coordinate all street activities within their boundaries. AKA:
Governor, 3 Star Elite, Lieutenant, (Section) Chief or President.

GUN SUPPLIER: An area leader, like any gang member, will have access to an
assortment of readily available weapons.

TRUSTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES: Gang membership can total in the thousands

per gang. Membership consists of recruiters, street soldiers, runners/carriers and
lookouts/spotters.

RECRUITERS: Recruit at schools, parks, shopping malls, etc. Recruiters are usually
selling drugs. A new recruit is usually enticed by the drug dealer's quick drug profits.

STREET SOLDIERS: Includes Hardcore to Marginal members. The hardcore is the most
active and dangerous because they are trying to attain status and notoriety among the
ranks. A street soldier can be involved with drive-bys, gang fights, drug sales, graffiti,
intimidation, etc. AKA: Gang banger, Home-Boy.
RUNNERS/CARRIERS: These individuals transport and deliver guns and drugs to
various locations or to other gang members. They are usually newer younger members,
because of the less severe juvenile penalties if caught. AKA: Pee Wees.

LOOKOUTS/SPOTTERS: Serve as lookouts for police when gang members are involved
in illegal activities, such as drug deals, graffiti, etc. Usually marginal members or
associates.

Notes:
1. Gangs are organized, functioning under a designated hierarchy, which may resemble
the internal structure of a corporation.
2. Not all gangs have a definitive leader. They are sometimes ruled by a council of
leaders representing each faction.
3. A faction will have a separate leader and group of officers. They may use the same
name, an altered name, or adopt an entirely new name.
There are many now that are no longer alive to report on the disastrous results of joining
a gang. If they were they would report of seeing family or friends being hurt or killed.
Endless hours of prison time completed by them or an associate of theirs. Pain, fear and
endless anxiety placed upon them and their loved ones. No true pleasure or power was
held by them by a temporary fleeting feeling of control in an uncertain world instead.
Even though some gang leaders had millions and in some cases billions of dollars in cash
money, huge mansions and an endless stream of goods they were not satisfied from
within. The fact remains that nothing in this world will satisfy or endure except God and
those who remain with Him.
Jesus Christ himself was offered a kingdom and power by the biggest gangster of all,
Satan. This deceiver of the whole world only imitates but never quite duplicates the work
of God. Matthew 4:8-11 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain,
and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto
him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith
Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy
God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came
and ministered unto him.
The truth be told is that Satan and his devils are behind nearly all the concepts in many
gangs as he has inspired their leaders to imitate his governing abilities. There is no doubt
that he is a very clever but evil creature dedicated to destroying the souls of men and
women by all means necessary. Jesus never disputed the fact that Satan has control over
the kingdoms of this world and could sway the masses of people to follow him into hell.
But Jesus knew that Satan's time would end one day and that God would rule over the
faithful few dedicated to Him. He promised them not only power (in the form of His
Holy Spirit) bestowed or blessed upon them (those in covenant with Him, as per
obedience to Acts 2:38) but eternal life and kingdoms.
What about you? There are really only two choices anybody has in this life. You can
serve a temporary god and die eternally (perhaps gaining some power, goals or
recognition along the way) or serve an eternal God (but dying to want you may want in
exchange for doing His will) and live forever? The opportunity to serve God or not
remains with you. You will make the call and you will live forever with the results of
your decision. God will be with you always if you trust in Him and give you an appointed
ending in His glory.
This report has been brought to you by Acts 2:38. Then Peter said unto them, "Repent,
and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission
(forgiveness) of sins..."