3 Valley pastors base anti-violence rallies on former lives on streets

YOUNGSTOWN

Three pastors who collaborated to form NOW Youngstown and organized the Increase the Peace Rallies, refer to themselves as the “three hermanos,” that is, brothers.

Pastors Rafael Cruz of Unity Baptist Church in Boardman and Pastors Rolando Rojas of Spanish Evangelical Church and Al Yanno of Metro Assembly of God are bonded as brothers in spirit. They share a belief in God and commitment to street ministry.

“God made a difference in our lives,” said Pastor Rojas, who noted the pastors understand street mentality because they were once part of it. “We know what God has done in our lives.”

For the third summer, the three are coordinating outreach rallies in conjunction with the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence.

Key to success will be training Sunday and Monday for volunteers from church partners. “The training helps volunteers understand the purpose,” Pastor Yanno said. “That’s to bring peace to the streets of Youngstown and preach the Gospel.”