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Bondage Busters nurtures positive development
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
The name of the after-school program, Bondage Busters, offered at Martin Luther Lutheran Church defines its goal.
“It means busting out of bondage,” said Pastor Charles Hudson, program coordinator, who noted bondage is anything that hampers positive development. “It’s busting out of drugs, gangs, a pattern of disrespect.”
Pastor Hudson said he’s been involved in the free program about two years. He said the Rev. Paul Heine, now retired pastor, asked him to get involved. Pastor Hudson now works with the Rev. Dave Kamphuis, new pastor.
Pastor Hudson, a 1964 graduate of East High School, spent nearly seven years in Egypt taking Bible studies, and in 1987 started Bondage Busters in California, where he worked in South Central Los Angeles with gangs.
In 1995, he got a life-changing phone call. His son, Charles Hudson Jr., 23, had been shot and killed in Youngstown. When he returned to the Mahoning Valley, he admitted shock. “Youngstown is too small for this kind of garbage,” Pastor Hudson said of the gun violence and crime. “I’ve seen 45 black boys buried,” he added.
Pastor Hudson said change is a process, however. The situation has no quick fix. He promotes the human race and shuns labels such as the white or black race, which he believes divides people. His approach is straightforward — “make a positive connection.”
Pastor Hudson said he and the other volunteers don’t directly address issues with youths unless they bring up a subject. “You have to find a way to connect to kids with their talents and interests,” he said. “God loves us, and we need to love one another. Christianity has to be a way of life.”
He continued that many of the youths lack self-esteem and self-confidence. But, he continued, just by having conversations with them is a vehicle “to build them up.”
The Rev. Mr. Kamphuis added, “We want to develop real relationships. ... Sometimes a few words help and go a long way.”
The after-school program is a testament to the congregation’s inner-city outreach, Mr. Kamphuis said. “The church has made a commitment here,” he said. The church website notes Martin Luther Lutheran as “a traditional church addressing contemporary issues ...”
Mr. Kamphuis said the program provides “a safe place” and “gets kids off the street.” He said “just talking with kids” demonstrates to them that people care and are there to help.
The pastors said the program is a tool to lead youth to develop in a positive way and learn skills that will help them in school and life.
A summer day camp from June 9 to Aug. 8 was a success, attracting about 50 participants each weekday. Right now, the Bondage Busters program is evolving; about 30 participants come each weekday. “Some kids walk here from the neighborhoods and others bicycle from a distance,” said Mr. Kamphuis. Still others are dropped off by parents who appreciate the program.
Two children in the family of Cindy Fleece and Derral Brandon attend. “I know they’re in good hands,” Brandon said. “This is a positive experience and influence,” Fleece added. “They show a lot of love.”
Al Green, a volunteer, said he uses his own experience of attending Youngstown State University, where he played on the basketball team, as an example. “Basketball is a tool to help them set goals,” he said. “It builds confidence, they learn to handle structure and develop discipline and focus.” Green added he and other male volunteers are “father figures” to some youth.
Eileen White, a church member and volunteer, said, “I know I’m called to do this. I know the kids feel the love and want to be here.” She added the positive environment has prompted many children to attend church services on their own.