Breaking the Power of Gangs in Memphis

CBN.com — In the Frayser community of Memphis, Tennessee, Chaz Wiseman was a star high school football player. He was the most valuable player of his district for several years in a row. Chaz’s passion for the sport started at a very special ministry.

The Frayser community is one of the most violent neighborhoods in Memphis.

“There were a lot of bad things taking place,” says Chaz. “It was heavy with gang activities; a lot of drug activities taking place. These are things that I’ve seen everyday.

Chaz grew up on these streets. His love of sports kept him out of trouble—but he needed more than that. He found it at an afterschool ministry called Youth Visions. CBN is proud to support this center where kids can play sports, receive tutoring, and much more.
Chaz was so influenced by the program that he decided to become a full time staff member. Today, he is the sports coordinator.

“Sports is a big part of my life and I know it is a big thing here in the Frayser community,” Chaz shares. “I want to take this sports program and use it as an instrument to introduce them to God.”

The money CBN granted will help fund several programs in the community, including a summer camp.

“The opportunity that our young people will be granted is major,” Chaz says. “They are seeing positive things, so I think this is something that they will hunger after and say, I want to be a part of that.”

You might not know the first thing about inner city sports ministries, but as a CBN partner, you do make a difference in the lives of hurting people throughout the world. If you are not a partner, please join today. Your gifts make it possible to provide a tangible future to those in desperate need, bring medical services to the sick, help feed and clothe children here at home and overseas, and broadcast a message of hope around the world. Become a CBN partner today!