We were in Venezuela visiting Brother Carlos Arce and his church in the late 80’s. We had a group of six seniors from Calvary Christian school and were at his church in Barquisimeto. Just after the morning service, we were standing around outside waiting for Brother Carlos to finish up. The gate to the church courtyard was locked as the men inside were counting the offering money. Kathy heard a popping noise up the street and people began running away from the boulevard. The neighbor lady knew what was going on and pulled the Americans inside her gate, slamming it shut behind. Evidently two rival gangs were tussling over their turf. Brother Carlos came outside of the church and boldly confronted the leaders. “This is God’s house!” he declared. “Don’t be shooting around God’s house!” The young men looked stunned and began to apologize as they backed up. With a few more apologies, they got into their cars and drove away – in opposite directions.
