For years, Pleasant Street Church has poured itself out for the youth of the community--providing a safe place and caring mentors for students several days a week. What disturbs me most about this story is that the fabric of trust and safety has been broken. I hate to think that these actions might in any way compromise the ability of the church to continue its mission to love their neighbors and seek the peace of the community. To Mr. Flye, Mr. Lehouillier and their unnamed accomplices: I forgive you. I pray that the gravity of this situation would cause you to turn and begin walking in a new direction. I hope that, as the dust settles, you go out of your way to make amends with those you've victimized, and find some way to contribute to the well being of your neighborhood. You are young men, and God-willing, you have many years ahead of you. These crimes do not define you, nor do they determine your future. I hope that you will genuinely seek forgiveness, and seek to right the wrongs that you have committed. If you do, God will forgive you, and His love and grace are all that you need to begin life anew. Pleasant Street--I pray that you will continue to love and serve your neighbors, especially students, undeterred. You are changing lives every day--and the postive impact of your ministry overwhelms the shock and sadness of these headlines. Carry on, Northbridge. Love, Bill Hodgeman Former Associate Pastor of Youth Pleasant Street Christian Reformed Church (2005-2011) View Comment