Youth rallies are planned for tonight and tomorrow night by the faith-based group Christ for the Nations, to dissuade Bermuda’s youth from joining gangs.The Dallas, Texas group is on a two-week visit to the Island, culminating in rallies that will consist of “worship, preaching, with some dancing and skits, followed by ministering to the young people”, according to Senate President Carol Ann Bassett, who is closely associated with the organisation.The group’s enrolment services director, Roxanne Ford, explained that Christ for the Nations sends out teams every year. “Three years ago, I requested that they allow me to send a group to Bermuda, which is my mother country,” she said.Ms Ford’s Bermudian connection includes her aunt, Moira Bean, the singer and widow of prominent Bermudian musician Graham Bean. Mrs Bean is currently visiting the US along with the group of 22.Ms Ford said the group’s first visit to Bermuda coincided with the rise in gang-related and gun violence in 2009.“We thought originally we were coming to connect with the churches and do ministry there, but when we got reports of drive-by shootings, we knew our mission had changed, and would have to be devoted to the youth on the Island.”The rallies, to be held tonight and tomorrow at 7pm in Whitney Institute’s assembly hall, are open to all ages from four upwards, she said.“We give training to young people in ways that will cause them to be positive members of society, starting from who they are and what the Bible says they are, where they get their strength. Through that means, we find a way for them to understand the truth. A lot of things are misleading our children.”Christ for Nations has met with students at CedarBridge, Dellwood, Victor Scott Primary, Prospect Primary, Clearwater Middle School, St David’s Elementary and Mount St Agnes, as well as holding an open-air prayer vigil on St Monica’s Road last Friday. They also plan to visit Hope Academy and Sandys Middle School, as well as building their connections with Bermuda College.Senator Bassett has praised the group in the Senate, and according to Ms Ford was instrumental, along with Rev Milton Burgess of St Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church, in the developing a calendar of school activities. She also helped orchestrate a meeting two weeks ago with Premier Paula Cox.“The Premier was very positive and most interested to hear about the impact we have had in the schools,” Ms Ford said.Government also helped secure lodging at Messina House, on Boaz Island in Sandys, where the Christ for the Nations delegation is currently lodged.Ms Ford summed up the group’s religious message to young people troubled by violence as: “We want them to ask why they are here. What is their purpose? All of it is dealing with Christian values and getting an education that can then be brought back to Bermuda to make a difference. It’s about how to spread the good news that people can be different, that you don’t have to be part of a gang.”The interdenominational group plans on returning to Bermuda in May of next year.“Just before we leave, these rallies are a last opportunity to meet with the young people and encourage them to do what is good, and not to be swayed by the crowd,” she said.lUseful web links: www.cfn.org, www.cfni.org.