Attend retreat to protect kids from gangs

Published: February 21, 2020

En Español

Fuerza Transformadora (Transforming Force) is sponsoring a Spanish-language retreat March 13-15 at St. Theresa Church in Little Rock to educate parents about what draws kids into drugs and gang life and what they can do to stop it from happening before their children are old enough to join. 

Parents will be challenged to answer questions like: What vices are bringing harm to your family? What role does the father have in your family? What role does God have in your family? What is the responsibility of the children? What would you do if your child used drugs? 

Serio Torres is a former gang leader who created Fuerza Transformadora in 2006 to reach people who are struggling with drug and alcohol addictions, gang life and violence and help them learn about God and change their lives.

He is hosting this "Awaken Retreat" to help parents realize that they need to wake up. "Because if you're not part of the solution, you're going to be the problem." It is based on Ephesians 5:10-11: "Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them." This event is free to attend. This retreat will be presented again in July at St. Joseph Church in Conway. Several other Fuerza Transformadora events will also be held throughout the year. Visit calendar to learn more. Contact Serio Torres, diocesan associate director of faith formation, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 434, for more information or to register.