Bobby Bishop's Thoughts on Halloween

After Bobby Bishop helped start the East Coast International Church in Lynn, Massachusetts and became their youth pastor, he was inspired to use his hip-hop skills to reach the youth in his community as well as to mentor and reach the youth of his neighborhood. Bobby’s involvement is extensive, and his lyrics reflect these relationships and provide encouragement to his youth.

When asked what he does on October 31st, Bobby said ...

"Every Halloween, several families in our church host "Light the Night" parties. Essentially, instead of endorsing what tends to go on Halloween night around here (the typical shaving cream, toilet paper, egging, and shooting-paintballs-at police festivities, as well as significant gang activity), we provide a healthy alternative both as a haven for kids as well as an outreach tool. Being that Salem, Massachusetts is the city next door to Lynn (where we are) the negative spiritual climate on Halloween is definitely amplified as well, so this is an important outreach.

Last year, I promoted the event at youth group, and a half dozen of the kids came to my house in the afternoon, blocked off my driveway, and set up "carnival" games throughout my postage-stamp-sized yard and driveway. I made sure all of them were dressed in costumes that were appropriate on all levels, and the youth each ran their own carnival booth for the evening. This kept them off the streets, as well as other youth in our church and neighborhood, and as other kids went door to door, they not only received candy and prizes, but got to play games for as long as they wanted. Some kids ended up spending the entire evening at our house, and still went home with a full bag of candy! We made sure church promotional flyers were on hand. This was also a chance to meet parents, hold conversations, and invite them to church. We'll definitely continue this tradition!"