Remembering Eugene Johnson

Eugene Johnson

September 11, 1964 - May 20, 2009

 

 

Eugene was known for many things, things like:

 

·        His love for his son, Sean.

·        His laughter.  Once he got started, he couldn’t stop.

·        His love of basketball, the Lakers especially.  He’s up there rooting for the Lakers right now.

·        His barbeque.

·        And his devotion and ministry to young, urban males, especially in Watts.  The name he gave his ministry – High Step.

This is an excerpt from a Prayer Letter Eugene wrote in September 2006.  It expresses his vision for the community pretty clearly. 

 

We all can learn from this.

 

Dear Friend,

 

     I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Which should be only joyful, but I must tell you I am feeling a little discouraged at the moment.  It seems like those with the resources to make change in the community do not really have a vision for the community, while those with vision struggle because they lack the necessary resources.  As a result the word says where there is no vision the people perish, often casting off restraint and becoming lawless.

 

     During the past three weeks their have been a number of shootings in the neighborhood.  Six people were shot in a drive-by shooting in the projects across from one of our church member’s home…

 

     I strongly feel if the community is going to be transformed then it needs to come through the men in the community.  However that is the group that no one wants to deal with.  People want to deal with the women and children because it is less challenging, but it does not address the greater problems. 

 

People need to realize that these men were once little boys too.   We have to tackle their issues so they, in return, can change their community.  I thank God that He has blessed us with a group of men that are ready to meet the challenge. If we reach the men then they in return will reach everyone else.  The Bible says, “Pray that the father’s heart will be turned back towards their children.”

 

     I told the men from the community, if we do a ministry program, then the ground that we are using needs to be viewed as Holy ground while ministry is taking place.  This means that there will be no smoking or drinking or gang activity in the area while ministry is going on.  We want to work with men and women from the community to do this ministry.  They agreed because they felt this is something that is really needed in the community.

 

     Please pray for peace in Watts and the health and healing of all the people that were shot.  Pray for those who lost love ones.  Ask God to bless our ministry in the projects, especially for the building of the kingdom of God.  Pray that I all my support needs will be met so I can work full time doing the ministry.  I am currently working a night shift six days a week and minister during the day. This will only be for a season until the Lord meets the need of $1,200 per month to cover my budget.

 

In Christ,

 

Eugene Johnson

 

 

A STORY FROM EUGENE’S MINISTRY

 

As was often the case, Eugene was playing basketball in the neighborhood gym one day a few years ago when he came outside and found a group of young men having a very animated conversation. 

 

They were loudly discussing how hypocritical Christians are and they immediately started in on Eugene. 

 

Eugene wasn’t even aware of what they were referring to, but they were reacting to the fact that a former ministry house got busted.  

 

And it did.  A house Gene used to do a lot of ministry in over the years, was raided for drugs a few days before. 

 

Who knows why the house had drugs or what motivated it, etc.?  It was certainly wrong and there is no getting around it.  These guys then, were noting the hypocrisy they saw.

 

So ‘Gene said, “Yeah…Christians sin.” 

 

This did nothing to quiet the guys down.  They went on and on about how everyone is just looking out for themselves.  This got Gene a little bit riled up.

 

He thought for a moment about accosting the guys with a spur-of-the-moment fire & brimstone about the end times and getting right before God.

 

But then Gene sensed God saying, “Just tell him I love him.”

So Gene did.  To the loudest guy in the bunch.  “You know Jesus loves you, though, right?”

 

“What!  Oh no! Here you go again, Gene with all the Christian stuff!”

 

“I’m serious man, Jesus loves you.  Do you know that?”

 

The loudest guy was suddenly quiet.  He happened to be sitting on a bicycle and began pedaling around in circles, unable to stay still.

 

“Don’t be saying that Gene.  Don’t nobody love me.”

 

“Jesus loves you man.”

 

The other guys were now enjoying how their other friend was put on the spot and whooped & hollered.  But the man stayed focused on Gene.

 

“In fact, Jesus loves you.  And I love you.”

 

Oh man, the whoops got LOUDER.

 

“Do you believe that?  Do you believe I love you!”

 

“Gene seriously man don’t be saying that.  I told you, don’t nobody love me.  I don’t even love myself.”

 

“I know.  But Jesus loves you.  And I love you.  Do you believe me?”

 

The man was still pedaling around, but focused on Gene.

 

After a moment, he spoke.  “Yeah.  I believe you.”

 

The man stopped biking.  The whooping & hollering stopped.  A little bit of peace filled the air.

 

Then after another moment, the guy said, “Seriously, though, Gene, you can’t be talking like that in this neighborhood…people might think you’re…(less than macho)…”

 

With a loud laugh, Gene & the guys continued on in conversation.  It was a little…or maybe a big spiritual victory that day.