God Walks Street Where Others Fear
By LINDA HARSDORFT
Advocate Staff Writer

Across the street is a lounge. Right next door is a liquor store and further up and down the street is a neighborhood area some might not want to walk through at night.

But at 1010 Juan Linn St. there have been some changes made. Four Victoria newcomers who call that address home have made the difference, and what was once a food store is now a religious center and recreation area all rolled into one.

To the people who live close by it is simply "the church," but actually it is the Agape Force Field Station, operated by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Patton, Ron Krueger and Dave Miner.

The four - all between 20 and 26 years of age - are working members of the Agape Force, an organization which operates facilities similar to the one in Victoria in the United States, Canada and New Zealand.

The Agape [Force] national headquarters has recently been moved to Tyler, but the nondenominational organization originated in California six years ago. It was founded by Tony Salerno, who is the national director.

In spite of the fact that the Agape Force has numerous locations across the country, each center is organized to suit the needs of individual communities, said Patton, who is the local director.

Patton said along Juan Linn Street the prevalent problems are too, many children, who often go without proper parental direction and health care - and alcoholism. Of course, poverty is very evident, and the center has become popular with 30 to 50 children who enjoy the center's basketball court and play area - but not without some strings attached.

"If they want to play an hour they have to earn a wooden nickel," said Patton, adding children earn their nickels by reading scriptures, listening to a Biblical story or by helping out.

Patton said the center is open to people in need at all hours. It is not out of the ordinary for them to be awakened in the middle of the night by some one "who just wants to let his hair down."

"Out on the street they have an image to maintain - tough and cool. They come here just to be alone," he said.

Patton and his wife, Dee, have a 20-month old little girl, and they live at the headquarters right along with the other two volunteers. Originally from California, the couple has been with the Agape Force for four years and intends to devote their lives to the goals set up by the Agape Force.

They say that one of the main goals of the organization is "to see the nation return to serving God in practice, not just in theory."

"We believe that people should put aside their selfishness and surrender to God's authority," said Patton.

Miner, another Californian, and Krueger, who is from Canada, have not decided if they will continue to remain with Agape [Force]. Miner is still in the Agape training program, while Krueger recently completed his first year in the organization.

The four do not receive salaries. They depend on donations, although the Pattons do receive royalty money from some religious songs they have written. The rest - the furniture, television, piano, Ping-Pong tables - have been donated by local businesses and individuals.

"All of our needs are provided through prayer," said Patton.

Patton said the work at the center is "unlimited." The gymnasium is open during the day to children. And on Friday and Saturday the Agape team does outreach work, with Saturday being special since a local business in Victoria has donated ice cream for the youngsters to enjoy.

Each Wednesday Miner is involved in a devotional program at Victoria High School, where a club is being organized to aid the Agape [Force] cause.

On Tuesday a Bible study is held at 7:30 p.m. and on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. a worship service is held.

Patton said much work yet is to be done, and he is looking forward to receiving some support from the churches in Victoria.

"There is so much that can be done here. Already I've noticed the difference in some of the kid’s attitudes," he said.