On November 4-7, Bethany experienced an uncommon encounter when Fugitive Safe Surrender (FSS), a program sponsored nationally by the U.S. Marshall Service, with the support of Rutgers University and virtually every law enforcement and judicial entity in Essex and Union Counties and the State of NJ, came to Newark to provide persons with warrants for non-violent, criminal offenses an opportunity to voluntarily surrender and receive special consideration by the courts. Today, because of FSS, some 4,197 people, many of whom had been on the run for years and unable to participate in society with any degree of normalcy, have suddenly obtained a "new lease on life".
This is remarkable in itself, but during the four days of FSS, something even more remarkable happened. Over 200 volunteers from churches throughout Essex and Union counties came together to assist in the smooth operation of what was at times a very demanding challenge of encouraging, supporting, counseling, feeding, and directing a very large group of anxious, uncertain people that were eager to obtain what FSS seemed to promise, but who were conditioned by their circumstances not to be very trusting. Not only did these volunteers serve during the four days the program was active, but they came week after week for training and preparation for what they were eager to believe, but had no way to be sure, would be a dramatic a new beginning for those who would have the courage to come.
The bravest fugitives were the ones who came on the first day. They dared to step out and test whether this much-advertised appeal to "come in from the cold" was for real or just a sting. Presumably, its location in a church with a reputation for its acts of solidarity with people living on the margins, helped them to take the risk. And when they found that FSS was all they hoped it would be, word began to spread throughout the community, so by day 4, the line was longer than anyone could have imagined, with each person who came rejoicing with disbelief that something they thought would never happen hd become a reality.
By the close of the day on Saturday, November 7th, those who worked as volunteers and those who were paid professionals could hardly be distinguished from one another. Everyone had melded into a team with a shared, and redemptive mission. Those with badges and those with the tee shirts of volunteers! Hearts were opened. Attitudes were altered, if only for a short while. Suddenly all were human beings, with an undeniable, shared humanity---all helping to solve a problem that in many ways impacts each one of us.
This breakthrough to a genuine sense of community was never more evident than on the Monday afterwards, when all the parties forming the coalition that produced FSS held a press conference to announce the results of these remarkable days. There, the gleam in the eyes and the bounce in the gait of erstwhile somber people gave evidence that something that was unfamiliar to them in their often lengthy work lives as sheriffs, prosecutors, parole and probation officers, had indeed occurred. And they were completely without caution in heralding the days they had spent together for their life changing insights.
As for Bethany, what an opportunity to engage in service that is at the center of its calling!
Despite this magnificent contribution to so many people, it is important to note that fewer than half the people in Essex and Union Counties turned themselves in. The rest remain in the dark corners, living with the fear of being stopped at random, or having the places where they sleep invaded before dawn. The last image of the week that will be remembered for some time to come, was the group of people running up the hill on Warren Street trying to get to the place of renewal, only to learn that the program had ended promptly at 4:00 p.m. as advertised. But they kept coming. Even as late as Monday morning, they were still coming, looking for a new way to live.
After FSS, we now know a way must be found; we must find a way to open a new door, allowing them to come in, and stay in.
