Beni’s Boldness

A few months back I met with Beni Santibanez for lunch when I was in Wichita, KS, for a work visit. Beni is an artist who recorded some music with TUMI Productions.

Over our meal, I learned that Beni was a former gang member who gave his life to Christ back in 2009. Immediately after he gave his life to the Lord, he went and shared the love of Christ to members of his now former gang. He also boldly went to members of rival gangs and shared Christ with them. Beni said to me, “Andrew, it’s the craziest thing that I could go up to a leader of gang that was a rival to my former gang without getting hurt, talk to them about Jesus, and they would listen to me! It’s crazy and doesn’t make sense!” But that’s how the Lord used him. His first year as a Christian, over 250 gang members came to know the Lord because of Beni’s boldness and heart to reach members of his former gang as well as members of rival gangs.

Beni became a TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute) student taking courses in Wichita and was very involved in his local church. The Lord used him in mighty ways and he started a ministry called Hope 4 Da Hood Ministries. Beni is an example of how God can use someone with a “street education” and use that “education” to reach others within that culture. He’s a reminder to me that regardless of his past, the Lord’s grace and mercy is infinitely deep and empowering.

Beni is a bold brother in Christ and my lunch meeting with him was not only encouraging to me, but my heart praised God for all He did through Beni’s life.

In July, Beni joined our TUMI staff to work with us part time. I will have the privilege of having him work with me in TUMI Operations. I look forward to seeing how the Lord will use Beni’s experiences, gifts, and bold faith for the Lord. Whether through TUMI Productions, Hope 4 Da Hood, or working with us on staff. Please pray for our brother in Christ, that the Lord will continue to protect him, encourage him, and use him in mighty ways that remind others that Jesus Christ is worthy to be praised!