The Castro – San Francisco, California

This last week I had opportunity to witness the Gospel in one of the largest strongholds of the enemy in our country today. It is San Francisco’s Castro District. It is Friday night and several of us brothers, most from SOS Ministries, head for the Castro. Our strategy is different here than in other parts of the city. We focus on tracts and having one-to-one conversations.

Fear and depression set in as we drive across the Bay Bridge into the city. Spiritual warfare comes in many forms and tonight, like all the other times coming to the Castro I think; I just don’t want to be here. This occupies my mind as we are taken to our “drop zone” – Gay Village, the hub of Castro between 17th and Market Streets. Jumping out of the car is slower than it use to be for me. I’m getting older. I am old enough to remember “straight” meant you didn’t smoke pot. For those who don’t remember, below is a bio on the Castro.

Brief Castro History
The gay Mecca, San Francisco, still leads US cities in having the highest percentage of homosexuals per capita of people. It is over the 15 percent mark. The Castro is one of America’s first and best-known gay neighborhoods, and it is currently it’s largest.

Having transformed from a working-class neighborhood through the 60’s and 70’s; the Castro remains a symbol and source of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activism and events. Twin Peaks, the first gay bar in the city, and possibly the United States, is located at the intersection of Market and Castro.

The Castro came of age as a gay center following the Summer of Love in the neighboring Haight-Ashbury district in 1967. The gathering brought tens of thousands of middle-class youth from all over the United States. The neighborhood, previously known as Eureka Valley, became known as The Castro, after the landmark theatre by that name near the corner of Castro and Market Streets.

No Briefs Tonight
Tonight we see the first wave of nakedness before a nude protest tomorrow over the laws concerning being naked in the city. There is an ordinance that requires the wiping off of seats etc. if you sit on them naked,which is legal bye the way. The protest will be by those against the ordinance. So tonight there are a few men walking around naked. If that isn’t bizarre enough for you, there is the seemingly harmless “Little Mermaid” sing along at the theatre. As patrons came out it was a clear similarity to the Rocky Horror Picture Show of the eighties, but in all fairness not as extreme.

Vigil For Violence
After arriving Pastor Eric Martinez and I went across from the theatre and came upon a small group having a prayer vigil for those victims of a string of killings in Washington DC. It seems that the gender confused people were being targeted. I struck up a conversation with a homosexual man from India. I asked him if he knew why there were so many violent acts done by mankind. He nodded no and I began to share about Adam, man’s sin, the judgment to come, and Jesus Christ and the resurrection from the dead. He politely listened and he took a tract. It is apparent that many homosexual foreigners find refuge here.

Today’s Christianity
A young man named “Crash” assured me that he was a Christian after I shared a brief Gospel presentation with him. That was right before he asked me if I knew of someone who wanted to buy some hashish. I asked him pointed questions in regard to this, and shared from the Word. He saw no conflict with smoking drugs. As he talked, it was apparent that he had no real understanding of what it is to be saved or who the real Jesus Christ is. I witnessed as much as he could take in and then prayed for him and we parted ways.

Does Anyone Care?
Eric and I also encountered a young woman whose claims of paganism, witchcraft, and abuse growing up seemed a little hard to believe. We listened patiently as she shared her disappointment in Christ and how her friends on the street were more supportive than the Church. She indicated that no one cared. She seemed very content to go to hell. After awhile she softened a little and took a tract. Eric did the lion’s share of the speaking, assuring her that Jesus cares, before she meandered down the street. Eric pointed out that sometimes people just want to be heard and by listening we fulfill a need. Regardless of what is really going on with her, she needs to be saved. May God have mercy on her and all who are out here tonight.

Reminiscing of Times Past
Mike who works at the San Francisco Rescue Mission and comes out evangelizing with us showed up tonight. We started wondering if anyone comes out here on a regular basis anymore. A couple of years ago during the California measure known as prop 8, the gay marriage issue, there were many Christians thatwent into the Castro to pray and witness on a regular basis. At one point they suffered much persecution and had to be escorted out of the area by police when a small riot had broken out. This made national newsat the time. Mike was a part of that group. Adam the leader, a former homosexual himself, had reported that a breakthrough seemed to be made after having to endure the assault of the homosexuals and the infamous group, the sisters of perpetual indulgence. They were throwing ashes of a dead warlock on them amongst other things. To our knowledge no prayer group or organized effort to preach the Gospel in the Castro is being undertaken at this time. Is God calling you to come to San Francisco? You may find yourself on Castro street. Here is a link to a very fitting song for this occasion: “Everpresent” by Paul & Noreen Coca