6-Year-Old Boy’s Touching Video Urges People to Stop Retaliation, Gang Violence: ‘God’s Gonna Make You Safe’

By Suzette Gutierrez-Cachila
Jeffrey Cheatham
Six-year-old Jeffrey Cheatham pleads for people to "stop killing each other." Facebook

A six-year-old boy pleaded for people to stop retaliating in violence and urged them to trust that God is their "weapon" and He will make them safe.

Leanndra Cheatham said she often takes videos of her son Jeffrey. One night, when they were having a talk, she decided to record what he was saying, and she was surprised by what he said, Fox News reported.

"People need to stop killing each other," Jeffrey said. "I'm scared to die, and I'm really scared for my family to die."

Cheatham decided to upload her son's video on Facebook.

"I'm scared because I've seen my Mama's cousin, he's a little boy ... and he got killed standing outside of school," he continued. "All these people are hurting gang killing each other. We need to stop this."

Jeffrey was referring to his mother's 17-year-old cousin Taylor Simpson, who was killed last month in a drive-by shooting in University City. According to witnesses, Simpson was killed when two people in a sedan drove by the area and fired shots at him and other kids.

Cheatham said she wasn't even aware how her cousin's death impacted her son.

"Jeffrey saw me really sad when my cousin died. I didn't know he remembered or even listened when I talked about the death of my cousin," she said.

Jeffrey said kids like him should not be exposed to violence and guns.

"I'm a kid and I'm not supposed to be knowing all this stuff. I'm not supposed to be knowing about all these guns. I know about all bad stuff. ... I'm supposed to be learning about school," Jeffrey said.

He has a sweet note of encouragement for those who are going through difficulties in life.

"God's gonna make you safe. God can do as much as He can for you," he said. "And God, He loves you with all of His heart. God had died for you because God loves you."

He repeated his plea for people to stop killing each other, to stop resorting to violence in retaliation toward those who hurt them. He pointed people to a more powerful weapon: Jesus.

"Jesus ... will make sure you're alright," he said. "God is my weapon. God is gonna make sure I'm safe."

The video has greatly impacted those who have seen it, including a man who was supposed to shoot someone but decided not to.

"A man in Birmingham reached out to me and told me he didn't shoot someone in retaliation after seeing my son speak in the video," Cheatham said.

On another Facebook post, Cheatham shared the message of another man who had been a gang member all his life but was touched by Jeffrey's words.

"Saw video & it touched me since I have kids but also very active CRIP member with ties for very long time," the man told her.

"Just been CRIPPIN since I was 11 & now 43," the man said. "I know that life more than any other, I knew how to put in work & protect my own against all odds & with military training makes me want to protect & deal with stuff old school ways."

Cheatham encouraged him to stop the violence for his children's sake.

"U can do it! Do it for them!!! It will get hard it's nothing but the devil don't let him win," she told him.

Jeffrey's video message has gone viral. It has been viewed more than 180,000 times and has been shared 6,700 times as of today. Hear Jeffrey's powerful message below.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo