Lawrence Stone founder of the "Big Homie Program", has lived in the Salishan neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington since he was 12 years old. After graduating from high school, Lawrence was enticed by the fast life of selling drugs and running with gangs. He started the Eastside Bloods gang and was part of the gang history in Tacoma when it was rated #1 in the nation for gang related murders.

Lawrence said "I can remember the 90's, it was a concrete hell, young men were dropping like flies. It seems we were having 1-2 funerals every week. I remember one of my homies died in my arms in a bathroom."

Even after being shot in 1990, shot again in 1992 and stabbed 13 times in one incident, Lawrence continued to gang bang and sell drugs.

Lawrence's life took turn when he was arrested in California for trafficking drugs. As he was sitting in jail awaiting sentencing, Lawrence found himself looking to God for answers.

Six months into his sentence his relationship with his wife fell apart, he worried constantly about his daughter and he felt he was going to loose his mind. Lawrence became depressed. This is when the Holy Spirit began to move in his life. He needed strength so he began to pray.

While in custody at Solano State Prison, Lawrence met God face to face.

Lawrence said, "I can remember God showed me all the churches on the hilltop in a dream. But, in the dream, he called them hospitals. I said, "Lord what are you trying to say?" He said, "There are hospitals on every corner why is the community still sick?" Right then and there I was ordained in a vision to break traditional bondage and walk through the community like Christ, the best example of public community ministry."

After being released from prison, March 8, 2000, Lawrence found himself homeless until a good friend gave him a place to stay. He worked for a door company in Tacoma for about a year. He says, "I remember the vision God shared with me while in prison, I said, "Lord, you have to have more for me than this." A week later, Lawrence was without a job and facing the streets again.

While walking down the street one day Lawrence ran into a young women and asked he if he could minister to the young girls in her van. After ministering to the young girls, the young women offered him information on a full-time ministry position she knew about.

This position required Lawrence to be under a church so after many failed attempts to get the necessary support, Lawrence contacted Pastor Ron Vignec. Lawrence found himself working in the very same neighborhood where he started the Eastside Bloods Gang. He decided Pastor Ron was in God's plan.

Lawrence used funding he received from "Vision Youth" to create the "Big Homie Program". The "Big Homeboy" or "Homie" from the streets has become a mentor to those in the community trapped by gangs and violence. Lawrence says, "I guess what the devil meant for evil, God has turned for good." Today, Lawrence Stone (Big Homie) is a positive advisor for today's youth-at-risk, offering alternatives to conflict.

With the help of God, Lawrence has found his passion, helping youth. Mr. Stone is an advocate for youth at risk and provides alternatives to violence and incarceration. Lawrence has been featured in local and national media forums and continues to provide youth with the life skills they need to be productive members of society.