In an effort rooted in faith and compassion, Pastor Charles Muller of Victory Church in Albany, New York, is taking a bold and unconventional step to reduce teen gun violence. His latest initiative? Offering Nike sneakers and cash cards to teenagers who turn in illegal firearms.

For more than 30 years, Pastor Muller has served his city through outreach programs focused on feeding and supporting at-risk youth. But it was a tragic shooting over a decade ago that ignited his passion to address gun violence directly. The senseless death of an 11-year-old girl, killed by a 14-year-old using what’s known as a “community gun,” pushed Muller to act.

“It was a community gun,” Muller explained in an interview with The Christian Post. “That means it was passed around and used in crimes. Something had to be done.”

Since then, Muller has spearheaded efforts to collect illegal firearms off Albany’s streets, targeting youth involved in gangs and violent activity. Last year, his church distributed $150 gift cards for each weapon surrendered, resulting in the recovery of 200 to 300 guns. But this year, following the tragic July 4 shooting of a 17-year-old by two 15-year-olds, Muller felt compelled to offer more.

“I’ve never done the guns for sneakers,” Muller said. “But I felt we needed to do something different this summer.” Now, teens who surrender a handgun will receive five pairs of Nike sneakers—an offer designed to appeal directly to young people who may be drawn to the lifestyle of gang culture but are in desperate need of positive support.

In addition to the sneaker exchange, Victory Church has set up a hotline (518-857-0726) where teens can safely begin the process of surrendering their weapons. Muller acknowledges that no guns have yet been turned in since the program relaunched on Monday, but he remains hopeful and committed to staying present in the community all summer long.

“Our church is really kind of like a mission-type church,” Muller said, pointing to other outreach efforts like Our Store, which provides brand-new clothes, shoes, and essentials to foster children—no hand-me-downs, just dignity and love.

“We are lifting them up, saying, ‘You’re worthy of a brand-new coat,'” he said. “It just really makes all the difference when a child can say, ‘This is mine.'”

The Gospel is at the heart of Pastor Muller’s mission. His approach might be unorthodox, but it reflects the love of Christ in action—meeting people where they are and offering hope where it’s needed most.

“Jesus didn’t wait for people to get cleaned up before He helped them,” Muller said. “He went to them. And that’s what we’re doing.”