LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Around 100 people have been killed in Louisville this year.
One local man who was once part of that violence is now spreading the message of love.
Tod Moore was facing the death penalty after a life of crime. For 30 years, the Louisville man said his days were shrouded in violence and drugs. That lifestyle led Moore to prison in 1991 on three counts of murder and kidnapping. Prosecutors pursued the death penalty.
Today, Moore is the founder and executive director of New Day Ministries, spreading his message on the streets. He also has a summer enrichment camp for youth called LIFE, which stands for Love Inspiring Future Excellence.
"This is how we address the violence, the drugs, the gangs, we'll address it with love," Moore said. "Love grabbed me, the love of Jesus Christ while I was facing my death penalty trial."
More received a pardon in 2019 and has dedicated his time to helping others make positive changes.
"When the Lord released me from prison, and he said, 'go and show them how to love, and love is the acronym, L.O.V.E., love overcomes violence and its effects," Moore said.
Over the last few summers, the organization has worked with and mentored several hundred inner-city youth.
Nikyma Teverbaugh is the program's director, and said the goal is take the children out of traumatic situations.
"This community is very traumatized," Teverbaugh said. "Even for a moment, and place them in a good ground, a scenario where they feel safe, they feel loved, and they feel like they're supported. There is limitless opportunity for that child."
The group does more than talk the talk.
"Helping with their bills, if they need food, we want to help them with food, clothing, shelter," Moore said.
On Saturday, New Day Ministries will be walking the walk with the 16th L.O.V.E. Walk.
The L.O.V.E. Walk will be held at First Congregational Methodist Church at 3810 Garland Avenue on Saturday from 1-4 p.m.Â
To register, click here.
Related Stories:
- Former inmate turned Louisville pastor using annual walk to show L.O.V.E.
- Louisville nonprofit hoping to help stop violent crime among teens with mentor programs, events
- After facing the death penalty, Louisville man turns his life around, spreading his faith to city's youth
- Louisville man gets exoneration from Gov. Bevin, plans to expand ministry
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