Narrator:
What do you do when vandals wreck something in the community?
Robert tells what happened when he worked at a forest/nature
center on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia.

Robert:
Someone had cut down young saplings, and built a tree fort in
a remote section of the forest. I wrote a note,
covered it with plastic, and tacked it up on the tree. The note said
sumpin' like: "We're glad you enjoy using the forest but sad that you cut
down trees to make your shelter. Trees take a long time
to grow, and cuttin' them makes the forest look ugly.
You don't have to tear down the shelter, but
further cutting is illegal. If you have questions, stop by
and visit. I'd enjoy gettin' to know ya."

I didn't really expect anyone to show up, but a few days later,
two 14 year old boys walked in and 'fessed up. I discovered
they were self-taught local naturalists who loved the forest,
knew every corner. They continued to come around and became
important friends of our center.

Voice 1:
When vandals destroy, what if we offer a chance for conversation?

Voice 2:
This message of peace from the Mennonite churches.