Colombia
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About 600 children from the barrio are left |
Children’s Playhouse
Barrio Pacifico is an impoverished shanty-town clinging to the mountainside on the edge of Medellín. About 600 children from the barrio are left alone for extended periods of time while their parents work. These children struggle with depression, sadness and hopelessness. The adult population, unschooled and untrained, survive by working at poorly paid, unstable jobs. Assassins, prostitutes and drug dealers haunt the neighbourhood. Apart from these streets, there is not a single recreation area for children in the barrio.
For $14 a month, a child will be able to play safely at a Children's Playhouse in the only Christian church in the area. They will be supervised by believers, receive a meal, and learn about Jesus. You can have an impact through this family-based program which could eventually transform the entire community. (Submitted by: Diego and Claudia Cardona)
Cost: $14 for a child to play for
a month at Children’s Playhouse
Abba Father Ministry
Many children grow up exposed to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. This often causes loss of identity and confusion about sexual orientation, driving them later into unhealthy lifestyles in the search to satisfy their need for love and sense of self. Abba Father is a ministry to lesbians and homosexuals in downtown Medellin led by volunteer leaders whom God has rescued from similar experiences. Many were street dwellers and are now reintegrated into society and the work force. You can have a part in bringing God's grace to others like them. (Submitted by: Phil and Deene Webb)
Cost: $50 for a year’s worth
of therapy for a person
Christian Counseling
Making Connections is a Christ-centered counseling clinic for both believers and non-believers in Medellin. Fully-trained Christian therapists specialize in marital, family and group therapy, and in the treatment of addictions.
Pastors are often among those in need of counsel as they struggle alone with marriage and family needs while continuing to deal with the stresses and demands of ministry. Many of them are unable to pay the minimum fee to attend Making Connections. Fifty dollars will provide a pastor with five visits. You can help grow healthy churches by helping develop healthy pastors. (Submitted by: Phil and Deene Webb)
Cost: $50 for five counseling sessions