New Monitors Course

Can you imagine trying to keep 25 guys under control who are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions? One man is not enough; you need guys who can set an example for the other students and toe the line. That's why at the chacara we have monitors. They are current students in the recovery program who undergo a special two-month course to equip them with Biblical fundamentals and practical tools to monitor the conduct of the students, impose discipline if there are rule infractions, and counsel those who are looking for advice. I am helping to teach the current monitors course. There are four participants, as I will describe briefly (l-r photo). Anderson was a change collector on the Alvorada bus line and has a wife & kid. He almost lost everything because of drugs, but now he is in his 7th month of the program and is making a great comeback. Ezekiel is a preacher's son who became the prodigal son, he went down the path of vice, but has recently "come home" to his heavenly Father. Josimar spent time in prison for assault and battery, pursuing a life of crime as his father has done; he is also now in his 7th month in the program and was recently baptized! David comes from a Christian family but never gave his life to Christ until recently, and though his 3 months at the chacara have been turbulent, they are changing his life.

These four guys have two more weeks to complete the monitors course. If they finish successfully, they will be taking a giant step towards fulfilling the mission of the Youth Recovery Center as stated on this sign: Drug Addicts Transformed in Men Useful to God and to Society. This course is a great preparation for success in the rest of their lives! Pray for their success!

New Reception Area

This is the newly remodeled reception area we have been working on this year. We started remodeling it last year, doubling its size, but didn't get all the final touches done until now. We put in flooring, new paint inside and out, a new door and window, and roofing to regulate the interior temperature. It looks fantastic!

This building serves a variety of purposes. It is an office for Isaias & Gabriel, the director and assistant director pictured here. It is a place where the guys can come and talk privately with either one of these men. Potential interns and their families are interviewed here to determine if they should be admitted to the program. Also,the families of those currently interned can visit with Isaias & Gabriel about how their relatives are progressing. Thanks God for this much-improved administrative space!