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Evangelism is not enough when we look at the reality of the children in the streets that can not return to their homes and the adult that can not get a perspective on life. Many of them live on the streets because they do not believe they can possibly succeed in life. They are not able to make plans for a future because they live one day at a time. We need to do more and offer hope. The Restoration project is working to help change this situation in the following ways:
Prevention in the Coque Community
This project works with children and their families before they get onto the streets. A small school has been built in this community where they are developing creative works with the children and offering workshops for their parents. Counseling and discipleship is being offered for the adults.
Street Team
The first step is to reach the children in the streets by developing a friendship with them. Through these relationships the team is able to see which children are willing to leave the streets and return home to live with their family. Regular visits are done with the families to do counseling/discipleship and needed support to see if it is possible for them to go home. In many cases, this will not be enough and so the boys will go on to the second phase of the project.
Open House
This house functions as a support base for the street team. Their principle objective is to receive children that are not able to go home, for a trial period, where the team will be able to see their willingness to adapt to a schedule and then go on to the Hope House. The team also receives adults that live in the streets for a time of counseling and preparation for them to go to a recuperation house.
Hope House
The Hope House is our home for street boys between the ages of 10 - 14. The goal is to reintegrate these boys back into their families and society, when it is possible. Our program works basically in six areas: spiritual, education, family, physical, social and professional. (more on: www.mercy-ministry.com)
The Restoration Project has some great needs: Professionals such as doctors, psychologists, dentists and teachers that are committed to invest in the lives of these boys; financial donations for each child, construction material, a new van, gasoline and many other things... Another bigger challenge is to receive more staff that are called by God to serve in this committed area. Don’t lose this opportunity to make a difference in this world and to apply the Word of God in a practical way.
Get involved as a staff, short term volunteer, or by giving a financial contribution.
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