Refuge October 11, 2009: CENTRO de RESTAURACIÓN OASIS A.C. (CREO)
A night of music and worship, with special guest Trace Bundy,
to support a ministry for troubled boys 10 years - 18 years old.
Ensenada is yet another city in Mexico where
a claimed
40% of teens are using drugs on a regular
basis.
Although rehabilitation centers exist, they are closed to young boys and do not teach prevention. A center to answer this problem and reach these children is needed.
CENTRO de RESTAURACIÓN OASIS (CREO) aims to be that center. A refuge for these children.
There is a God of these boys. He is our God. He is their God.
A common scenario is for parents to work from sun up to sun down, leaving their children unsupervised. As a result, kids spend excessive time on the streets and find trouble. Alexis, 14, has nearly been expelled from school several times. He began drinking, using drugs, and hanging out with a local gang at an early age. According to the authorities, Alexis' story is far too common.
During our visit to Ensenada this summer, we sat down with Juan who is the driving force behind CREO. Right now he is working 2 jobs in order to finance and operate the center. One of his jobs is at a detention home for teens.
We asked him ”how big of a problem are drugs and alcohol among adolescents in Mexico?” He said: “It’s a huge problem, and it’s going to increase because of what is happening, they are now permitting the use of marijuana." He went on to say that nearly 40% of teens are using drugs on a regular basis. Most criminals who are currently in prison are there because of illegal drug use.
We then asked why CREO is a boys' home and not a girls' home. He shared with us that drug use is a bigger problem among boys than among girls. And while there are local rehabilitation centers, they don’t offer programs for teenage boys. His vision is for CREO to help teenage boys, from 10 to 18 years of age, by treating their current addictions as well as preventing new ones. His vision is to stop the cycle of drug abuse.
Often times, kids use drugs to escape a problem at home. One reason the drug use continues is that the parents are never taught how to help their boys overcome their addictions. The plan at CREO is to work with the boys and their families, in order to figure out why the boys are turning to drugs. Most existing centers focus only on treating the drug addiction, but Juan wants to reach and change the entire family.
- we need more statistics to put in
We’re financing a Restoration Center.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty
and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked
after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
– Matthew 25:35-36
$35,000 is the budget to operate the center for one year.
The program is for six months; four months in the center and two months at the home, with regular visits from the staff. This is a holistic ministry; meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Juan already has commitments from a psychologist and a physician who will donate their time. He will be the spiritual teacher at the center.
Your contributions for Centro de Restauración will go towards:
- 1 year of salary for Juan, so he can commit to the center full-time
- 1 year of salary for two additional staff members
- 1 year of rent and utilities for a facility to use as a youth drop-in center and church
- Start-up expenses for renovating and purchasing equipment for the drop-in center and church
Every small contribution helps.
Large ones do, too.
Help us reach our $35,000 target.
Here are a few ways you can support the project.
You can donate.
- Online
-
By postal mail:
Refuge Benefit Concert
Princeton Alliance Church
PO BOX 9000
Plainsboro, NJ 08356
All donations are fully tax deductible.
Cheques should be made out to Princeton Alliance Church.
Spread the word.
Buy a wristband
or a T-shirt
by sending an email to:
refuge@princetonalliance.org
or by visiting the following site:
buy a t-shirt
All profits benefit the Refuge project.
United in worship and in love.
On Sunday, October 11th, 7:30pm, at Princeton Alliance Church,
we will host a night of music and worship
A night of music with Trace Bundy
Trace Bundy is an instrumental acoustic guitar player who lives and performs in Boulder, Colorado. He is known to fans as "The Acoustic Ninja" for his legato/fingertapping skills. His playing style features him playing with both hands on the fretboard, intricate fingerpicking arpeggios and inventive use of multiple capos.
Most importantly, Trace has a heart for God and is eager to see His work done across the nations.
Compassion fueled in worship.
After music with Trace Bundy, join us in a night of worship with our Refuge host band.
We unite under one roof because our hearts break
for the many who face lives of incredible adversity.
We worship God whose love inspires us with compassion because he calls all people to live their lives to the fullest.
We show God's love in a practical way
to Juan and the boys of Ensenada.
Become involved.
The Refuge concert and project in Ensenada are the combined effort of many people who are restless to change the world.
If you are one of them, tell us about your passion. We want you onboard.
Questions?
We're glad to listen.
Contact us for more information:
- refuge@princetonalliance.org
- 609 799 9000 x49 (Matt)