PAVAS — Costa Rica
Christ For the City International (CFCI) works in 16 nations, with more than 500 workers bringing the transforming love of Jesus Christ through a huge variety of ministries. CFCI has been operating Community Transformation Centers (CTCs) for over 20 years. CTCs are specific buildings or centralized locations out of which a number of ministries and activities are operated. These CTCs meet the needs of all demographics and generations within an area. The goal is community transformation.
The Community:
The community of Pavas is home to nearly 117,000 people. Pavas is one of the most dangerous areas in the nation because of the gang violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and poverty.
The CTC:
The CTC in Pavas operates a number of life-changing ministries. The “Art House” ministry offers sewing classes to women in need through which women receive vocational training, food, and spiritual support. This CTC feeds 250 children three times a week through the children’s feeding program. Children learn Bible stories and play games that help discourage them from entering the gang life. Pastoral training and alliance support are vital to this CTC. Church services held at the CTC are attended by ex-criminals and ex-gang members who have come to a life-saving relationship with Jesus. Extreme weekend retreats are offered to gang members who want to submit their lives to Jesus. “The Refuge” ministry provides accommodations and vocational training to new Christians coming out of the gang lifestyle.
The Need:
It costs $26,063 to run this CTC annually. Included in the annual costs are programs for 170 children and 830 meals for those in need per week, an “extreme retreat” for 12,000 youth per year, vocational training for 80 women per week, services for 20 men living full-time in the Refuge, and pastoral training and leadership seminars.
If your donation is to be directed toward a specific person or project, please send an email with your full name and donation details to finance@cfci.org.