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Casa Gabriel

Casa Gabriel

An update

All of us at Casa G want to thank you for your prayers and support of the boys here. They are all growing and changing and becoming more like Jesus all the time, and I hope we are too. Following are a few recent highlights we would like to share with you. Have you heard about adventure racing? Well, three of our leaders in training are participating in one. You may also ask what happens to a boy who leaves of his own accord or is asked to leave, can they come back? We will give a peak into William's life. Sunday, October 21st, for three, the day was marked by identity in Christ as new creations.

What does adventure racing have to do with the Casa G boys?
Huairasinchi race (why-ra-seen-chee, meaning "strength of the wind."), is the name of the race that lasts 4 days in Ecuador. Gustavo, Angel David, and Miguel have participated in four months of training to be a part of the team facilitating this international adventure race here in Ecuador. They will each be stationed in a remote post and are responsible for:

Their own survival and camp area
Receiving the participants in and stamping participants tickets
First aid response in case of emergency-problem solving.

These young leaders in training are also ready to be a light and share Jesus both in deed and in word to these racers from all over the world.

What happens when a boy leaves Casa Gabriel?
william This is a good question. Let me answer by sharing with you a current example. William, Juan's younger brother, and whom many of you know, is not living at the house right now. About four months ago William chose to leave over a conflict he encountered in the house. In the span of several months this happened multiple times, each time affecting his development as well as the others in the ministry. One of William's survival strategies is to"fight or flight" when facing conflict. When there is no conflict he wants to be back in Casa G. We are working with William helping him learn how to deal with conflict in healthier ways. One of our goals is to help him learn how to live within established limits and boundaries, even if he does not like them. Most days William says he wants to come back to Casa G. We are working on preparing him to integrate 100% back into the program. He has shown growth in some areas but is finding it difficult to let go of these survival skills that make it so hard for him to maintain and establish healthy relationships. He is slowly learning how to ask with words for what he wants and also to deal with conflict rather than fight or run.

William currently arrives at the house four days a week, but does not spend nights. He comes to eat, shower, study, and hang out with the boys, this gives plenty of opportunities to work on his goals. William is hurting and suffering from the effects of neglect and abuse. We praise God for this continued relationship with William.

Please pray for William as he works on his goals in order to be considered back full time:

Attend school and finish
Operate within the boundaries set with him
Use others things only with permission
Participate with whatever is going on with a good attitude
Respect those in authority while at the house
When angry use more appropriate words to express/explain

The church we attend, "Monte Zion" recently went through a teaching on baptism. Towards the end of the teaching three of the boys in the house decided they wanted to be baptized. One of the church leaders graciously came over on a Thursday night to further discuss baptism with all the boys. On October 21st Juan, Alexis David, and Antonio were baptized. The sun was out, the air was warm, the water was freezing, and our hearts were blessed by the sight of seeing those we care about declare publicly their devotion to God and what He did for them.

Please pray for safety from the enemy that would try and rob them of their joy and security of this outward step of faith and obedience. We believe your prayers have been crucial in helping these young leaders to take these huge steps in their faith. Thank you for praying for them!

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. If you are interested in sending a donation you may make your check out to International Teams with Casa Gabriel in the memo line. Mail your check to International Teams, 411 W. River Road, Elgin IL 60123. Thank you for your prayers most of all!!!

HOW THE MINISTRY STARTED...

YouthWorld • Casilla 17-17-691 • Quito, Ecuador • South America
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