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Nehemiah Project |
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One of the biggest problems that affects the country of El Salvador are the street gangs. Although the two main rival street gangs were formed in Los Angeles, California, they were founded by Salvadorans who when deported back to El Salvador brought the concept with them. In 2004 the Salvadoran government held a national consultation and invited representatives from government and private organizations to participate in formulating proposals for the government in how to deal with the problem. Thousands of young people, primarily males, are submerged in the street gang life in El Salvador. Once a young person joins, it is impossible to leave; the only ways are through death or by becoming a genuine Christian. If they accept Christ, they are in surveillance by the gang to make sure that it is a genuine conversion to Christ and not just to escape the gang life. |
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Our ministry was invited to participate in the consultation, and through friendships formed with other participants of other organizations, the Nehemiah Project was born. In the Bible, Nehemiah re-built the walls of Jerusalem amidst much criticism from adversaries and under dangerous circumstances. The workers had to hold a sword in one hand and their cement trowel in the other in order to re-build the walls. The Nehemiah Project, admist the risky backgrounds of these youth, works to re-build their lives. |
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The program includes vocational training and classes to equip them with life skills such as how to do a job interview, how to make a resumé, table manners, proper nutrition, proper dental care, etc. Each location where there is a Nehemiah Project, a local pastor participates and initiates each day with a devotional and prayer. The program also involves the parents who want to receive vocational training, and who participate in parenting classes. Our progam brings together various organizations such as the Salvadoran Police Department, Supreme Court, the government’s job training agency called INSAFORP, the Evangelical University of El Salvador, and local churches. Over five hundred youth have graduated from the program since 2004, and have received diplomas which facilitate their ability to get hired for stable employment. |
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info@harvesting.org |
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