AIM

The prevalence of gangs and the associated violence within day-to-day Central American life challenges our mission to take action. So, similar to what we have carried out in several Asian nations over the past 35 years, we have begun establishing a series of safe houses where we work to mentor boys so that, in time, they will return to their communities as educated Christian change agents. Our young people are never pressured or coerced to become a Christian. Their life is their life, and so accordingly, they can choose their own life path.

We are selecting boys aged around 11 -15 years of age who come from gang families/culture. Sadly, many boys who have no intention of becoming gang members nevertheless end up in the scene.

We select boys who are well-behaved and, who have little desire to become gang members. We expect that our young people will graduate from university. Hence, we proactively select boys who are both intelligent and, who value education.

Several of our board members already are Christian leaders working directly in the barrios where gangs are based. It is they, along with our mentors, who select the children.

Interestingly, gangs are very positive towards Christians. In fact, one of the few ways a gang member can exit the gang is by becoming a Christian. But bear in mind that he will be discreetly followed by other gang members to see if he is genuine. If he is simply pretending, then he risks execution.