Update

Thanks for all your donations so far. I completed the swim - and now I'm in the process of passing on your donations to El Barrio 4 Christ. The money is going to be used for some job creation projects. About 6 months ago, El Barrio 4 Christ set up a sewing project. They were able to buy some professional sewing machines, rent a workshop space and with 6 ex gang members have started sewing t-shirts and simple clothes that they can sell. Even though nobody knew how to sew at the beginning, they have learnt, got themselves established and work happily in a little production line. It has given all of them a new start and a real opportunity to support themselves.

Now, El Barrio 4 Christ, is in the process of setting up a shoe workshop. They have 2 people (both ex-gang members) who already know how to make shoes. They've been able to buy some essential tools and start work in their own home. The next stage is looking for a workshop space to rent, so these 2 can teach other ex-gang members the trade, and hopefully have a shop front as well so they can sell shoes directly to the public and increase their profit margin. This is what your donations will be used for. Giving gang members a second chance.

You still have chance to give (to the end of December). Thanks for all your support.

Suzanne

So as most of you know, I like swimming - especially in the sea or lakes! People tell me that it's too cold - but I don't usually notice!!! Well now I'm putting my craziness to a good cause.

Since I've been in Guatemala, the activity of gangs in the country has increased. Many communities around Guatemala City are under the control of gangs and young people and children are easily manipulated into getting involved. The gang lifestyle is marked by violence, crime, drugs and prison, and very few survive past their 25th birthday in the gangs. I have been in contact with a group called El Barrio 4 Christ (www.elbarrio4christ.org). They work with gang members, both in and out of prison, bringing God's love and acceptance to gang members and their families. (The gangs are often blamed for everything bad that happens in Guatemala and are hated by everyone - even other prisoners) El barrio 4 Christ works to see lives transformed by God's love so that the young people can live lives free of violence and aggression. They do this by prison visiting, helping in outreach centres (reaching and empowering young people in neighbourhoods affected by gangs), as well as helping gang members who want to make a new start, with discipleship, training and job opportunities.

So in September, I will be escaping from Alcatraz. Alcatraz was a maximum security prison located on an island in the bay of San Francisco. Even after it was closed as a prison, it has since held an iconic reputation (and appeal) as being inescapable due to being surrounded by cold water, which is effected by strong currents and humoured to be visited by sharks!. That will be my challenge in September. The swim is actually only 2 1/2 km - fairly short for an open water swim - but it's the other factors which add to the challenge. 

So if you are able to make a donation that would be fantastic. As you help me escape from Alcatraz, you'll be helping young people in Guatemala escape from a life of violence.

Many Thanks

 

 

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