Argentina
This is one of Liebenzell’s
newest mission fields, with the work begun here in 2001. Liebenzell was
asked to continue and expand the ministry of a substance abuse treatment
center, located about 1,200 miles southwest of Buenos Aires. This poor region
has unemployment rates of nearly 60%.
It is an economically impoverished region with high unemployment; alcoholism,
juvenile delinquency and child prostitution are not uncommon.
Founded in 1991 by the Protestant Alliance (an evangelical organization in Argentina), the Centro Cristiano drug and alcohol rehabilitation center is located in the towns of Esquel and Trevelin. The center in Esquel includes a project for street children and a residential group for endangered and/or abused girls. In the town of Trevelin (about 12 miles away) an addiction treatment center (El Retorno) was established.
Four years ago, a piece of property
containing a large apartment house was purchased. The center is now in
the process of renovating the structure to house up to 12 patients. The
goal is to provide a safe haven, away from the social and cultural pressures
which lead to substance abuse.
Ministry Needs:
• Experienced addictions counselors
Prayer Requests:
• Therapy for people with addictions
• Training of national staff members
• Outreach to family members of patients