Guatemalan flag (Photo courtesy of Shalom de Leon via Unsplash)
Guatemala (MNN) — The well-organized gangs of Guatemala City offer a very real threat of brutality and danger in “red zone” neighborhoods.
In January, a coordinated gang uprising broke out across three different prisons in Guatemala City, which held 46 people hostage.
This uprising led to the escape of several prisoners, as well as to the death of ten police officers. Following the event, President Bernardo Arevalo of Guatemala declared a state of emergency. This resulted in law enforcement being able to use increased force against gang members.
“They were able to regain control of the prison, but it was definitely a sign of the brutality and the danger associated with these now very organized gangs,” Brian Dennett with AMG International says.
“Red Zone” neighborhoods are areas of Guatemala City known for their high crime and violence rates.
“AMG is in seven of those neighborhoods, working with thousands of kids in Guatemala City,” Dennett says. “We are a safe place for these kids to be, while mostly single moms are working during the day to help support their families. They are with us, they’re safe. We feed, provide medical assistance, lots of care for these kids, and keep them from the violence that’s happening in these communities.”
AMG also provides an annual camp for these kids where they can enjoy a completely different environment.
“Kids can escape those desperate neighborhoods and actually run and be in the woods and in a safe place,” Dennett says.
“During that time at camp each year, there’s a strong focus on sharing the gospel and learning these kids’ stories and weaving all of that through, and it becomes just a beautiful time.”
When former students of AMG share their stories today, Dennett says many of them indicate they actually gave their lives for Christ while at camp.
Please pray for children in the “Red Zone” neighborhoods of Guatemala City. Pray that, as Christians care for them daily, the kids will clearly come to see the character of God and make faith decisions to follow Him.
Pray that as children receive a break at camp from the dangerous neighborhoods they live in, their retreats will be a time of peace and a time to grow closer to the Lord.
Photo by Juan Carlos Pavon via Unsplash
