In addition to weekly ministry inside local prisons, AFCI Paraguay has established a program to assist former inmates reintegrate into society. The name of the initiative is CREER which, in addition to being the Spanish word for “believe,” stands for Construyendo Rutas Estragicas de Esperanzas para la Reinsertion (Creating Strategic Routes of Hope for Reintegration).

This 3-year program is focused on providing ethical, moral, spiritual, and vocational training to successfully reintegrate people into general society who have been outside it for a time. The comprehensive Biblical program also extends to the immediate family – spouses, children, and parents all may be involved in the rehabilitation process.

Key Features

The CREER program has begun building the first of five planned halfway houses. The responsibilities of the participants who voluntarily join the program include:

  • Sharing in the tasks of maintaining the common living space.
  • Treating other program members with respect.
  • Attending the devotionals, worship services, and Biblical training sessions offered by the program staff.
  • Learning a professional skill and going to work.

AFC Paraguay has entered into agreements with local business that need qualified labor. CREER participants will be trained for these jobs and receive a salary for their work. They will contribute to their program expenses, as well as to a savings account that will be theirs at the end of the program.

CREER offers former inmates and their families the hope of a fresh start.

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