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THE GANGS OF WESTERN CAPE |
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In South African, Cape Town is battling an explosion in meth amphetamine addiction, worsening already high rates of violent crime and HIV/AIDS. The problem is most acute in gangster-plagued mixed race communities. Tik has taken hold in Cape Town with terrifying speed, with the number of addicts increasing almost 10-fold in the space of a year.
This sharp rise "unprecedented. "Tik, known on the street as meth, tuk, speed or crystal, is a hugely addictive. Violent crime, petty theft, and domestic abuse are on the increase as is prostitution and school truancy. Addicts are the "killing machines" for the gangs . |
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10 year Anniversary Teen Challenge Western Cape |
The 10th Anniversary celebration of Cape Town TC was a tremendous success. Key government officials attended and we were able to see a clear evidence of the miracles taking place here.
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Cape Town, South Africa which has been ranked second by Murder Capitols of the World. For more than 50 years, street gangs have been a defining part of life in the so-called “coloured” communities of the Cape Flats area of Cape Town, South Africa. Gangs like the FIRM, The Fancy Boys, and of course the largest gang, "the Americans." Many are part of a gang hierarchy called" THE NUMBERS" The 28 s, 27's 26's. Murder and death are a way of life here and valiant Teen Challenge staff and students went with me to the streets to minister and shoot some video of life on the street. We encountered addicts and violent gang members. We saw God's grace and protection in each encounter. I will be excited to share some of this video in the coming weeks. I thought I had seen it all in El Salvador and Honduras through the eyes of Mara Salvatrucha but that spirit violence is here, on the Cape.
The spirit of violence grows out of these marginalized communities. While the end of apartheid has opened the door to "black" Africans to step up to lead, opportunity has not found its way to the "mixed colored" of "the flats." |
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I was fascinated by the names of many of the gangs, Thug Life, Mean Boyz etc, but I was interested on the most notorious gang, the Americans. Asking why they wanted to be called "The Americans" He responded, "It is obvious? You are American, so you already know.” His cold eyes burned as he coolly stated . . ." Americans, you are rich … you are greedy… you take what you want.” It was a frightening glimpse of the worlds's view of our nation through the eyes of a viscous gang member unafraid to murder to get anything he wanted. |
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Dave Batty, (right)
author of the T C Curriculum and Global TC COO, ministers at the Anniversary. Joined by Mike Zello, Bonnie Martin, and Chuck Zierle we are looking forward to an exciting week here in SA. |
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During WWII, one of Churchill's advisors organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed time to pray for one minute. |
He called on the nation to collectively pray for the safety of England, its
people and peace. This had a miraculous effect as the bombing stopped. Now a group of people is organizing5 the same thing here in America.
This election is the most important and desperate moment in recent
USA history. The United States of America, our friends, and our citizens need prayer more than ever!!! |
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Global Teen Challenge leaders
from around the world have gathered to offer
6
days of
once-in-a-lifetime training for leaders from 9 African Nations.
click for Eden pictures
This is a unique opportunity to offer vital training from world leaders, including Mike Zello with 45 years of Teen Challenge ministry: Dave Batty, the author of the Teen Challenge Curriculum: Bonnie Martin, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor: Chuck Zierle, coffee house ministry, Bernie Gillott: Worship/Outreach.
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Thank you for your prayers for the ALL Africa
training this week |
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