Fund Raising Tournament for Casa Gabriel

One of the ministries that Youth World has here in Quito is called Casa Gabriel. Casa Gabriel is a house where former street kids live. There are currently 10 boys living in the house. All of these boys used to live on the streets of Quito. These are guys that for one reason or another decided that life on the streets was better than living at home. After years on the streets these boys are now living at Casa Gabriel. Casa G's purpose is not just to provide housing and basic care for kids in crisis, but to provide a training program in all areas of life, that will give these boys the opportunity to achieve their God-given potential as leaders and disciples of Jesus Christ. The training is an intentional and integral part of every attribute of Casa Gabriel. Each aspect points to developing a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The hope of Casa G is that every young man in the training program will become a successful Christian leader in their home, church, community and world.

I have had the privilege of knowing many of the boys that have come through the program over the years and this year I was given the honor of mentoring one of the boys. I also attend church where the boys from Casa Gabriel attend and it is always such a joy and pleasure to worship with them.

I mention this ministry with you because just about a month ago 6 men with guns stormed into the house and robbed Casa G while most of the boys were home. All the boys were face down in the living room as these men walked through the house grabbing the things they wanted.

School backpacks, cell phones, money, boombox, and a desktop computer used for their schooling were just a few of the things stolen from the house. We estimate that about $4000 worth of stuff was stolen. Ironically many of the boys just a few years ago would have been the people robbing and now they were the ones being robbed. This was a very crazy time for Casa Gabriel but it has been incredible to see how the boys have responded and their continued trust in God through this.

When we heard about the robbery, Joel and I immediately started thinking of ways that we could help. Out of that brain storm we decided that we could throw a soccer tournament to help raise money for Casa Gabriel. We will be holding the tournament on the 16th of May at the Alliance Academy and all proceeds, donations etc will go directly to Casa Gabriel.

Please pray that this tournament would surpass our expectations and that we can be a part of Blessing Casa G. I really believe that we have a really cool opportunity to run a fun soccer tournament but with the purpose to come along side Casa G and support them in the midst of a hard situation. Here are ways you can get involved...

1) Sponsor a team- We have raised the entrance fee per team just because this is a fundraiser. By raising the inscription many of the teams who have been able to play in the past might not be able to afford to pay the whole thing. Every tournament F.C. United sponsors teams to play for free that come from poorer areas of the city. The fee per team is $100. Are you interested in sponsoring a team and paying their fee so they can play in the tournament?

2) Get back some of the things that were stolen. Many of the boys school back packs were stolen as well as a desktop computer that was used for homework. Are you interested in purchasing specific items for the boys? If you are interested at looking at the specific list of things that were stolen let me know and I can send it to you.

3) Send a donation. Maybe you're just interested in sending a donation to go towards the fundraiser or to go towards their basic needs. Casa Gabriel is a house that needs things like we do. Soap, Shampoo, Detergent...etc. Are you interested in sending a donation?

If you feel led to give right now you can go to https://wwws.iteams.org/iteams/ When you fill out Where to Give write my name and in parenthesis Casa Gabriel- example- Josh Swenson (Casa Gabriel)

I am really excited about this opportunity to come alongside Casa Gabriel and support them using a soccer tournament. Please come alongside of me and lets do this together. Thanks

If you are interested in helping out please let me or Joey know how you would like to get involved. Joel - swensojo@hotmail.com Josh - ashuande@gmail.com