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In the early XIX century, Chile was one of the colonies that the Spanish kingdom held in America, and it was during this time that these colonies were starting to become independent. The first National Government Junta was formed in Chile on September 18, 1810, the date we celebrate as National Independence Day.
The 1818 Constitution was written under the leadership of Supreme Director Bernardo O'Higgins, which established Catholicism as State Religion. The 1925 Constitution, approved by National Referendum, formalized the separation of Church and State, guaranteeing freedom of belief and religion. Diego Portales had a major impact on the drafting of the 1828 Constitution, which remained in effect for the next 92 years until President Augusto Pinochet established a military government. Under him, the 1980 Constitution was approved by referendum and enacted on March 11, 1981. This Constitution was amended 58 times until 2005, when Ricardo Lagos was president, without much change in church-state relationships, including Christian organizations. The Evangelical Church Day was instituted in 2008, during Chile's first female president's term, and is still celebrated every October 31st. Chile's Bicentennial Independence Day will be celebrated in 2010. |
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Capital: Santiago
Population: 15,823,957
Language: Spanish
Currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
GDP per capita: $9,900
Rebuilding the YFC center
Rebuilding the YFC center
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Chile Youth for Christ has two youth centers: one in Santiago (capital city) and another one in Quilpu?, a coastal city. A Community Development Center was established in Santiago (in the Cerro Navia area) in partnership with World Vision, where YFC heads all spiritual activities through school, social, sports and music workshops. We also lead a Scouts group and interact with other groups in the area. We take part in social risk workshops taught at schools close to the Quilpu? youth center and also partner with local churches in their activities. We have hosted two Project Serve teams at this center and another team organized by YFC Latam.
We will soon be opening a new center in the city of Rancagua, 80 Km south of the capital city, in partnership with Acci?n con Prop?sito.
We estimate that we assist 5.400 children and teens every year. At this point we do not have full-time staff, and the team members, the National Director and the Board members are all volunteers. |
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- Materials for training church youth leaders.
- Funding for general operations.
- Continued effectiveness of ministry teams in the country.
- Spiritual growth of youth who have come to Jesus.
Earthquake Saturday 27th February
Your prayers for Chile after their recent earthquake are greatly appreciated. The strongest earthquake to hit Chile in 50 years, struck early Saturday, causing buildings to topple and a tsunami warning to be posted for the pacific. The 8.8 quake has already claimed over 120 lives.
From Geordon Rendle, Americas Area Director
The earthquake caused extensive damage around Santiago. Two compound walls at YFC Cerro Navia collapsed (Youth for Christ building). The centre ministers to hundreds of children a day and is in a very dangerous neighbourhood and needs the security of these walls to protect the children. Jorge`s, National Director, and Gina`s house is more tenuous than ever. All staff are accounted for and safe.
From James R.M. Gatica Matheson, Young Leader, Youth for Christ Chile
I live on the 12th floor of an apartment tower; the quake caused a strong movement throwing down all the furniture, TVs, cupboards; everything is on the floor, but the building, thank God, is standing and without problems.
Thanks to God for keeping us alive and that nothing has happened so serious. The country is in a state of disaster. I ask prayer for Chile. Thanks.
What Youth for Christ needs and are doing
Needs:
- $10,000 to repair compound walls
- $10,000 for a generator for water pumping and operations at the centre
- $20,000 for repair of residences and buildings on the compound that were structurally damaged by the quake.
Doing:
Youth for Christ is partnering with the Salvation Army to distribute food, water and relief necessities in their local nieghbourhoods.
Click here to give to relief and rebuilding efforts. Please note Chile Earthquake Fund in the designation field
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