December 2008 was an important month for ISAAC in Latin America. Some key steps were made in the development of this network. Key ISAAC personnel travelled to Brazil, Bolivia and Chile to meet with rehabiltation centres, give presentations on ISAAC’s activities and to prepare for an ISAAC Conference in Lima, Peru in early 2009. The prayer is that strong relationships are forged between existing and potential members in order to connect, encourage and equip Christian care workers in this region.

ISAAC Latin America: The Vision

ISAAC has the vision to create a strong, professional and relational network of Christians in Latin America involved in addiction-related work. ISAAC encourages co-operation and the sharing of resources, training and expertise.

ISAAC Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities

South America has vast natural resources and several fast-developing economies. It is a continent with the potential to make a very positive difference in the world. Nevertheless, the great geographical differences, poverty and addiction problems hamper growth and initiative. There are many Christians involved in all kinds of addiction work. They are passionate and willing to go to great lengths to get people off the streets and to help change lives. However, they work largely independently from each other. There is also a chronic shortage of Christians that are professionally trained in the area of addiction care, psychology and prevention.

ISAAC Latin America: Action

Brazil: In Brazil, we are building a relationship with the Blue Cross. The International Federation of the Blue Cross (IFBC) held its Networking Conference in Brazil in November 2008 and through this ISAAC was able to make contacts with Blue Cross members from many countries. IFBC work in the area of alcohol addiction and prevention.

Bolivia: In Bolivia, ISAAC is beginning to make connections with several rehabilitation centres in different parts of the country, specifically the area of Santa Cruz and La Paz. We have discussed program methods and explored the specific challanges these centres face. These contacts could be the beginning of good relationships as well as a potentional local ISAAC network in Bolivia.

Chile: We are building our relationship with Alvarado and Ruben Pavez from Chile. They are two key leaders from established Christan rehabilitation centres in Chile and have been instrumental in developing ISAAC in Latin America. Through speaking at a church conference in Viña del Mar, we will reach more than 150 church leaders. The purpose is to encourage them to focus at prevention in the church and to co-operate in ISAAC Latin America. In 2009, the Chilean government will offer subsidies to prevention projects. This creates opportunities for the church as well as Christian centres to organise sound prevention projects for children and teenagers. Together, we will also prepare for an ISAAC Conference in Latin America, to be held in Lima, Peru, on 11-12 February 2009.

Ruben Pavez, Miriam van Norden, Ivan Alvarado and Treflyn Lloyd-Roberts. ISAAC Latin America are building their team and developing the network

Your support

We are at the beginnings of an exciting time for ISAAC in Latin America. A new team is forming through which we can build support for Christian addiction-related care in Latin America. If you feel like you wish to support ISAAC Latin America in any way, feel free to contact us at ">