(Italian version)

Dear friends,

I would like to involve you in a project to build a multifunctional youth centre in Gela, one of the hardest-hit cities in Sicily.

The Mafia has been lacerating our city, and acts of violence and aggression are the order of the day. As a result, the young people in this city, which also boasts an extremely high rate of unemployment, often fall into the trap of drugs, alcohol or other dangerous activities.

They work out how to earn easy money and often are not above mugging; some are enrolled by the Mafia while others turn to drug dealing. Times are hard and, as a pastor, with my heart breaking from what I see around me, I cannot stand by and do nothing, untouched by what is going on before my very eyes.

And it is for this reason that I have a burning, heartfelt desire to create a multifunctional youth centre which has two purposes: to reach out to as many young people as possible by promoting recreational and social activities aimed at prevention; as well as achieving the much longed-for peace of mind for many parents.

This multi-functional centre will be run, based on Christian principles; it will enable us to get many young people off the streets, keep them away from vice and meet their social and recreational needs while directing their lives towards good purposes.

This great dream can become reality thanks to the collaboration of people who believe in the change that can happen in this city.

And it is with this in mind that I would like to promote its creation through a fund raising initiative.

Inside the centre I would like to create: a study area, complete with library and internet workstations where young people can meet and study after school and see educational videos which emphasise the value of life and respect for one's neighbor; a room for spiritual and moral counselling  where young people facing existential, social or family problems can find someone available to listen, support and encourage them without feeling rejected or judged (so often the society in which we live is deaf to their cries of pain); a recreational area with video games etc, a soccer pitch and basketball court; a coffee bar which is drug and alcohol free; a place to listen and to play music.

To create a centre of this kind, good intentions and a good plan are not enough. We need help. The great miracle of the multiplication of the loaves (John 6:9-11) was made possible because a simple boy was prepared to give up his breakfast. I believe that 1000 people prepared to give up one cappuccino a day for a year and donate it to this cause would allow us to bring about this other miracle.

My prayer is that God would bring across my path the people who believe in this dream, because together we can help the young people of this city. May your life be an instrument in the hands of God!

As I appeal to you, I invite you to adhere to this fund raising initiative and, at the same time, to be a spokesperson to others you know who might desire to be involved, in searching for other contributors and financers.

Go to Donation section

and make a contribution

Kindest regards

Pastor Nunzio Iozza

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Chiesa sulla Roccia - Via Rimini 50 - 93012 Gela (CL) IT - Tel: +39 0933 921561