Marty and Mary Madsen have served the Lord faithfully with their many talents as part of the Living Hope team of missionaries for more than 18 years. We are excited to report that after several years serving the ministry from the United States, they have returned to the mission field in Puebla, to serve with as much passion as ever!
When Jerry McNally was 37 years old he had a soul-searching decision to make. What we see today as a robust, multi-faceted ministry, was just a fresh idea. With a handful of boys living in their home, he felt the weight of a decision that could absorb the rest of his life. It was a decision to pursue what he felt God had laid on his heart as The City of Hope, where much of what you see today was only a dream. Could such a vision of an orphanage, school, ministry institute, church, clinic, and more come together under his watch on a single campus in Mexico?
When Jerry McNally was 37 years old he had a soul-searching decision to make. What we see today as a robust, multi-faceted ministry, was just a fresh idea. With a handful of boys living in their home, he felt the weight of a decision that could absorb the rest of his life. It was a decision to pursue what he felt God had laid on his heart as The City of Hope, where much of what you see today was only a dream. Could such a vision of an orphanage, school, ministry institute, church, clinic, and more come together under his watch on a single campus in Mexico?
Starting a youth home for at-risk children sounds like a noble venture. It can even succeed with dedication, focus, and God’s favor. But what if we took this calling to the next level—to impact an entire generation for Christ? That is why we are so committed to going a step further—training young people to serve the Lord beyond the secure walls of our campus, to a city and world in need of the hope that endures.
This year marks our 25th anniversary as a ministry; we look back in wonder at the faithfulness of God to us and the children over the years.
Whether it’s been a while, or you’ve never visited Esperanza Viva (EV) in Mexico, one of the things you may quickly notice is an incredible amount of activity. Seeing in person the various and distinct functions of the youth home, the school, the school of ministry, the church, and short-term mission teams can be quite eye-opening.
You’ve likely heard the movie quote and cultural cliché, “If you build it, they will come…” At Esperanza Viva, the reality is “they” are already coming and we now need to “build it” to fully embrace the growth and momentum. “They” are the young adult La Viña students from all areas of Mexico, the US, and other nations, coming to EV, hungry to learn and establish a faith foundation for ministry service. After La Viña, the next step for many of these young people is to join our dynamic team of supervisors and to fill other key full-time staff positions. “They” are also short-term missions teams and visitors, coming to taste and see what God is so freely pouring out over the LHI ministries in Mexico.
Is the plight of orphans and the most vulnerable what God has impassioned your heart with? Is a well-discipled next
generation of leaders what makes your congregation’s heart beat strong? Is your church dedicated to seeing new churches planted, in remote and or difficult areas? The diverse programs of LHI, from Esperanza Viva Youth Home, to…
Lately, more so than ever, I am excited about how God has positioned us to be effective for His purposes. For years, I believe we have been in preparation mode: faithful with our present-day but expectant to see God’s plans unfold in front of us. As we now reflect on how we have been prepared and equipped, it’s like all things are coming into focus.
Has your heart been touched—and perhaps your life changed—thanks to what God is doing through Living Hope International? Don’t keep it to yourself!