Back in 2007, a highly-regarded psychologist visited Esperanza Viva. Standing in the courtyard, tears streamed down his face while children swirled and laughed around him, virtually oblivious to the weeping visitor. Jerry (McNally) saw his response and quickly came to him and asked if he was okay. The doctor asked Jerry, “How do you do this?”
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.
Jesus came for the sake of us all. We are all the “THEY” for whom He came to offer life—eternal and new. Throughout Scripture, Jesus repeatedly shows care for the least fortunate. Living Hope International has taken His love for the least and made it our mission.
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.
In Mexico alone, there are an estimated 100,000 children at risk, teetering on the edge of, or tumbling through, the jagged cracks of a broken system of social work and despair. Together, our ability to intervene and offer hope is on the rise as we expand our capacity to be part of the solution. So, how are we putting to use the experience we’ve gained over the past 25 years and the 500 children we’ve given refuge? What are the keys to the next 500? The next 5,000?
Mauricio Perez is a young man who was rescued from a dire situation. In extreme poverty and having dropped out of school, he and his siblings came to Esperanza Viva-Matamoros in 2013. He was able to finish high school and…
As we face the many daily challenges of raising and inspiring young lives once battling real-life torment, we catch glimpses of hope-filled futures. New smiles are born each day as hearts continue toward the goal of complete healing and joy. Such is the story of a young boy, Angel, at Esperanza Viva…
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!
Esperanza Viva was founded in response to the lie “these kids are hopeless.” Many of the children we take in are orphans but not always in the way you would think. Sex trafficking is Mexico’s second most lucrative form of organized crime and according to many sources, only rising and claiming more lives.