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…
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?
Behind the toothless grin is a 5-year-old eager to learn. True to his age, Hansel (lower right) has dreams of being a policeman, but it is accompanied by an even grander vision: “I want to take care of the people I love.”
When we are faced with hardship, we have a choice. As we run our race in this life, we must run with everything we’ve got. Through the years, we have seen with our own eyes many incredible transformations of young people who have overcome their pasts and whose today is a miracle. A young lady who came to live at Esperanza Viva in her earliest years of life once opened up about her journey.
As you become familiar with the kids of Esperanza Viva, you may see one or more of the following icons indicating their specific circumstances.
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.
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.