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.
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!
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.
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?
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…
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.