A formal update from the Madsen’s is long overdue. We still call Orphanage Emmanuel in Guaimaca, Honduras our home. March 10, 2020 marked the 6th anniversary of our move to Honduras where God called us to begin the Journey of Trust ministry.
Vocational School a Reality
Providing the youth an opportunity to learn a viable trade through vocational training has become a reality. The Vocational School building was completed and classes were held for the first group of 20 boys and 4 girls to begin studies in 8th grade while learning and practicing introductory woodworking skills in the spring of 2019.
The second group of 8th graders began their studies in February 2020. Regrettably classes were shut down in March because of Covid-19 throughout HN. Although the lab classes are discontinued at this time, the groups are continuing academic work in their personal houses. There is a small group of boys working on projects with Mike in the lab to prepare for reopening the school when it is allowed.
Bridging to the Community
The Covid-19 virus has changed the world dramatically in the past few months but we are continuing to build bridges to Christ within and reaching outside the gates of the orphanage. The lab and classroom in the vocational school have been converted into a food storage and packaging area to help provide food for families in the surrounding communities who are unable to work and feed their families during this difficult time. The youth have prepared 6000 bags each containing enough beans, corn, rice, sugar, coffee, and seasonings for a family for two weeks. The collection and the distribution of the food is being coordinated by a Christian NGO group in Guaimaca.
Community Helping Communities
Counseling Available
We hired a psychologist from Guaimaca last summer to help provide evaluations and counseling for the children who are having the most difficult time adjusting to the circumstances that brought them to Emmanuel. Prior to Covid-19, she was recently helping as part of a team of psychologists to provide educational guidance programs for the staff and kids here. Unfortunately during the current shutdown in Guaimaca, only the one psychologist has been able to return. We are continuing to move ahead with our program but look forward to expanding when things open back up.
Learning Is a Priority
While homework is being completed by all the school age children, we are continuing to provide small group activities for the babies and toddlers with their caregivers. These activities encourage physical, social and intellectual development that will prepare them for starting school and moving up to the next house. I now have one of the mothers working with me to facilitate communication and help with preparation of the facility and activities.
Activities in the Baby/Toddler Chosa
Truly Blessed by God's Plan at Orphanage Emmanuel
It has been a privilege to have this opportunity to live among the children, youth and staff, to be able to encourage faith and bring hope by modeling Christian living.
Thanks for doing what you do to help!!!
Without the help of our sending agency Commission to Every Nation (CTEN) and the support of family, friends from many churches, the community of Gainesville United Methodist Church, and the mission teams at Orphanage Emmanuel in Guaimaca, we would not have been able to travel as far as we have on this journey. God is so faithful when we trust him with everything. Thank you for being a part of the Journey of Trust Ministry.
Prayer Requests and Praises
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