Journey of Trust
*Proverbs 3: 5-6
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Journey of Trust Update

7/5/2020

5 Comments

 
​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.  
Home Sweet Home Orphanage Emmanuel
Karen & Mike Madsen Orphanage Emmanuel

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.
Vocational School
Vocational School
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.
Working together to provide fun learning
Providing help & transportation
Group projects
Vocational classroom
New school/feeding center up in the mountains
Encouragement in everyday life

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

  • Continued health and safety for the children and staff
  • Food, necessary supplies, and donations to continue providing nutritional meals, clothing, education and programs
  • Vision to see more opportunities to share Christs love and hope​ 
  • ​The safe return of mission teams to Orphanage Emmanuel
  • Safe passage back to Gainesville for our annual visit
  • Clear direction for the next phase of the  Journey of Trust Ministry​
  • Good health of the children and staff, no Covid-19 so far!
  • Youth stepped up to volunteer to fill food bags and write Bible Verses to share their faith in the community
  • Journey of Trust Programs are up and running
  • Young adults stepping up to help with the care of the younger children.
  • ​Christian discipleship program for older youth begun by Pastor Alexander who grew up here at Emmanuel

5 Comments
Kathy Lamon
7/8/2020 02:21:40 pm

You and Karen continue to amaze me with your service and dedication. Your faithfulness is a witness to all of us. Thankful to be a part of your lives!

Reply
Martha Fritchley
7/8/2020 03:21:50 pm

Thanks for the update! So glad to hear progress is being made on all fronts. Stay safe!

Reply
Kim Taman
7/8/2020 06:22:53 pm

Thank you so much for both the update and all the pictures. It's amazing to see God working through Covid. I pray that God continues to protect and guide those at Emmanuel. I can't wait to return - hopefully in November. Thank you for all you are doing!

Reply
garth goodrich
7/9/2020 07:54:13 am

Thanks for the update. Thanks for soldiering on. Undoubtedly extra difficult the last several months.

Reply
Laura
7/20/2020 04:50:51 pm

Thanks for the update. Y’all are amazing! God is good!

Reply



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    Michael & Karen Madsen

    Serving long term in Honduras.

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