Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
James 1:27
I just got back from a mission trip to Guiamaca, Honduras, to visit and work at Orphanage Emmanuel. This orphanage was started in 1989 by David & Lydia Martinez with five kids and three small buildings on an old cattle ranch. Since that time, it is absolutely amazing to see what God has done! They now have over 600 children, a working farm, dental and medical clinics, staff from all over the world, and a God-given vision to continue. This is my second time to have been to Orphanage Emmanuel, and I am continually astonished at this place. The thought that kept running through my head and heart this last week was that this is a small piece of heaven on earth. In Matthew 6:10, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This place is a living embodiment of that verse.
I am certainly not saying that Orphanage Emmanuel is perfect. As much as the staff and volunteer teams love these kids, they simply do not get the extent of the love and hugs that a small family would provide. They are continually struggling with what to do with children who have aged out. There is still sickness, disease, disabilities, and death. But in the middle of this imperfection, there is a nugget of pure religion. Looking after orphans is Biblical. When describing this trip to others, the one adjective that keeps coming to my mind is “good.” What is happening there is good. Spending a week of my time to tile a new girls’ dorm when I do not know the first thing about tiling is just a good thing to do. Hanging out and wrestling at the power toddler house with snot and other unmentionable bodily fluids is just good. Sponsoring a child for $35 per month at this place is a good thing, and you can rest assured that your money is being stewarded well.
One of the highlights for this trip was for me to get to spend some time with Olvin. My family has been sponsoring Olvin for two years now. It is our understanding that he came to the orphanage when he was two years old out of a very abusive situation. He is now four years old with a smile that would light up any room. My greatest wish while I was there was that somehow I could sneak this little guy home with me. We got to hang out and play ball together, and he started calling me Tio, which is the Spanish word for Uncle.
Most of our trips that we provide through our church are to places where there are unreached people groups with a strategy of starting indigenous churches among them, but there is definitely room for a trip each year to Orphanage Emmanuel. I would certainly encourage you to consider this trip next year. If you don’t go, I would ask that you consider sponsoring a child. Believe me, it is a good thing, and one that God will bless you. And, at least, be in prayer for David & Lydia, the staff, and the children at Orphanage Emmanuel.
God Call 