While some shelters provide only for the immediate bodily needs of needy children, the creators of Jovenes en Camino realize the importance of ministering to the complete person. In addition to caring for the physical well being of the children, Jovenes is designed to minister to their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Spiritually:

“It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” -Mathew 4:4

The boys attend regular church services. During the week they are taught Bible class by the local preacher in Zamorano, Edy Lopez. The minister from the Kennedy church in Tegucigalpa, Herman, visits once per week and teaches Bible class. Every evening the boys have devotionals with their house parents.

Physically:

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy, Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”
-1 Corinthians 6:19

The bodies of the children at Jovenes en Camino are well nourished by a healthy and varied diet. Medical care is readily available and provided by volunteers from local organizations and churches. The boys also maintain a very active lifestyle. The children frequently take organized hikes in the mountains where they enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and can also swim in the rivers. Interns are often on staff and direct a variety of sports programs.

 Soccer is by far their favorite physical activity. In fact, soccer balls get so much use that a brand new ball might only last one week before being reduced to a raggedy, flat, torn, scrap of leather.

Mentally:

The boys are currently enrolled in the public school system. Smaller children attend pre-school and the smallest ones have class and organized play time with the house parents. The boys are learning carpentry skills and welding. We are working to develop electrical and plumbing skills classes and eventually have automobile mechanics.

Emotionally:

Many children at Jovenes have suffered severe emotional trauma prior to their arrival and professional psychologists are available and periodically offer their services. However, the most important emotional support is provided by the staff that is there every day. They foster a caring and environment in which the boys can grow and mature. The house parents are there twenty-four hours per day and it is up to them to discern and dispense optimal doses of discipline, affection, and love.