It’s our 8th Year Anniversary
On July 10th, 2012, God allowed us to begin the M.A.D.E. journey alongside many difference makers in our city. Based on Ephesians 2:10, our vision and prayer has always been to build up a generation that makes a difference everyday in our city, society, and the world.
Today, we celebrate eight years of this wonderful organization and everything God has done through it by serving our youth and community. To say that this year has been interesting is an understatement. Though we celebrate, we must admit that year eight was full of plot-twists, celebrations of victories, and learning to adapt to this so-called “new normal”. As Proverbs 16:9 says, “we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps”, we found ourselves preparing and planning, yet God always guides our steps to fulfill plans that are even better than ones we could have imagined or have planned from the very start.
As year #8 began, we were so excited to host our second away camp and add to it many new amenities. However, we were forced to reschedule due to the threat of Hurricane Dorian just hours before camp started. Although it was a moment of frustration as our plans had changed, God was up to something big and guided us to make even more room for other youth to sign-up to camp who had not previously done so. Once again, leading us to experience one of the best camps yet! (Yes, we say that every year, but it’s true!). The cherry on too was having the best weather ever for camp! Later, to end 2019, we hosted our first ever “Christmas Caroling Caravan”, bringing the Christmas spirit to elderly homes, a fire station, and to our fellow friends around the city. It was such a great way to end the year!
“With Heart and Soul”, our 2020 vision, continues to lead us strongly through the season we are currently in. We started the year knowing that God was calling us to serve Him with heart and soul, giving Him and our community our best because with Him on our side, who can stop us? With COVID-19 rapidly changing all of our lives, we knew that couldn’t stop us from reaching out, serving, and being the hands and feet of Jesus in our city. Though we had to pivot from our original 2020 plans, we have had the opportunity to participate in food distributions drive-thru style, collect canned food items for low-income families, and hand-make face masks that were distributed to our homeless population in downtown Miami. Even though Camp 2020 had to be rescheduled to 2021, we now know more than ever that He is still up to something greater than ourselves. We are certain that year nine is full of promises because in the midst of turmoil and the unknown, God is and remains our eternal constant. Thank you for your support throughout the past eight years and we pray you continue to make a difference alongside us!
With heart and soul,
The M.A.D.E. Family