Get to know, ‘Mama Karen’

Karen David was convinced at the young age of 19 that she was meant to be a Christian missionary. Her sense of adventure and desire to make a difference guided her to where she is now.

After getting married, having 3 kids and working along the US/Mexican border for a few years, her & her then husband answered the call to move from Tacoma, Washington to Mexico for the purpose of ministry. Her first years were spent learning the local language and culture. After, she opened a drug and alcohol rehabilitation home, co-pastored two new thriving churches, taught at a Bible School, tutored students in English, and worked as a counselor.

Why Mexico? “I fell in love with the beautiful spirit of the people, the culture, their vibrancy in art, music & food and their superb friendliness,” she reflected.

Karen witnessed the physical abuse and neglect of many young women and learned about Mexico’s desperate situation of sex trafficking and the exploitation of young girls. With city resources few and infrastructure rare, she began to pivot her ministry to provide refuge and resources for victimized girls.

In 2014, she sought to establish The Treasure House and her first step was to identify key relationships in Mexico. She set up legal representation, contacts with local orphanages, educators, social workers, administrators, and the Mexican Department of Victims of Criminals.

Finally in 2017, she was able to open and start accepting girls that were rescued from horrific family situations. She now has 9 girls ranging in age. The day-to-day operations are immense but she is dedicated. She is making a huge difference in their lives and they all love ‘Mama Karen.!’

How does Karen deal with knowing the horrible stories of her beloved girls. “It’s hard not to think about their lives but I can’t live in them. They are safe and I plan on keeping them safe.” Karen said.

She is pleased with knowing and seeing changes in her efforts here in Mexico, not just with her girls now, but with past successes at her drug and alcohol rehabilitation home. She does get lonely sometimes, especially being away from her family, which are very supportive of her work here. Karen also misses her own native-born culture and language sometimes. But she is where she is supposed to be and her heart is full.