The Point of it All
For years now, Rosa and I have focused our time, our energy, our finances, and our LIVES completely around ministry and missions. I can no longer count the times we have boarded planes, ridden in taxis overseas, purchased food to fill up orphanage pantries, bought children shoes and clothing, taught the Bible, administered medical treatment, changed diapers, fed the hungry, given gifts to the poor…and the list goes on. We have been blessed; that is certainly true. But what has been the point of it all?
We are now working very hard in the Andes Mountains of Peru, clearing land in Cardonpata to begin construction on the new chapel. We are making disciples as we teach the Word of God and raise up leaders in a brand-new house church. We are caring for an indigenous community and paving the way for the younger/future generations to have a better way of life—a life full of hope and the gospel. But, again, as we do this in our 
seventies, I have to ask myself, “What is the point of it all?”
And you, my friend? You are working hard. Life is busy and you are spending your energy, your money, your time, and your LIFE on something—pursuits and goals that you have deemed worthy of your commitment and sacrifice. But really, what is the point of all you are doing? Have you paused long enough to truly consider that lately?
The late Mother Teresa—one of my favorites, for obvious reasons—reminds each of us of the “point” of it all. She gave her energy, her time—her entire LIFE—to serving the poor. She once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” That certainly does level the playing field for us. It means that you and I can both make a difference…if we keep “the point of it all” in focus. It means that “a cup of cold water” given to one of these little ones (Matt. 10:42) or a “widow’s mite” offered (Mk. 12:41-44) becomes something valuable, something eternally rewarded. The point is love. It has always been and always will be love. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13, throws all of life’s pursuits, sacrifices, and motives into the same pot, boils them down, and leaves us with the undeniable essence of what truly matters: LOVE. 
I am here to tell you that you matter and what you have to offer God matters; just offer everything with love. It may seem like only five loaves and two fish, but if you give to God in love, He can multiply it and feed a multitude. Perhaps you will never set foot overseas and physically pull a child out of the dump or put a plate of hot food into the hands of a hungry orphan, but your financial contribution to this ministry —no matter its size—is powerful and your prayers for us are powerful, if you are motivated by love. Love well today. Love God, love your family, and love your neighbor; If you do, you will not be missing the point of it all.
Progress Reports
We are very excited that our 24-year-old granddaughter Calysta Rivera was able to come with us to Peru last month. Calysta has a huge heart for missions and children in need. Her presence with us was a tremendous blessing, and the people in Cuzco loved her! Calysta plans to continue working with us as the Lord reveals to her more clearly His plans for her involvement. (Thank you, Calysta; we love you)
During our most recent trip, we were able to contract heavy equipment to clear the land where the chapel will be built. We were also able to get measurements for the amount of piping needed to bring water to the location, which is 200 meters of piping, and paperwork is now underway to secure an electrical meter for the property. During our house church meetings, we experienced a beautiful time of worship—something that is very new to the community in Cuzco. Six more people entered the kingdom of God and many were ministered to, including three young boys whom we dedicated to the Lord during that meeting. Their grandmother, who is currently their caretaker, brought them to the meeting and Rosa sensed that we were to dedicate them to the Lord. These young men paid very close attention to the teachings about God that evening. Mateo—the terminally-ill man God told us to visit in the hospital and lay hands on a couple of months ago for healing—also attended the meeting. We gave him a Bible, which he received joyfully and held tightly to his heart. Mateo had been sent home to die and given no hope by the doctors. JESUS IS HOPE, however, and by the grace and power of God, Mateo sat in that house church meeting joyfully receiving the Word of LIFE that we shared with them all.
As we set our sights on the construction ahead of us, I (Tony) need to stay in Peru for longer periods of time to oversee the work. Our current plan is for me to remain in Peru for 6 weeks, beginning February 14. Rosa will begin the first week of the trip with me, and then return to Peru again near the final 10 days of my stay. We need to take more Bibles, and we need to continue financing the construction that will eventually expand into not only a chapel, but an orphanage, a school, and a center to feed the elderly (a huge need in that community). We need finances to accomplish all that we know God has placed within our hearts to do in Cardonpata. Please pray, and please help us finish this work.
In closing, I leave you with a few final exhortations on love. Love always expresses itself. It is practical. It has feet and hands…not just words. You may feel that what is in your hands is not much, or that your feet could never travel the distance to change the world, but if you have love, God will enable you to give expression to that love. Be open-handed, and know that what is given in love is remembered forever by God. Jesus takes your offerings personally. Mother Teresa said it this way: “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.’”
Living to Love God Well,
Tony and Rosa Rivera
Home of Refuge International, Inc.
