Giving Them a Taste of God
We have all heard the phrase, usually used to describe an unpleasant person or event: “that left a bad taste in my mouth.” For young Aron and his Peruvian family, life up to this point has certainly left an unfortunate aftertaste. The bitterness of watching his single mom struggle for months to provide for six children while attempting to pay off the enormous debt incurred by his now deceased father has been very difficult.
Aron is just ten years old, and entered the Santa Maria Children’s Home in March of 2010. When his mother took whatever work she could find in order to try and make ends meet, her six children were often in the streets. It was only a short matter of time before his struggling mother lost control of the children and found it impossible to provide adequately for them, though she worked tirelessly in an effort to feed them all. In complete desperation she turned to the orphanage for help. The three youngest children were given to Santa Maria Children’s Home, while the eldest three remained with their mother who continues to work long hours to help them survive daily life in Peru. It was not an easy decision for Aron’s mother, but one made out of her love for the children and a desire to see them have a better chance in life.
For that family, the Santa Maria Children’s Home symbolizes hope, a chance at life, a warm bed to sleep in, hot and consistent meals, love, and care. But it is even more than that! It is an opportunity—a true taste, if you will—to experience the goodness of God. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is GOOD; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” Young Aron (and his family) are experiencing the knowledge of God—that He IS good, that He cares, that He hears and answers, that He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. It is powerful…and it is RIGHT. Oh, how the Father longs for all people to come to the true knowledge of who He is. Your participation in this ministry is giving children a true taste of God.
This month many tasted of God’s goodness through your giving. One 12-year old boy, William, was in critical need of medical attention after being bit by a spider, and your giving supplied for the cost of the doctors and medicine needed to save his life. He spent a week and a half in the intensive care unit, and a total of two weeks in the hospital, but he is home now, doing 
well. Thank you for helping us to supply the needed $1,000.00 to care for him. We praise God for his recovery.
We were also able to repair all the windows of the orphanage, which the government required for the safety of the children. The $3,000.00 used for the cost of the windows was such a blessing to the orphanage and its directors.
All of these costs were in addition to the monthly help we give to pay for all utilities. It is an incredible encouragement to their hearts! You are sowing into fertile ground that is helping the orphans; we are so very grateful to you for your partnership.
This past month we were able to make a much-needed trip out to Colorado to reconnect with dear friends who have helped carry this ministry down through the toughest of years. We want to thank Mountain High Community Church for allowing us the opportunity to share with their congregation about what we are doing in Peru. Pastors Ed and Mona, we are grateful for your years of support and love. We also deeply appreciate all the precious people that have faithfully helped us; in particular, Albert and Mary, thank you for your beautiful hospitality towards us. May God bless you each for your kindness.
As we close this newsletter, our hearts are filled with thankfulness. Humbled by your willingness to walk this journey with us, we pray that the Father will continue to refresh your hearts, even as you have refreshed the hearts of the children and staff in Peru. This month, may your life be filled with opportunities to taste and see that the Lord is good!
Grace and peace,
Tony and Rosa Rivera
Homes of Refuge International, Inc.
