Tears and Promises
I (Tony) give thanks to God for the opportunity to go to Peru recently, as it was a very timely and necessary trip for reasons that extend beyond our usual ministry there.
As we have mentioned in many newsletters, the director of the Santa Maria Children’s Home (Luis) has been in very poor health, and outside of the Lord’s divine touch, Luis’ time remaining on earth appears to be drawing to a quick close, and he will soon pass over into eternity. For Juan, who is Luis’ second-hand man, all of this has been terribly difficult, being that Luis is like a father to Juan. I was able to go be with Juan, not only to offer comfort and aid in this time, and to see Luis, but to also gain understanding of what the future looks like for the Santa Maria Children’s Home. You can imagine that in this hour there is a great need for clarity and wisdom, so that the decisions that are made are ones that will be best for the future of the children. I met with various leaders and staff, offering whatever wisdom I felt the Lord granted me to share. Please, if you would, take a moment to specifically ask the Holy Spirit for guidance as they are on the threshold of a transition, a transition that is hard to make when you consider that it involves replacing a man who has carried on this important work for 49 years in Peru.
I am happy to tell you I was able to take Will with me to the university he will attend, in order to begin paying for his first year of studies, which he began the Monday after my departure. He was very excited and told me that he won’t let us down! He said he was going to do all he could to get good grades so that he can accomplish what he has set out to do. Though we have paid the first semester in advance, Will still needs financial help to cover daily transportation, food, books, and other extra fees that may apply to his education.
In addition to the above-mentioned, I was also able to fill up the orphanage pantry and cover all utilities, as we do every month. Thank you for making this an ongoing reality!
The home continues to grow, as five small children were added to the family this past month. School resumed for all of the children on March 10, and they were happy to begin a new school year. Please remember the director, the staff as a whole, and the children in your prayers every time God brings them to your mind. Due to the circumstances they are facing with Luis’ physical decline, there is a current sense of sadness and mourning prevalent. Several times during one of my meetings with Juan and the staff, we paused in silence waiting for Juan to cease weeping before we could continue with the meeting. It is understandable, and they need much encouragement and strength.
As I close this newsletter this month, I feel it appropriate to direct your focus to the promises of God. Many seasons come and go in this life, some pleasant, some painful. We are never promised a path free from pain and tears, but we do have His promises, an anchor for our souls. Whatever you are going through in this season of your life, I exhort you to cling to His Word, which will never fail or fade. Jesus said His Words were life and peace. You truly can place your trust FULLY in His promises. The following poem was recently brought to my attention; may it encourage your heart.
“Some days are filled with happiness; everything seems right
Sunshine fills our morning skies
Peaceful are our nights
There are no stones along the path to bruise us on our way
Easily we recall the promises He’s made
Still other days the clouds roll in and seem to darken all
Trials try to weigh our hearts
Tears begin to fall
The path beneath feels shaky; our journey seems unclear
Pain would have us question whether God is really near
But all along life’s journey, His words of Truth remain
To strengthen and secure the heart, happy or in pain,
The focus dare not be upon the path that we must walk
Whether it is one of ease
Or difficult to trod,
But on the One, whose promises withstand every hour
Whose Words endure beyond this life
Whose hand is filled with power
For never shall a word from God fail to succeed
He watches over every promise, faithful to complete.”
In Christ,
Tony and Rosa Rivera
Home of Refuge International
