Young and Old Alike, Reaching Peru
“You aren’t in your 20’s, you know!?!” one of our granddaughters said a few years back (which, of course, made us all laugh!) I, Tony, am now seventy-five years old and Rosa is sixty-nine. Certainly, there are days when we feel more aware of our aging frames than on other days; but truly, our hearts are young and full of desire to continue doing God’s work. He is our strength, our healer, and our protector.
In American society, there is a prevailing thought that as people grow older they gradually become less and less useful to others. Great value is placed on those in the “prime” of life. What we see in God’s Word is an extension of great value to people of all ages, even those who are very young and those who are very old, which in a morally declining society are usually the individuals that get discounted or neglected, their voices discredited. But not in the Kingdom of God! Jesus welcomed the children to Himself and places great importance on them. Regarding the powerful influence young folks can have, Paul said in Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (NIV) Regarding the elderly, Leviticus 19:32 instructs us, “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly, and revere your God. I am the LORD.” (NIV). Regardless of your age, you are valuable in God’s eyes and you can make a huge impact on the world around you.
Since our last newsletter, we have received a precious response to our request for finances to reach the Inca Indians. We are very grateful to you all! Though various age groups responded in some way or another, we were deeply touched by how a group of high school students and a couple of elderly folks have reached out with generosity to make a difference.
Betty Jensen (who is “83 years young!”) is a faithful supporter of this ministry. When Betty read the newsletter, she wrote a very touching note to us as she sent a generous offering to bless the children in Peru. Betty is a widow whose gratitude to the Lord for His faithfulness is clearly evidenced by her heart for reaching the people that are precious to God. Betty hasn’t allowed her age to disqualify her from making a major impact on others. Betty, thank YOU for being obedient and for loving our Lord with all that you have.
The directors at Artios Academies in Lilburn, Georgia discovered that we wanted 50 brightly colored t-shirts to give away to the Incas in Peru (and money needed for purchasing candy) and they immediately thought of ways to get their students involved. We were so blessed that within just a few weeks of hearing about the need, they had gathered together the money to purchase 50 shirts from a local business that promised them a significantly discounted price. It was an even greater blessing when they were told (at the time of pick up) that the shirts would be completely free of charge after all! Furthermore, as several of the high schoolers gathered at a weekly “house church” meeting that same night with the intention of taking up an offering for the children in Peru, there was a total of $242.00 to add to the donated t-shirts. The meeting ended, and a handful of the guys in attendance opted to go out for pizza. Of course, with less money in their pockets due to the offering, pooling their money together for a pizza was a good idea, but one of the students told the group he would pass on ordering, since a mere $3.00 in his wallet seemed not enough to justify his participation. An elderly man within earshot of the students’ table overheard their discussion and handed the boys a $100 bill. “Dinner’s on me tonight! I’ve always wanted to give to people but never had the means. Now that I do, I am going to give to you guys. When you are older, do the same for others.” Amazed, the students received the money, but decided to tell the kind man that they preferred to forward the $100 to the orphans, to which the man agreed. What a beautiful demonstration of joyful giving God has shown us on all sides this month. Artios Academies, thank YOU for being a part of it!
The only reason we can do the work that we do is because of responses like those mentioned. It takes the Body of Christ—both young and old—recognizing that their offerings matter and are changing lives. Your giving puts huge smiles on the faces of beautiful Inca Indian children as we hand them t-shirts and candy and share with them the hope and love of Jesus. It puts food back into the pantry at the orphanage in Lima and provides another month of operation for the orphanage that is “home” to many boys. Your giving means hope. It means education, healing, and medical care. Greatest of all, it means Matthew 25:40: “…Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for ME.”
From March 28 through April 4 we will be in Peru ministering to the children and giving to the Inca Indians. We ask that you bring us often before the Throne of Grace during our travels. Thank you for partnering with us in this work. The children are back in school now that their summer vacation is finished. Winter is around the corner in Peru and a new school year has begun.
As I close, I remind you again of what a valuable opportunity you have to partner with God and to change the world. It is not the wise and educated that God promises to use; it is not the strong and wealthy. It is neither the qualified nor capable for which God searches. He seeks the yielded, the humble, and the willing. He uses the widow’s mite, the young boy’s five loaves and two fish, and He’ll use your offering too. Just be available.
Grace and peace to you all,
Tony and Rosa Rivera
Home of Refuge International, Inc.
