2014 – August

The Spirit of Sonship

Having dedicated the last twenty years of our lives to rescuing and caring for orphans, it is very dear to our hearts when we ponder two of the greatest gifts that God has ever given: GRACE—our “unearned” salvation through Christ Jesus—and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus knew that after purchasing our salvation on the cross He would go to be with the Father, but He told His disciples that He would not leave them (any of us!) as orphans, but would send the Holy Spirit. Romans 8 further describes the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Sonship, by which we cry out, “Abba, Father.” It is amazing that through receiving Christ and believing in His name we become children of God, and then we receive the very Spirit of Sonship within us to testify to our own spirit that we are His. He truly has not left us as orphans!

Many of the precious children to whom we minister at the Santa Maria Children’s Home are orphans in this temporary, physical world. They cannot change that on their own. They didn’t choose that on their own. But it is their reality. We are eternally grateful, however, that we can tell them the Truth—that God offers them salvation (adoption…unearned, and steadfast by grace!) and that He offers them His very own Holy Spirit who will tell them over and over again that they “belong o Daddy!” THAT is what your finances and your prayers for this ministry are really all about: taking orphans to sonship. It changes everything…for each one of them…and it is only possible because of your support.

Will Changa continues to do well in his college studies. He earns good grades and is very interested in learning. In August we will need to cover the cost of his second semester. Thank you for helping us to offer him a college education and a brighter future! This month we were able again to cover the monthly utilities and food for the orphanage. Thank you for your continual giving. The director of the home is not doing well at present. We have discovered that he has liver cancer and therefore, he is in need of God’s healing provided through Christ. We ask that you join us in contending for him in prayer. Thank you!

Finally, we would like to tell you that we will be in Conifer, CO from August 15-17 at Mountain High Community Church, with pastors Ed and Mona Shirley, for those of you close enough to stop in for a visit.

We love you all and greatly value your participation in this ministry. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

Grace and peace,

Tony and Rosa Rivera

Home of Refuge International