Happy New Year from Home of Refuge! The calendar “page has turned” so to speak, and we are faced with a year of opportunity before us. For many people in our nation, the end of December is an evaluation time, while January and the ensuing months represent the “fresh start” they’ve been longing for. Resolutions are made, gym memberships abound, resolve is renewed, and many hearts are fiercely determined to finally become or obtain in 2014 what they’ve always felt in their hearts they are capable of becoming or obtaining. It is good to have goals, and resolutions…to shoot for a target, knowing that even if you fall short you have achieved more than if you had not attempted to do anything at all. Paul spoke of forgetting what was behind and pressing on towards a goal…only his was a goal we would ALL do well to focus on: knowing Christ. Whatever the resolution one holds, it can be a good thing if it leads you to hope, for God is all about hope. Hope is a powerful thing, and an eternal one. As we begin this new year together, we would like to exhort you to evaluate yourself most in the following area: perspective.
It reminds me of the phrase “feast or famine”. Perspective is like that. Some will look at 2014, and the circumstances that unfold around them, and see a famine. They will see lack, hardship, problems, closed doors, and all of the reasons why they can’t. I want to see a feast! What others see as lack, I want to view as an opportunity for faith. What others define as hardship and problems, I want to view as the tuition for growing in understanding, joy, character, and perseverance. Where others see closed doors, I want to pray with confidence to the One who can open doors no man can shut, and to rest in assurance that my life and every detail of it is in His hands. That He is working for my good and His glory.
Many look at missions, and working with the poor as a famine, too. Always more need. Money needed, help needed, prayer needed, etc. In their perspective, another newsletter equates another plea for more of their finances. Can you see a feast where these people see a famine? Can you see the invitation of God? That He is offering you an investment opportunity, with a return on investment that is literally impossible to articulate in human language (I Cor. 2:9)? Paul rejoiced exceedingly when the church at Philippi gave to the work of God, saying, in essence, “I am thankful for your gift…but I rejoice most of all because more is added into your eternal account” (see Phil. 4:16-17). I know that God will supply the needs of His children and the ministries that feed and clothe them. Everything is His and He knows how to care for His own. But what a joy will be mine to witness your participation in the gospel this year, to know your eternal account is growing and you are trading that which you cannot keep for that which you can never lose.
A sincere “thank you” to all who gave to see the children supplied this Christmas with clothing and a good Christmas dinner. They were and will continue to be blessed by your gifts. Your investment
into the poor is an investment into the souls of people you are going to see in eternity.
To update you all on Rosa’s progress: please continue to pray for Rosa as she is still recovering. She is now healing from adhesive capsulitis of the right shoulder. A follow-up appointment is set for January 14, and we will keep you abreast of her progress.
The children are all well. The school year is almost over and they will not start school again until first week of March. We are excited to have the opportunity to send Will to college. We spoke of this in last month’s newsletter and are confident that many of you will respond to the opportunity to get involved in changing this young man’s future. Please communicate with us your participation. May the Lord continue to reveal His Son Jesus to you in increasing measure.
Grace and peace,
Tony and Rosa Rivera
Home of Refuge International
