2012 – June

The Process of Love

It is not an overnight change, to be sure. In fact, the process is often long and requires much patience, but love IS patient…and it perseveres. And so, at the Santa Maria Children’s Home, they are patiently loving Eber and his siblings while they undergo the changes that only love can bring about. Eber has only been with the orphanage for four months. His story is a traumatic one, as is the case with most of the children rescued and cared for at the home.

His mother was mugged and murdered by robbers in July of 2010. Their sister tried to care for the boys after their mother’s death, but found herself incapable of the task, and so they all came traveling to Lima from the mountains of Peru. In Lima, Eber and his two brothers (ages12 and 14) stayed with their eldest brother until he was arrested for the illegal use of drugs. This left Eber and his brothers in the care of whomever chose to give them something to eat. Soon thereafter, their sister approached the orphanage asking if the boys could remain there. Their adaptation into the home was not an easy one. Eber did not relate with any of the children besides his brothers, was always on the defensive, and trusted nobody. Neither was he open to receiving affection or instruction from anyone, but preferred to try doing things as he had done in his previous lifestyle. Little by little, however, as the process of love works in him, he is coming around.

He is now receiving instruction, adapting well to the home, eating better, and responding to the teachings. He has his own bed in which to sleep, his very own Bible, and has even chosen to be baptized. We want to thank you for helping Eber and his siblings through your prayers and giving; people like you make it possible for these children to receive help.

During our last trip, Tony was able to teach the Bible to the children, which is our goal for each and every trip we will take in the future. Because we were also able to take more Bibles, every child now has his very own Bible. Additionally, we were able to continue providing them with food, electrical power, gas, cable, clothing, and additional supplies according to the needs they had at the time. We are truly grateful to the Lord and to each of you who by your support are making a difference through this ministry. The Lord sees your labor and your faithfulness; it is our prayer that you see the increase of all that you are giving, and that your heart is filled with joy at the opportunity these children are affording you to better understand and demonstrate the love of Christ. May He continue to direct your hearts into that love, even as you eagerly participate in giving to the poor. As Mother Theresa once said, “Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love.”

Grace and peace to you each
Rosa Rivera
Homes of Refuge International