2012 – May

Value

“…the worth of something in terms of the amount of other things for which it can be exchanged…”

We, mankind, sure do seem to have things backwards. What God esteems, we seldom value, what He looks at we most times ignore, what He calls eternal we rarely give time to, and what He calls beautiful we often despise. Young Nolhyn is a perfect example of mankind’s backward values. He is not valuable in society’s eyes, not one to be given a second glance at on the street, nor one to be considered worth much time and investment…by the world’s values. In fact, Nolhyn is emotionally and physically delayed in his development, and who really cares about a youth with that going against him? God does! God values Nolhyn so much that He exchanged His very own Son for Nolhyn’s adoption into the family of God.

Nolhyn is now 15 years old and came to the Santa Maria Children’s Home at the age of 12. When he was an infant his father began physically and emotionally abusing him, which continued until his mother separated from his father when Nolhyn was four years of age. Once she remarried, the relationship between Nolhyn and his stepfather, too, was a dangerous situation of constant conflict, which could be one reason why Nolhyn frequently escaped from home to go find money by which he could purchase Internet time at the “internet cabin.” This addiction-forming behavior certainly played a role in the tension of the home. Feeling afraid that she would either lose him to the streets or at the hands of her angry new husband, Nolhyn’s mother asked if Santa Maria Children’s Home would accept Nolhyn. He has now been in the orphanage for two and a half years and has adapted very slowly in the home and with his peers because of his conduct and emotional problems. Upon entering Santa Maria, Nolhyn was registered into school and put into a lower grade after demonstrating that he was not capable of doing grade-level work for his age. Little by little, thankfully, he has been improving his grades, his behavior, and his attitude, which has all worked in his favor with being accepted more easily by the rest of the children. He now wants to advance in school, complete his daily chores, finish his weekly homework, and take responsibilities at the home. We are also grateful that he no longer has any addiction to the Internet, and overall is exhibiting a more calm and humble disposition than before. This may not be valuable to many…but this is what God values. He esteems it when a life like Nolhyn’s can be offered hope and the chance to be loved. You have had a portion in Nolhyn’s transformation, through your giving and prayers. Thank you!

We will be in Peru by the end of April. Please continue to help us so that we can pay for their utilities, gas, electricity, and food. We are also taking complete Bibles over for the older boys to read.

Dictionary.com defines value as “…”the worth of something in terms of the amount of other things for which it can be exchanged…” As you consider the children in Peru and what you can do to be a part this month, I ask you to contemplate Nolhyn. Would you ask God what you could exchange for children like him to experience the love and hope of Christ? Maybe it’s time in prayer exchanged for blessings and strength to come to them. Maybe it’s money exchanged for their food and well-being. Please consider today how you can remain involved.

Thank you…may the Lord direct you and bless you.

With deepest appreciation,
Rosa Rivera
Homes of Refuge International