2011 – September

Where Jesus Is

“I wanna be Your lover so show me how to go lower,
For in the depths I will find YOU
Where You’re serving my brother.”
Misty Edwards, from the song “Servant of All”

Where would Jesus be found today if He again walked our earth in the flesh? Would He be found in palaces, among those clothed in rich garments? If those in palaces would welcome Him, He would…for He would go to wherever He would be received. But He would also be among the poor…right where He chose to be from the moment He entered our world, clothed in humanity over 2,000 years ago; still longing for the little children to be close to Him, still sending out His great invitation to those in the highways and byways, still having compassion on the multitudes, still bending His knee to serve, still rejoicing to do the Father’s will. And this Humble King we call Lord can still be found among the lowly, the poor in spirit, those who know they need a doctor, and those who receive the Kingdom of Heaven as a little child. “I want more of YOU in my life, Lord,” we earnestly pray. He is found serving our brothers and sisters. He stoops down to encourage the weary, and He takes delight in filling the hungry with good things.

I am very encouraged by the opportunity that Homes of Refuge has to continue filling the hungry in Peru with good things. Over the past six months we have had many opportunities to take your finances to the Santa Maria orphanage in Lima where the money has been used to purchase food, socks, undergarments, mattresses, pillows and blankets, as well as for construction of a roof for the animal pen on the orphanage property. During a recent conversation with the director of the orphanage,I learned that there are 90 school-attending children in need of lightweight coats, and approximately 120 children needing towels. Additionally, from our visits to the orphanage, I can attest to the fact that their breakfast and dinner meals stand to be improved quite a bit nutritionally. I would like the children to be able to eat a good breakfast before they go to school: milk, eggs, cheeses, fruits and grains. It is our desire to provide monthly for this improvement in their diet. Please, will you jump into this project with both feet and help us to make that difference for these children? Wouldn’t it be great if because of YOUR participation, these children slept in their own beds covered in warm blankets, with socks and undergarments to wear, AND had healthy, delicious food to fill their stomachs each morning and evening? It is possible!

Staying involved in this is making a huge difference for children like six-year-old Johan and his two brothers, who all came to the Santa Maria orphanage in January of this year after their alcoholic father passed away. Their mother had no house, no job, and no money with which to provide for them a place to stay or food to eat. After they were evicted from a small room they had occupied, they were living on the charity of the neighbors, but the children were always hungry. But all that has changed for them now. Johan studies in first grade at school, is loved by his tutors, and has managed to adapt very well to life in the Home. He is quite interested in learning, has a tranquil demeanor, and is observed smiling and getting along well. Just like any boy of six years, Johan wants the love of a father and mother. He wants to feel cared for and that there is hope for his future…because there is! Together we can help ensure it.

I leave you with this thought. Jesus said in John 14:18 that He would not leave us as orphans, but would come to us. Oh, the ravages of orphan thinking on the human heart. Oh, the desire of God to bring ALL people out of it’s grip.

I appreciate and love you each dearly. Thank you for your heart for our Lord Jesus, and His children. May the Lord continue to strengthen your heart to love Him well.

Grace and peace,
Rosa Rivera
Homes of Refuge, International