God’s Unstoppable Faithfulness!
It just does not matter what the enemy tries to throw at us…God’s faithfulness is ever-present, and we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. A few years back we walked through some of our toughest ministry years, which had the appearance of defeat initially…but thanks be to God, He worked in all of it and directed us to what we are doing today: making an eternal difference in the precious children at Santa Maria Children’s Home in Peru. And then January 2013 rolled around…we were filled with thankfulness and anticipation of what the Lord would do in this year. But February soon followed, and with it the tragic and unexpected passing of our very dear son, Jesus Rivera. Feeling as though our very breath was taken from us, we trusted in the Lord and leaned moment-to-moment on His grace and strength. We found in Christ a refuge and an anchor for our souls. Within four seemingly short months, our daughter-in-law, Sharon Rivera, joined our son (her husband) in the eternal presence of God, having battled breast cancer for many years. Again, our hearts had to tenaciously cling to God and His Word, even as we offered words of truth and hope to our grandchildren who had lost both parents in such a short time. Not more than a few weeks later, in the midst of the transition to obtain legal custody of our 16-year-old grandson Micah, who is now living with us, Rosa went to have a routine medical check-up and was told that she had a lump in one of her breasts, which doctors wanted to remove and send off for a biopsy. The lab report came back, and on July 22nd the doctor told Rosa that it was cancer.
Why do we take the time to tell you all of this? Because we are coming through this with God’s victory and we are testimonies of God’s faithfulness! In all of this we are more than conquerors through Christ, and He always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and spreads through us the fragrance of the knowledge of Him (2 Cor. 2:14). We believe some of you need to hear what we are saying. Some of you are facing circumstances that are intimidating you, and it might even look like you are defeated. We declare to you that you are not defeated, because the Word of God declares He is with you, and He turns into “good” what the enemy means for evil against you. Cling to His Word, and believe every promise He has made, because He is watching over them to perform them. Romans 8:28 promises that God is working all things together for your good. Do not cast off your hope! This newsletter was written for you…God is encouraging your faith right now.
Ministry Update
We recently visited Pastor Ed and Mona Shirley’s church, Mountain High Community Church, in Conifer, Colorado. We want to express our deepest gratitude to them for having us, for hosting their annual fundraiser to bless our ministry, and for all of the people who have been praying for Rosa.
The children in Peru are doing well, and we are eager to return to them the first week of September (Lord willing). Thank you very much for making it possible through your continual prayers and financial support. We cannot do any of this without your help; you are the hands God is using to feed and provide for the orphans that He loves. Thank you for remembering them this month, and for your prayers for Rosa. We consider it such a joy and blessing to continue in the ministry of which God has given us stewardship. We know it is His will that we continue strong and healthy to do this work; He sent Jesus to carry away our sicknesses and diseases, when He offered His back to those who flogged Him (Isaiah 50:6), and by His wounds we have been healed (Isaiah 53:5). This is where we stand. Thank you for your love and support.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
In Christ,
Tony and Rosa River
Homes of Refuge International
