In Memory of Luis
Luis, the director of Santa Maria Children’s Home (and my dear friend), finally saw the Lord Jesus face-to-face on August 6th, 2014. I can just imagine the homecoming it must have been as he looked into the eyes of his Lord and Savior, while long-awaited words of welcome filled Heaven’s atmosphere. “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Having rescued and served children for 50 years of his life on earth, Luis certainly did give his all to Christ while serving the least of these. It was our honor and privilege to know him during these past few years and to work alongside him in the ministry to the children. We were grateful to give financially to help Santa Maria Children’s Home cover funeral costs for such a dear brother who was responsible for changing countless people’s lives. 
During my most recent trip to Peru, I (Tony) met with various leadership involved in the orphanage there, including the General Coordinator, during which time we were able to appoint the new director and additional tutors for the orphanage. I will be going to Peru the first week of September and plan to stay for a while, with the purpose of sharing with the staff there from my experience in running a home. I am grateful that the new leadership carries in their hearts the vision and calling that Luis had in his heart: to rescue and serve the children, as unto the Lord. It is fitting that the leaders have this in their hearts, since they themselves are young men that were raised in the Santa Maria Children’s Home since childhood. Freely they received, and now they eagerly desire to give! They know what it is to be in need of a place to call home, in need of a father figure who cares, in need of a bed…of food…of medicine and education…of hope. The work must go on. There is still a big need.
While in Peru during this upcoming September, we will need to pay for Will’s second semester of college. Helping Will further his studies can become a part of breaking the cycles that would otherwise inevitably be repeated in these children’s lives. As we offer them a better future through education and skill development (and of course, most of all through knowing the truth of Christ!), we give them a chance to impact their society, to make an honest and respectable living, and to have something to share with the needy.
We were in Conifer, Colorado this past week and want to thank the Body of Christ at Mountain High Community Church for supporting this ministry faithfully for 17 years! Thank you, Pastors Ed and Mona Shirley, for your steadfast love and for the vision you carry in your hearts to help needy children. A special “Thank you” as well to John and Toni Boettcher for your kind hospitality in hosting us for three days.
Lastly, as we close this month’s newsletter, we feel it important to mention how the Lord has granted us an opportunity to be a blessing right here “at home”—in our very own inner city Miami. While we are not using any of the Home of Refuge allotted funds for the ministry to the inner city children of Miami, we have been blessed to assist our son (Tony Jr.) as he reaches out to children in the Alapatha community. We were able to help them with labor, paint costs, air filter grills, and other means. Our endeavors to bless the inner city children right “in our own backyard” (so to speak) help these children prepare for the future and provides them an opportunity to hear God’s rich Word. There is need all around us. What a blessing to be a participant in whatever God brings our way.
Grace and peace to you each this month. May the Lord guide you into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
For His glory,
Tony and Rosa Rivera
Home of Refuge International
