Offering Hope
Diego is 16 years old and has never lived with his parents. In fact, only during a 2-year period in his life did he even see his mother, after which he never saw her again. Nothing is known about Diego’s father. “Raised” by his godmother and mistreated by both her and her son, Diego experienced 
beatings whenever the son came home drunk. By the age of 16, Diego finally chose to escape from the horrors he was experiencing there. Not having anywhere to go, Diego took to the streets and eventually caught the attention of a woman who noticed the boy sleeping for 2 nights inside of an old car in the street. Authorities took Diego to a “preventative center”—equivalent to a detention center for troubled youth/delinquents—until they could figure out what to do with him. When the directors of the orphanage found out about Diego, observed that he was calm and not only wanted to improve but also to study and have a career, they were quick to provide him a place at the home, and we are grateful to report that he has now been in the orphanage for three weeks. He has responded very well to the orphanage and is even accepting responsibilities. Diego wants a chance in life…a chance to be somebody. Through your giving, we are providing him MUCH more than that. We are offering him hope! We are offering him the chance to KNOW CHRIST and to learn who God says Diego is, so that he might truly become the “somebody” God says he already is. Please pray that Diego’s eyes, ears, and heart will be open to the truth that is found in Christ Jesus.
I will be traveling this month to Lima to meet Diego, spend time with the children, and provide the home with needed food/supplies. Renovations continue at the home. Thank you for helping to meet the needs that they have. Last month, Rosa and I were blessed to travel to Colorado where we were welcomed at Mountain High Christian Center by a group of our dear supporters and friends. Heartfelt thanks to Pastors Ed and Mona Shirley and Mary Ilges for your hospitality and for believing in what we do in Lima, Peru.
As I close this month’s newsletter, I want to take time to tell you again that the Lord is faithful. It is something we have need of hearing over and over again, 
whether we are ministering to children overseas and waiting for “ends to meet” each month or simply trying to walk out our relationship with the Lord each day in our personal lives. I write to you as one who can testify that the Lord is watching you and He knows your situation. He will never fail you. He is the One who hears the cries no one else pays attention to. He knows the prayers of weak and helpless individuals who are searching for answers. He delights in you and has declared in His Word that the plans He has for you are plans for a future and a hope. Thank you for considering the poor of the earth and for bringing to them a future and a hope. Your participation directly affects the destiny of children and families the Lord cares about. May you see this month the faithfulness of the Lord in those areas for which you are praying. We love you each and pray the blessings of the God over your life.
With appreciation,
Tony and Rosa Rivera
Home of Refuge International
