It is a beautiful thing to witness a life like young Pablo’s, which has been transformed by the Son of God. Having been three years now since he entered into the Santa Maria orphanage in Peru as a six-year old boy, scared and untrusting, now Pablo is in good health, has participated in singing and dance workshops, crafts and computer classes, and is a living witness of how the life of Jesus Christ became a light for him when everything around was darkness. Pablo had no mother or father when his aunt turned him over to the orphanage. He was accustomed to extreme poverty—in both, material possessions and in love. In his six years of living, he had never known affection and because of this, Pablo found it most difficult to relate to the others in the orphanage or to express his own feelings. But the light of the Gospel has been shining on Pablo these past three years and what progress he has made! He is now in third grade and doing well. The directors of Santa Maria shared his story with Tony and I while we were there last week; I ask that you pray for Pablo this month, that he would continue to experience the love and increasing knowledge of Jesus Christ in his life.
Tony and I would also like to express our deepest gratitude for your giving. The Lord has orchestrated that each time we travel to the Santa Maria orphanage in Peru we are able to bring timely provision to the children and staff, which results in much needed encouragement to their hearts. Because of your financial generosity, the trip this past week was no exception.
When we arrived at the orphanage, the director disclosed that they were three months behind in paying the light bill and that the electricity was to be cut off sometime that very day if the balance remained. Not only would this have meant difficulties in doing laundry for so many children, but it also would have rendered them unable to bake the bread they make each morning, which feeds the orphanage. We were able to go to the electric company and pay for them the entire balance of $1,600.00. We felt such joy and gratitude to God for the opportunity and ability to meet that need, and it was because of YOU. Thank you!
Additionally, we were able to cook a meal for the entire group of 120 children and staff on Saturday. But this meal was not like any other meal they receive. Absolutely not! This meal was like a party for them. Whereas they would normally only purchase 10 chickens to feed the 120 people, we purchased 30 chickens and gave to each person a quarter of a chicken. We also served them potato salad, rice, corn, and drinks. The best part of all—at least in the children’s’ minds—was the cake and ice cream they received for dessert. We will not soon forget the responses of the children when we told them we were going to give them cake and ice cream. Their eyes widened, their faces lit up and they said, “WOW!!!”
Furthermore, we were able to again fill up the orphanage pantry with all kinds of good food. We also bought more under clothes and lots of socks for the children, having learned from the director that under clothes are ALWAYS needed.
Tony and I are planning to return next month to continue helping this precious ministry. Thank you again and again for making a difference. Beyond what we are planning to provide during our next trip (food, clothing, much needed jackets), there may very well be additional needs we can meet for Santa Maria orphanage. We ask you to please continue giving towards this important and ongoing focus. In the truest sense, your giving has brought light to Peru, as that giving has enabled a light to so shine before men that they can see good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. But, ironically, this month your giving also brought light in a very practical way. So, tonight when you finally “hang your hat for the night” and reach over to turn out the last light in your home, remember that in an orphanage in Peru children are offering thanks to God for each light bulb they can use this month...for, without your giving there would have been no more light.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
Rosa Rivera
Homes of Refuge International
