Home of Refuge

I want to focus today's post on praying for a special family of ours. Pastor Tony and Rosa Rivera have had a huge impact on my life. I can confidently say that if not for them I probably would not be in ministry today. They are one of the best models of Christ I have ever seen. Read the article of a recent incident that happened to their ministry and begin to pray for them. Also pray about sponsoring one of the children and giving to this ministry which is making a difference in the world. You can learn more at www.homeofrefuge.org.

The Truth of What Happened in Venezuela

"On Monday, December 8th, while Tony was in Honduras, four armed men entered the Venezuela Home of Refuge. At gunpoint, they locked the boys into a room and the girls into a bathroom and completely robbed the orphanage and children of all valuables, even as far as removing air conditioning wall units. Upon hearing the report, Tony changed travel plans and was able to be back in Venezuela on Thursday, December 11th. The four men were in conjunction with a local, politically-motivated confiscation of the property which transpired the following day (Friday, December 12). During that time, a large group of government officials, police and psychologists entered the Home of Refuge, told Tony that he was no longer sanctioned to operate an orphanage, and forced him off of the property with only the clothes on his back. Through the grace of God, Tony was able to make contact with someone who smuggled out of the orphanage his passport and all of the money he had just brought for the purpose of buying Christmas presents for the children. For the following few days (until Sunday evening), Tony had to travel about "in hiding", having received four different death-threat phone calls. The children were shipped out to various drug rehabilitation institutions (from which some of the children escaped and met up with Tony in the city). Though "on the run", Tony was able to secure living places for the children he had possession of and administer finances to a trusted neighbor whom he appointed with the task of providing for the childrens' needs until the money ran out. When Tony went to the National Guard on Sunday, they advised him to leave the country immediately. At immigration, he was told that an impediment had been placed in the system under his name and therefore he would not be allowed to enter the country of Venezuela again.

Though the events that have taken place in Venezuela feel devastating to us here at the Home of Refuge, we will continue on in the work of rescuing children, knowing that it is the Lord who is able to cause speedy justice for all the oppressed; our hope is in Him for the children that He has brought into our care. Our orphanage in Honduras currently has 32 children and we have discovered a great need that we are able to meet in that country. On the 28th of December, Tony and Rosa will travel to Honduras again. Our plan is to go forward full blast in rescuing the oppressed children of that country. We fully expect to rescue 100 children in the 2009 year. Please remember with us that the Lord loves the orphan and the widow. He considers it pure and undefiled religion when we care for them. On the contrary, we are in the midst of a war--a relentless onslaught from the enemy of our souls and he hates it when we bring light to a dark world and rescue children from the domain of that darkness. We will continue to do this with all of our strength...the rest is in the hands of the Lord. Please also know that now more than ever we need the financial and prayerful support of those who have faithfully stood with this ministry. Much work remains to be done. We are looking for those who will respond to this dark hour with resolution in their hearts to see even more children rescued and placed into the glorious Kingdom of God.

Blessings,

Craig