Rosario Rivera: Reaching Lima's Children

Abstract

Rosario Rivera, a former communist guerrilla, was converted after attending a meeting conducted by evangelist Luis Palau. Her life was transformed, and she redirected her concern for the poor and underprivileged from violent attacks on the political regime to loving outreach to children in a Christian context. She has refused to accept a salary or make appeals for funds, depending, rather, on her personal trust in God to supply what is needed. Her efforts have focused on giving breakfast and Bible lessons to Lima's impoverished children, and by 1986, more than 2,500 children were being reached through the program. Her ministry is not without controversy and problems, but Rivera serves as a role model for women throughout the world who would commit their lives to sacrificial ministry among the poor.