Rivera Family June 2026
Ministry Update
Welcoming Mission Teams
June was a joyful and busy month as we welcomed several visitors and mission teams who came to serve alongside us. Each group brought encouragement, laughter, and the love of Christ to our children and staff.
We were blessed by visits from Davis Smith, Bret and Christy Darger, Momma Rebekah, Ashley, Zimri Anderson, and Jeff and Corinne, each faithfully investing time with the children through fellowship, games, worship, and personal encouragement.
Toward the end of the month, we had the privilege of hosting a team of 30 people from Riverview Church. Their arrival filled the mission with energy and excitement as they served in many different ways, building relationships with the children and supporting the ministry through acts of service. It is always encouraging to watch the Body of Christ come together from different places to love and serve these children.
Throughout June, our mission family grew from our regular 35 residents to as many as 65 people as we welcomed volunteers and mission teams. We are thankful for God's faithful provision during these busy weeks and for every person who answered His call to serve.
Celebrating Father's Day
Father's Day was a meaningful celebration at the mission. We took time to honor the fathers and father figures who faithfully invest in the lives of our children every day. We are especially thankful for our house parents, staff members, and male volunteers who model Christ's love through their patience, guidance, and faithful example.
For many of our children, positive role models make a tremendous difference. We thank God for the men He has placed in their lives to encourage them, teach them, and remind them of the love of our Heavenly Father.
Serving Behind the Scenes
One important part of our ministry that often goes unseen is welcoming our visitors from the moment they arrive. Throughout the month, we made numerous trips to the San Diego International Airport to pick up mission teams, volunteers, and individual visitors flying in to serve.
These airport runs are more than just transportation—they are an opportunity to begin building relationships, answer questions, and help our guests feel at home before they even arrive at the mission. Whether driving across the border or coordinating arrivals and departures, we are grateful for every opportunity to serve those who come to minister alongside us.
Tuesdays is shopping day on the state side, we enjoy spending the day together, by ourself or with the Bastidas company.
Medical Updates
June included several important medical appointments as we continued caring for the health of our children.
Gena, Laura, and Magali each attended their routine dental appointments as part of their ongoing preventive care.
Nilse and Eddie were evaluated by a clinical neurologist following a recommendation from another specialist. Both completed neurological consultations as well as electroencephalograms (EEGs), which will help their doctors better understand their needs and determine the most appropriate treatment moving forward.
We are thankful that these evaluations were completed successfully and ask for continued prayer as we await recommendations and continue caring for each child's individual medical needs.
Family Update
As a family, June also brought several important medical follow-up appointments for our son, Azaff. As many of you know, he is a cancer survivor and remains in remission. We are incredibly grateful for God's faithfulness in his life.
Although he continues to do well, his annual follow-up examinations revealed that he has a Vitamin D deficiency and is beginning to show signs of insulin resistance. Thankfully, these concerns were identified early, allowing his doctors to begin treatment and make the necessary adjustments to help protect his long-term health.
We appreciate your continued prayers for Azaff as he remains under regular medical supervision. We are thankful that God has sustained him through every step of this journey and continues to watch over him.
We are also grateful to share a positive update about my sister, Conchita. Thanks to God's faithfulness and the medical care she has been receiving, her seizures continue to be well controlled with anticonvulsant medication. In addition, the symptoms she has experienced during menopause are now well managed. We praise the Lord for His provision and are thankful to see her enjoying greater stability and a better quality of life. Thank you for continuing to keep her in your prayers.
We would also appreciate your prayers for our sons, Abdiel and Azaff, as they begin high school this year. Please pray for God's protection over their lives, for wisdom as they grow academically and spiritually, and that they would be bold in their faith. May they be a light wherever they go, reflecting the love of Christ through their words and actions.
I would also appreciate your prayers for me (Zuri). I have been dealing with chronic back problems for several years, and my neurosurgeon has recommended that I continue losing weight in hopes of delaying—or possibly avoiding—back surgery, although there are no guarantees because of the degenerative arthritis in my spine.
This season has been especially challenging as I am also going through perimenopause and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia nearly a year ago. My doctors are still adjusting my medication to find the right balance. Even so, I am grateful that God continues to give me the strength to serve each day.
Please pray for wisdom for my doctors, relief from pain, and the strength and grace to continue faithfully serving the Lord and our family.
Miguel continues faithfully leading the mission, overseeing the home and ensuring everything is in order. He serves at the mission four days each week and spends the other three working at a locksmith shop to help pay off the remaining debt from Azaff's medical treatments. We are grateful for God's faithful provision as He continues to meet our needs, one step at a time.
Thankful for God's Faithfulness
As we look back on June, we are reminded once again of God's constant provision. Through faithful volunteers, mission teams, medical professionals, and friends who pray and give, He continues to provide exactly what is needed.
Every visit, every appointment, every shared meal, every conversation, and every act of kindness points our children to the love of Christ. Thank you for being part of what God is doing here. Your prayers, generosity, and encouragement make this ministry possible, and we are grateful to serve together with you.
With love…
Miguel, Zurisadai, Azaff, Abdiel, Conchita
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