The Rivera Family
Ministry Update
May 2026
Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,
As we look back on the month of May, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the many ways God continues to bless this ministry. This month was marked by meaningful relationships, faithful volunteers, ongoing medical care for our children, and many opportunities to witness God's faithfulness through everyday life.
One of our greatest joys is seeing people from different places come and experience firsthand what God is doing here. Every visitor who walks through our doors becomes a blessing—not only to the children, but also to our staff and our family.
Serving Through God's Word
This month, my husband, Miguel, celebrates one year of leading the "Let's Talk Bible" study at Casa del Banquete Church. This church holds a very special place in our hearts because it was here that, as children, both of us first heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Every Wednesday is our half-day off, and we spend it serving through this wonderful Bible study. People often arrive up to an hour early, giving us time to enjoy fellowship over coffee and delicious fresh bread before the study begins. These moments of friendship and encouragement have become a meaningful part of our week.
Studying God's Word is always a joy, especially when you have a faithful teacher. Miguel has been gifted with the ability to clearly teach the Scriptures, and it has been a blessing to watch others grow through his ministry. He has always carried a deep burden and love for this church.
We have been serving at Casa del Banquete for over nine years. In addition to leading the Wednesday Bible study, every other Thursday Miguel preaches during the family service, and he also leads worship every Thursday evening. It is a privilege for our family to continue serving the church where God first planted the seed of the Gospel in our hearts many years ago. We are grateful to see Him continuing to work in the lives of so many people through His Word.
Special Visitors
This month we had the privilege of welcoming two wonderful groups of visitors who invested their time, love, and encouragement in the lives of our children.
Our dear friends from Calvary Chapel Pico Rivera spent several days with us, bringing joy, laughter, and reminding the children that they are deeply loved by so many people. They worshiped with us, played games, prepared meals for everyone, made crafts with the girls, and most importantly, invested time in building meaningful relationships. Their willingness to simply be present made a lasting impact on both the children and our staff.
Later in the month, we were blessed by the visit of Bobby Belt, his family, and his in-laws. Their servant hearts were evident in every interaction. Whether spending time with the children, encouraging our staff, or simply sharing life together, they beautifully demonstrated the love of Christ through their actions.
These visits are always much more than mission trips—they are opportunities for our children and staff to experience God's love through genuine relationships. We are incredibly thankful for everyone who chooses to serve alongside us, whether for a day, a week, a month, or longer. Every visit leaves an eternal impact.
Medical Updates
May continued to be a busy month filled with follow-up medical care and specialist appointments.
Several of our boys and girls attended routine dental appointments as part of their ongoing preventive care.
One child completed an abdominal ultrasound as part of an ongoing medical evaluation.
A surgical consultation was held to review previous studies and discuss the next steps in treatment.
One of our girls underwent a CT scan to help specialists further evaluate her condition.
One of our boys continued his regular neurology follow-up appointments to monitor his progress and treatment plan.
Laura successfully underwent gallbladder surgery. We are grateful that the procedure went well and appreciate your prayers as she continues to recover.
We thank God that each child continues to receive the specialized medical care they need. While many of these appointments are routine, they play an important role in protecting their health and ensuring they receive the best care possible.
Celebrating Mother's Day
Mother's Day is always a special occasion at the mission. While many of our children come from difficult family backgrounds, we are thankful that God has surrounded them with caring house parents, staff members, volunteers, and spiritual mothers who faithfully love and nurture them every day.
Throughout the celebration, the children expressed their appreciation to the women who invest so much in their lives. It was a beautiful reminder that family is often built through love, faithfulness, and God's grace.
Our prayer is that every child knows they are deeply cherished—not only by those who care for them here each day, but also by their Heavenly Father, whose love never fails.
Thank You
Every visitor, every medical appointment, every meal served, and every smile shared is possible because of your faithful partnership.
Thank you for praying, giving, encouraging, and believing in our family and the ministry God has entrusted to us. Your support makes it possible not only to provide a safe home where children receive excellent care and the opportunity to know Jesus, but also to continue serving through the ministries God has opened for us, including the Bible study and church ministry at Casa del Banquete.
We are deeply grateful for your partnership and for the many ways you encourage us to keep serving faithfully.
Prayer Requests
As we move into June, we invite you to pray with us for the following:
Pray for the continued health of each child and for wisdom as doctors guide their ongoing medical care.
Pray for the children awaiting additional procedures and medical treatments in the coming months.
Pray that God will continue bringing volunteers and mission teams who will invest in the lives of our children.
Pray for strength, wisdom, and unity among our staff as they faithfully care for the children every day.
Pray for God's continued financial provision for medical expenses, food, education, and the daily needs of the ministry.
Pray that every child in our home will continue growing in faith and discovering the hope and purpose found in Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Bible study at Casa del Banquete as it enters it’s second year, that God will continue drawing people who are hungry for His Word and that lives will be transformed through the teaching of Scripture.
Pray for Miguel as he continues leading worship each Thursday and preaching at the family service every other Thursday, asking God to strengthen and use him for His glory.
Thank you for standing with us through your prayers, generosity, and friendship. We are continually reminded that this ministry is not accomplished by one family alone, but through the faithful partnership of God's people around the world.
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9
With love and gratitude,
Miguel, Zurisadai, Azaff, Abdiel, Conchita.
Mission Family
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