“Serving our neighbor is a service to God. The opportunity to exercise it is a privilege….” – Ledy Rivas
To meet Ledy and Olegario Rivas is to catch the vision that every day is an opportunity to serve. No matter where they are or who they’re with, they constantly spread hope and joy.
The couple never planned to leave their beloved home of Venezuela. Ledy was a physician and Olegario worked for a Venezuelan oil company. But in the late 1990s, Olegario’s work transferred him abroad.
When they eventually came to live in Oklahoma, they were led to the same church that Blessings International’s founders Harold and Linda Harder attended. Having led medical outreaches in Venezuela, the Rivas were very familiar with Blessings International, and they and the Harders became friends. Fast forward over two decades, and the Rivas are faithful donors not only to Blessings International, but many organizations that they trust to make a Kingdom impact.
Ever patriots of their homeland, they do what they can for Venezuela through prayer and action, now as much as ever. They regularly support a local home for abandoned children and send boxes of much-needed items—like vitamins, food, and supplies—to their contacts in country.
They’ve even sent items as unique as bikes and microscopes.
Their proclivity to always look out for those in need began in childhood. “The way we grew up, our families were very, very oriented to help your neighbor,” they said.
Though retired, Olegario is still called upon to teach all over the world. Because Ledy accompanies him, together, they share with students about the hope and purpose that Jesus has given them.
Every day, they have reminders set to pray not only for the United States and Venezuela, but also for countries in great need such as Ukraine and Israel. “We are praying every day,” Ledy says. And she encourages others who want to help—whether in Venezuela or anywhere—to pray, citing 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
While it was difficult for Ledy and Olegario to leave their homeland, God has clearly used their journey to expand the reach of their ministry work. Because they were willing to follow where He led, they have been able to touch many more lives through prayer, conversation, hospitality, and generosity.
“It’s more blessed to give than receive,” Ledy told us with a smile. “That is what the Lord says.”
Those words capture so much of what we have seen in their lives. What God has entrusted to Ledy and Olegario has never been kept for themselves. Their generosity and prayers have opened doors for the Gospel and created opportunities for people to experience the love of Christ.
Their story is also a beautiful reminder of the eternal impact of faithful giving. We cannot put into words the depth of their generosity or their commitment to bless those God places in their path. And because they—and donors like you—have chosen to faithfully give what God has given, lives are being touched and changed for eternity.
