El Dulce Refugio began as a vision from the Lord placed in the hearts of Wesley and Brenda King more than 20 years ago. In accordance with the call to come to Ecuador and minister to children and the people of Ecuador, land was purchased in August, 1999. Construction of the children’s home and outreach center began in September, 2000, and the facility was first occupied in March, 2004. During the construction phase, the ministry was started in a rented house near the facility. They received into their “family” their first orphan, Adolfo Andres Ayuy, in April, 2000, even before they were able to begin construction. For over 20 years the kings faithfully provided a home for orphan children of Ecuador……

But now, Dr. Wesley King and his wife Donna (Brenda past away shortly after the Sweet Refuge was built) are in the process of retiring and moving back to the states. All the children of the Sweet Refuge are now grown and have moved on: with the exception of Edison who is handicap and continues to live at the Sweet Refuge. Efforts are now being made by Mel Rivera to continue the legacy of Dr. Wesley King, and open the doors of the Sweet Refuge to the many needy orphans of Ecuador.

Goals of El Dulce Refugio are:

1) Providing a permanent “home” for children of Ecuador who have no home of their own and giving them a “family” that will last for Eternity with the firm conviction that the children sent to this home by God have a special calling on their lives—introducing them to our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and prayerfully helping establish them as disciples of Him—providing the necessary education and training to equip them for the task God has called them to.

2) To evangelize the town of Banos and provide a place of worship in the new added chapel for our orphans, neighborhood kids, youth and adults.

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