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.