| The vision of the City
of Refuge Children's Home was born in the hearts of Steve
and Kim Puffpaff in 1997. Seeing the plight of the many homeless
children in the island nation of Jamaica, they felt that God
would have them do something to reach out to these children.
As they began to think and pray, the name "City of Refuge"
came to them. This name comes from Joshua 20 where it says
that the Cities of Refuge should be a place to "escape
the avenger".
Through the generous gifts of many churches, foundations
and individuals, a beautiful piece of property was purchased
in late 2001 in the cool Blue Mountains, northeast of Kingston.
This property, which formerly housed a luxury hotel, is
the perfect setting to offer the peace, safety, and tranquility
that these children need to "escape the avenger"
of fear, hunger and homelessness.
In August of 2002, the first
children were taken into the home, and today there are approximately
60 children under the care of Steve, Kim, and their staff.
In 2004, an existing children's home was acquired by the
Assemblies of God and placed under the directorship of Steve
and Kim Puffpaff and the direct supervision of Stuart and
Wendy Brown. This home now known as New Vision City of Refuge
is the safe haven for approximately 25
young adults. |
