History of the Home
The home began in 2002 when Steve and Kim Puffpaff began to see the plight of the homeless children in Jamaica. They felt that God would have them do something about it. They called it "City of Refuge". The name comes from Joshua 20:5 where it says that the Cities of Refuge should be a place to "Escape the Avenger". It was their vision to bring healing to children that have been abandoned and left homeless.
The City of Refuge Children's home is a place for children that are in desperate need. This includes children that have been abandoned or for some reason have no home. It is under the auspices of the Assemblies of God in Jamaica. It is operated by a Board of Directors. It is supervised by Steve and Kim Puffpaff, Assemblies of God missionaries to Jamaica.
It is incorporated as a company with the government of Jamaica. It is licensed as a children's home with the Child Development Agency of Jamaica. We can receive children, ages infant through 13.
Our Mission
- PROVIDE a home for the needy children in a loving and disciplined environment.
- SEE these children's lives transformed through training, nurturing and mentoring.
- RAISE UP children that will become productive citizens for the community, nation and the church.
The Vision
Our desire is not just to feed and clothe these children. We want to see their lieves transformed. This is the reason that we receive children between the ages of infant through 13. We have developed a Christ-centered environment which includes a school for grades K through 6th. As the children get oldre, we will give them life skills besides their academic training. We will teach them sewing, computer skills, carpentry and farming.
The children are arranged in groups, each with house parents. We want to create a family setting where the older children help take care of the younger ones. We believe this ministry will help develop children that will make an impact on their nation for Jesus Christ.
Future Goals
It is our goal to start other Cities of Refuge in Jamaica and other countries. The need of helping homeless children is staggering.
Also read up on our Blue Mountain Coffee. or visit the City of Refuge website.