#WEARECOGWOMEN
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS
Meri Rivera
Meri was born Carmen Maria Rivera, but to anyone who has had more than a casual encounter with her, she is known as Meri. Talented singer, Bible teacher, conference speaker, author, and pastor’s wife. Many are those who benefited from her ministry, hospitality, and cuisine over seven decades of active service.
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From the time she came to know the Lord as a teen, Meri’s devotion to ministry was evident. She taught children’s church within months of her conversion, where she learned to use her creative talents to plan lessons. She went on to lead youth ministry at the local and state level before moving on to adult ministries. Her openness to God’s leading prepared her for a life filled with changing roles as the wife of a Church of God ordained minister.
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Meri’s life has served as a testament to what strong faith can do. Now close to 90, her health is declining, but her prayers and faith remain unshakable. Each day ends in prayers of gratitude for God’s goodness because, as one of her favorite hymns says, “His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”
Meri Rivera's Impact
Meri and her husband Roberto met during her time as a youth leader in Illinois. Over their 50 years serving together, they pastored churches in Puerto Rico and the United States and impacted ministry work throughout the Spanish speaking world. She was a state Women’s Ministry director for the Southeast Hispanic Region and served on the International Women’s Ministry Board for the Church of God.
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In the 1970s, Roberto served as president of what is now the Theological University of the Caribbean in Puerto Rico. A small staff and even smaller budget meant that Meri took on roles as house mother, shopper, and cook without compensation. She recalls times when food and funds were scarce and prayer became the primary resource to meet needs – all while managing her own household with three young children (Carlos, Verenice and Mari.)
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The Riveras spent a decade in Texas as directors of the Church of God Publishing House, a role that allowed Meri to share insights in monthly articles for women. She fulfilled a dream of writing her life testimony following Roberto’s death in 2009 in a book titled “Se Puede” – loosely translated “It Can Be Done.” In it, she encourages readers to see obstacles as opportunities to trust God and accomplish His will.