This being a giving Sunday, I’ wanted to share with you our street program report. The ministry has been feeding the street boys every Sunday and holding a church for them. For those that have visited me in Kenya, you can attest to the life they are leading.
We love and we are praying for you.
Be blessed.
The month of November has so far been peaceful from the intense political activities experienced in the previous months. The boys are fairing on well in their different bases.
Field-work;
The weekly field work are doing okay, this enhances close interaction with the boys giving them a listening hear. Encouraging them and administering first aid to those who are feeling unwell, at the same time advising them to seek further medical attention for ailments that are serious.
We have had an increase of new young boys ages 9-15 in the streets and also at the Sunday program. This increase is raising concern on our moral family values. A number of these boys are still very young and seeing them on the streets is not good.
Frank 12yrs;
Frank omuse comes from mumias western part of Kenya; he has been on the streets from September this year. He ran away from home because of being beaten by his uncle who drinks every day. The mother passed on when he was 2yrs leaving him under the care of his uncle. He has never seen the father.
Omuse longs to continue with his education given an opportunity, concerning going back home, he feels unwanted due to the constant abuse. He would rather be in a children’s home than going back there.
Steven tarus 13yrs;
Steven comes from belgut kericho area in the rift-valley. He has been on the streets for 3 months now. He lost both parents to clashes when the Maasai’s invaded their home running away with their animals (cows and sheep). Their home was burned down by fire in the wee hours of the morning killing his parents as he narrates painfully. He escaped narrowly since he slept in a neighbor’s home.
The boy seems traumatized by the event and still fears for his life. During the programs we take time with such boys, to encourage them, many of whom have been going through different hard times in life.
Arrests;
The past two weeks has not been easy for the boys. The county government came up with a plan to get the boys out of the streets. The arrest has been intensified, going on day and night. This has caused a number of boys to scamp for safety, some running away into hiding for dear life. Close to 50 boys have been arrested the young ones taken to juvenile while older ones to prison.
Vincent Otieno 13yrs;
Vincent hails from seme reru, he left home early this year after a constant beating from the uncle and step mother. His parents passed on leaving him under the care of his uncle. Vincent dropped out in class 4, though willing to go back to school given an opportunity but not back home because of the abuse.
During the crack-down his right arm was broken, bleeding and had to seek urgent medical attention. These are some of the dangers the boys encounter in the streets.
Young Vincent is living in the streets of Kisumu
Death;
Brain Omondi 17yrs’
Brian was one of the happiest street boys you could ever come across. It was hard to notice whether he had any problems since his smile was always evident. During field-work, you could meet him going about his things.
He was never attending the Sunday programs because he was busy selling shop items on the streets (hocking). Brian’s body was found on the lake shore with deep wound around the neck. He must have been strangled, the motive not known.
Dump-church;
The dump church fellowship has had a rough few weeks after the structure was pulled down by heavy rains and wind in October. For that period the fellowship was on and off but thanks to God through the offerings given by members and well-wishers the building is up again.
The fellowship is going on. The dump-site boys are fairing on well and the bibles donated to the fellowship is helping them grow spiritually and get grounded in God’s word. Thanks to the Texas Christians for such donations.
Education;
Schools have closed down for the long December holidays and kids are back at home. Emmanuel has been doing great both at home and school. He has maintained the lead in his class where he was top position 1 with 405marks out of 500. The performance of Emmanuel has been very encouraging even to the teachers.
He is a disciplined boy both at home and in school, respecting the elders and obedient according to the teachers. Thanks to life for children for giving such a boy a second chance in life.
Sunday;
The Sunday programs and fellowship have been doing great, the boys have maintained coming early by 6.15am waiting for the fellowship to start. This has given them an opportunity to learn more on depending on God and trusting Him for their day today life.
Praise and worship has been playing a very important role in lifting the spirits of the boys and drawing the most needed inner strength to continue facing the hurdles of life.
The month of November we have been learning on the challenges life brings to us. Example the story of Joseph, the hardships he passed through to become great. The meals have been nutritious and very helpful to the boys well being. The attendance has been 105, 102, 97, 95 respectively. Thanks to the director, donors and staff for the continued support towards street boys program. Be blessed.
