Thanksgiving in Kenya

Although not common in Kenya, a special day was planned to celebrate (Canadian) thanksgiving at
Embrace! A guest pastor was invited to share a message about the importance of gratitude and recognizing the countless blessings in our lives, especially the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ. The boys participated by preparing songs, memory verses and a short skit. They were encouraged to write down what they are grateful for. A festive lunch was followed by an interactive game where boys completed challenges at various stations competing for victory and a special prize. Needless to say,
everyone was thankful for such a memorable day!

In a perfect ministry schedule, we would love to have a Staff day for our Kenyan team at least once a quarter. But in reality, last month we were only able to have the second one since opening day in January.

To set apart this day, we gathered with the team and spent it in nature, away from the center, leaving the boys in the trusted care of Pastor Antony from the church we attend and Max (a missionary partner). We invited another local Pastor to share a Word of encouragement with us, and lead us in prayer. The team had an opportunity to share about their lives, as well as the blessings and challenges of their specific roles at Embrace.

We also did a thorough ministry analysis, discussing weak points, and ideas for improvement. We also enjoyed playing volleyball and just relaxing together. As a team we are in need of Staff Days to strengthen relationships and cultivate our united effectiveness in ministry. When it comes to reintegrating boys home and deciding on next steps for them, we recognize our constant need for God’s wisdom and guidance for each one, as He knows what is best for each of their lives. Over the past 2 months, 5 boys left Embrace to begin a new chapter of their lives with their families!

Bobby Waweru and John Kipnyango have been with us since Embrace opened in Nairobi. The boys spent those months of rehabilitation learning, changing and setting goals for their futures. Our reintegration team worked hard to trace their families and decide on the best home placement options. Bobby’s aunt and uncle who were already hosting his younger siblings agreed to accept Bobby into their home. Bobby had plans to get trained as an electrician, and to help him attain that, we set very specific goals. Sadly, Bobby had little motivation to invest into his future, and only stayed with the aunts’ family for about a month. After an argument with his uncle, he ran back to the streets.

John is currently staying with his older brother and pursuing a training course in welding. Derrick Mwangi was on the streets for 2 weeks and at Embrace for one month. After going through counselling and rehabilitation, he accepted to seek reconciliation with his family and was eager to return to school. His family was very grateful to Embrace for returning Derrick home and supporting him. Junior Nyamiaka’s mother has been looking for her son and was thankful to learn he was rescued and brought to our centre for rehabilitation. Junior is back home with his family and continuing his education. Erick Kuria was placed with his grandmother, since his mother has a new family who does not accept him. Erick has a big desire to study hard and graduate top of his class.

God knows who is needed at Embrace and brings people in His ways and timing. Marina Kondryuk previously served at the Embrace Center in Kitale in 2015-2016. After being home for some time, she felt God’s call to come back to Kenya to serve the street children in Nairobi. She joined our team of long term missionaries last month and we are excited to see how God will use her to further His Kingdom.