We are usually excited to share with you encouraging news and updates, but March has been a difficult month at Embrace.

Our missionary and Kenyan team have been challenged and tested by our boys and their stubborn attitudes. We do see glimpses of hope, slight changes , positive responses and very slow steps towards transformation. But in between the victories are days and sometimes weeks of what our team describes as “discouragement, disappointment and regression.” No one began serving in this ministry with unrealistic expectations. Our team is well aware that we are dealing with some of the toughest children of the Kenyan population. Those who are among the most abused, most affected by sin and addiction and most desperate for the love of God. The challenge is that most of our boys do not recognize their need for God or need for change. As a result, we encounter daily rebellion, disobedience, disrespect, refusal to participate and accept correction.

Runaways are one of the greatest discouragements. After pouring everything into the boys, some make the decision to run away from Embrace and go back to the street life. With no consideration of the consequences, their mind is set on the temporary satisfaction offered by sniffing glue, jet fuel and other drugs easily accessed on the streets. Runaways happen weekly, sometimes boys escaping as a group. Some come back after several days or weeks while others do not.

That is the tough reality of ministry with street children. We are grateful for the grace and strength God provides continually to our team, empowering our team to continue in this uneasy journey and keep our faith in the Lord who is able to do more than we can see or imagine. On a brighter note, we do have an answered prayer to share. In March, 2 of our missionaries received their work permits and legal documents. This process has taken longer than anticipated but we thank God that all 4 of our long term missionaries are now able to freely serve in Kenya for the next few years.

We continue to make the necessary improvements to our Center and territory. In order to cut down monthly water costs, we purchased a 10,000L water tank to collect water during the rain season ahead. We are working on improving the weak areas of our perimeter fence to prevent boys from sneaking out and running away. At the end of the month, the Kenyan president announced several new Covid restrictions, including the cessation of movement in and out of five counties, including Kiambu county where Embrace is located. This means our social workers will be limited in the home visits they are able to make and a number of our reintegration cases will be put on hold. Our local government officers advised us to hold off on accepting new boys since our limited facilities and staff do not allow for proper quarantine procedures.