Tumaini Kwa Watoto

“What have I done to you my son?” Peter asked his son John Muchina, as tears trickled down his face. He had not slept a wink since his son left home two weeks ago and had since lost hope of ever seeing him again.

John Muchina, the second child in a family of eight, left home together with his friends to see the city. He was arrested immediately on arrival and taken to Joseph Kangethe where he met Harry and Margaret who encouraged him and later on went to trace the family.

It was with great disbelief that the family received the news about their son. At first they thought our team was like all the others who had coned them their money with false news. The family had looked for John everywhere, prayed all kind of prayers and used lots of money in search of their son. Many people had used their situation to con them of their money saying that they will bring John home which was not true. The team convinced them after the family asked lots of questions regarding John and being that they were not asking for money.

They could not wait to see their son again and wanted to leave with the team immediately but were explained that there were certain documents which they needed to bring with them. They were really disappointed but promised to be at Joseph Kangethe the next day. As the team left there was a crowd outside who wanted to see the bearer of the good news and in the midst of the insecurity and rain in the slum there were smiles everywhere.

Peter and his wife arrived early in the morning at Joseph Kangethe and as they reunited and reconciled they could not hide their tears of Joy. We bless the Lord for he has anointed us to preach Good news to the poor, bind up the broken hearted , proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…[Isaiah 61:1-ff]

Compiled by Margaret and Harry.

Who cares? “Don’t bother to rescue these children; they will go back to the street.” An extended family member told our team during a family conference to address Kevin and Zacchaeus’ future. We knew that the process of reconciling and restoring this family was not going to be easy. We care, so let the process begin.

People of Influence: Isaac could not bear the situation at home when his parents separated and he opted to run to the streets. He later influenced Kevin to go to the streets who in turn influenced Zacchaeus. Three out of the five children were on the streets. Kevin with a winning smile and Zacchaeus the younger brother ended up at JK Rehab centre where we regularly bring hope to the children and speak up for these helpless and hopeless children. Since their parents separated, the children and their mother has faced rejection and reproach from the extended family for a long time.

Why do children run to the streets? Family breakdown leading to insecurity at home/hostile environment, poverty, hunger, lack of a responsible adult who loves and cares about them, fathers who walk away from their families, peer pressure, etc. Ann, Kevin & ’ mother experienced rejection after the separation with her husband and when her children started going to the streets. In search for answers to all her problems Ann sought for help in all the unlikely places which led to more rejection by her husband’s family. We have now started the process of reconciliation and restoration. Ann has also found a Bible believing church with a caring pastor and her relationship with her extended family is improving.

Pursuing the children: After a long and tiring journey to Kevin & Zacchaeus’ home, we were energized to see them. It was such an encouraging and fulfilling sight to see them back in school, looking smart in full school uniform. We later learned that they went back to school immediately after being rescued. Kevin has been on the streets for many years but we know that God can restore the years that are lost (Joel 2). J These boys are determined to work hard as they prepare to sit for their primary school final exams in the next two years. They are dreaming again.

A secure dwelling place - Kevin & Zaccheaus’ mum, Ann leases land to grow potatoes in order to support her family and provide a secure place for her children. She needs more capital to increase her potato crop to fulfill her ambition to educate her children. We therefore invite you to walk alongside her by purchasing a bag of fertilizer, potato seeds or just give Kshs. 10,000 (£100/$150) to make this happen. Story prepared by Margaret Gachiri: Mar wk2