Hello everyone!
Below you will find our newsletter for the months of April to June. Here are a few things that happened since the beginning of April.
Holy Week
Easter was such a sweet and powerful time for our ministry as we soaked in the truths of the Gospel and watched the boys begin to truly ponder what it means that Jesus came, died, and rose again. Each day leading up to Easter Sunday, our staff reenacted scenes from Holy Week, allowing the boys to visually experience what it might have looked like in Jerusalem during Jesus’ final days. Alongside these dramas, the boys participated in engaging Bible lessons and hands-on activities that helped them gain a deeper understanding of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
One particularly moving moment was when the boys were invited to wash each other’s feet—an act of humility and love that left many of us in awe. Seeing the boys care for one another in this way was a beautiful reminder of the servant-hearted love Jesus modeled.
We celebrated the Resurrection together with local visitors, friends, and families. The boys shared skits, songs, poems, and crafts they had prepared throughout the week, joyfully proclaiming the hope of the resurrection. They even performed a special song during our church service on Sunday, singing boldly about the saving work of the Savior. It was a glorious time filled with deep questions, genuine worship, and a growing understanding among the boys of the power of Jesus’ blood to redeem and restore.
RiverCity Church VBS
In June, we had the joy of welcoming a short-term missions team of 17 from RiverCity Church in the United States to serve our boys through a week-long Vacation Bible School. Their theme was “The Amazing Race,” teaching the boys what it means to run the race of faith with endurance. It was a powerful message—not only for the boys during their time at Embrace, but also as they prepare to be reintegrated into their families and communities.
Throughout the week, the team led the boys in educational classes, hands-on skill workshops, crafts, games, Bible lessons, and team-building activities. The boys were fully engaged and deeply encouraged. One of the most special parts of the week was the evening bonfires—sweet times of sharing testimonies, worship, and reflection, where both the boys and the RiverCity team opened their hearts and grew closer as one family in Christ. It was a beautiful reminder that God is moving both in Kenya and across the world, using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
One evening, the team stayed at Embrace, and the Kenyan staff enjoyed a few hours off to partake in a meal together. It was a gift for the team to spend time with the boys outside of the programme and for the staff to get a bit of rest and encouragement.
Testimonies of the Lord’s Faithfulness
We have many reasons to praise the Lord these past three months!! Here are just a few:
Ibrahim Hassan who has been at Embrace for around a year and a half was able to be reintegrated back with his mother and siblings. Ibrahim was filled with joy when he was told he would get to go home as he had been waiting for his farewell for so long. Jackson Kutosi has also spent over a year at Embrace while also running away in that time. He was rejoicing at the fact that God has opened a door for him to leave Embrace and be reintegrated back. As much as we celebrate with both of these boys we also know they are experiencing many hardships at home, poverty being a huge struggle for their families. Please keep them in your prayers as you also celebrate their reintegration.
Gregory Ebei has been awaiting surgery on his eye for a year and a half and in May he was finally able to receive it! It has been a long journey where the surgery has been scheduled, cancelled, scheduled, and cancelled again, but we praise God that the surgery happened and everything went well. You can be praying for him as he recovers, and may need a second surgery.
In April, our long-term missionary Toma got married to her now husband Edgar. In May, John and Palina returned to Kenya as a family of four with their new baby girl.
In the past 3 months, the Lord has opened doors for us to rescue 18 new boys and reintegrate 8 boys. God is moving in each of these boys’ lives, encountering them in special ways.
Challenges
While we have seen so many beautiful moments of growth and transformation, the past few months have also brought real challenges that we have had to navigate as a staff and community. One of the biggest struggles has been boys facing the temptation to run away from the centre—and some acting on that temptation. April was particularly difficult, as we saw a wave of boys running and encouraging others to do the same. These moments are heartbreaking, and they remind us of how strong the pull of street life can be and how deep the healing journey truly is.
We’ve also encountered complex cases where progress feels slow or uncertain. Some boys have stayed at Embrace far longer than expected, and their situations have required extra wisdom, patience, and prayer.
Alex Mundia has been at Embrace for 1 year and 3 months. Hassan Zachariah has stayed for 2 years and 6 months. Joel Omagwa has been with us for 11 months. Stephen Manyeki has spent 4 years in and out of Embrace, returning after multiple attempts at reintegration.
Our team deeply loves these boys and we are committed to walking with them. But we also recognize that we need the Lord’s guidance for each unique story. Please pray with us for wisdom, breakthrough, healing, and hope to rise in the hearts of these young men.
Trainings
Over the past few months, our staff has participated in several training sessions to grow in many different ways. Through a partnership with a local organization, we’ve received support in improving our HR systems, counselling skills, and overall ministry operations.
We’ve also focused on strengthening computer and tech skills—helping staff create better lessons, improve typing, and use digital tools more effectively in serving the boys. We’re grateful for this season of growth and all the ways the Lord is equipping our team for greater impact.
Discipleship
We have seen the Lord’s hand at work in powerful ways—softening hearts and drawing the boys closer to Him. Many of our staff are actively involved in our discipleship programme, walking one-on-one with the boys and helping them grow in their faith.
Currently, around 10 boys are part of the programme, learning what it means to develop as men of God and to stand firm in their identity as citizens of the Kingdom. It’s been a joy to watch them ask deep questions, engage with Scripture, and take steps toward a life rooted in Christ.
Praying For More Laborers
One of our current needs as a ministry is for another biblical counsellor. Our current counsellor has faithfully carried a heavy load, and having additional support would make a significant difference in meeting the boys’ spiritual and emotional needs.
Please pray that God would provide the right person—someone with a deep love for Jesus, a heart for these boys, and a passion for sharing the gospel.
We are also prayerfully considering other key staff roles and ask for discernment and wisdom in knowing when and how to expand our team in a way that honours the Lord and strengthens the ministry.
Thank you for your faithful support!