Reunion Camp
For the first time in Embrace history, Kenyan Embrace staff, in partnership with a team of volunteers from Canada, organized and conducted a reunion camp for boys and their parents or guardians.The vision for this camp, summarized in its name, aimed to create a space for the boys and parents to “Re-connect,” while being exposed to the gospel, which many parents heard for the first time.
Over the course of the 3-day camp, boys and adults participated in Bible lessons and discussions, as well as a variety of different activities and sports.Adults had the unique opportunity to partake in workshops such as soapmaking, sewing, construction, and welding that taught them useful and transferable skills that can help them with running a small business.
Boys participated in a variety of play-and-skill-based
activities that encouraged teamwork, cooperation and a fun time with friends they had made at embrace and hadn’t seen for a while. Team building games for both boys and adults were a highlight, witnessing parents and children laughing and playing together. Several parents admitted it was their first time engaging in such play with
their child. On the final evening, amidst farewell speeches and expressions of gratitude, adults and boys were invited to embrace and pray over each other, culminating in a powerful time of prayer, intercession, and worship.
We fervently hope and pray that this camp serves as the catalyst for the growth and development of healthier, stronger, Christ-centered relationships within otherwise fractured families.This was all made possible through God’sfaithful guidance and provision, alongside the dedication of individuals united by a shared desire. We eagerly anticipate
making this camp an annual tradition, extending its reach to more Embrace families, offering them the gospel and the opportunity to re-connect.
Embrace Camp
During the same week as the reunion camp, a team from River City Church located in Sacramento, California hosted a VBS camp for our boys currently at Embrace. They conducted a series of engaging activities, Bible lessons, and educational sessions. With the goal to demonstrate the
profound impact of replying on God and His word. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their time.
Third Year Anniversary!!
On January 19th, we celebrated a very exciting and special birthday – 3 years of Embrace a Street Child in Nairobi! We were honoured to welcome a multitude of guests, including pastors, neighbours, government officials, and representatives from partnering organizations. All of them came to participate in the celebration and encourage our team and boys. Our special guest was John Miruri. He was placed home in January 2023. He traveled back to Embrace to encourage boys with his testimony of how God has used Embrace to rescue him from the streets and give him the start to a better future. We treated the boys to a pool trip as a birthday present, which they enjoyed. For most of them, it was their first time swimming in a pool.
As we look back on these 3 years it’s impossible not to say PRAISE GOD. We continually get to witness God’s love and care for these boys, toward all the staff and missionaries
This is truly his work, we see this through the changes only He can make in the hearts of people, also through His constant provision with financial support, physical and spiritual protection as well as the building of relationships with other organizations and local government officials. We thank God for His continued faithfulness towards Embrace throughout all these years.
Reintegration and School
Since the beginning of the year we have been able to
successfully reintegrated Austin Ochieng, Erick
Mukono, and Brian Gitonga back into their families.
Additionally, after fervent prayers, we found a placement for Nesta Gichuki. He has been at Embrace for quite some time due to challenges in tracing his family and upon finding relatives they were unwilling to welcome him. But Praise God, Nesta was placed at Ukwili Home of Hope, where we had already provided refuge for three other boys with similar backgrounds.
Moreover, we secured school placements for John Muiruri, Brandon Gakung’a, and Brian Mwangi. Despite coming from broken, neglectful families, our prayers were answered, enabling us to send them to boarding high schools. This accomplishment is particularly significant for Brian Mwangi, who had been at Embrace for a prolonged period with no viable placement in sight. However, his dedication to studying and tutoring at Embrace paid off when he achieved high marks on the KCPE exam, allowing him admission to his current school. Despite losing crucial years of his educational life on the streets while his peers were in school, by God’s grace, Brian was able to persevere and start on his educational journey from high school. Although we secured a sponsor for Brandon, we
continue to seek support for Brian and John. The high cost of high school education in Kenya makes financial assistance essential, as the families of these boys are unable to afford it. We trust that God will continue to provide.
Easter
During the Holy week of Easter, we reenacted the
events leading to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, day by day, as they happened, starting with Christ’s triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. Through these series of skits, we portray these events to help the boys visualize the stories they have heard and read about. Our aim is for these skits to leave a lasting impact on the boys. To celebrate Christ’s resurrection, Embrace gathered together with a few guests. The boys participated by sharing memory verses, singing songs, and sharing their personal testimonies. Pastor Michael delivered a message, sharing the gospel with us, and the staff presented a skit that portrayed the gospel message.The celebration concluded with a delightful lunch and a group game for the boys to enjoy.
Ruia Outreach
In the month of March we conducted an outreach to Ruia street base. Our hope was to make connections with the boys and also the officials in those areas. We experienced a great turnout, with many boys joining us for the day. During the event, we shared information about Embrace’s mission and the gospel, played games, and enjoyed lunch together. Unfortunately, the boys were not ready to come to Embrace on the same day. However, we remain hopeful that continued street work in that area will eventually encourage their willingness to join us.
Please pray for God to open doors for boys who have been at Embrace for an extended amount of time due to careless and neglectful parents and family.Thank you to all our partners who support Embrace prayerfully, financially or in any other way. May God Bless you, your families and churches!