Winter 2023 Newsletter
Vol. 6 Issue 1 – December 31, 2023
Quarterly Newsletter and Missions Update
Staff Trip
Before the end of year busyness set in, our team had the opportunity to go on a staff trip and spend a few days away from Nairobi to rest, fellowship and experience new adventures. Comprising missionaries, day and night caregivers, counsellors, social workers, cooks, guards, and support staff, the Embrace team encompasses a diverse range of roles, each playing a vital role in the ministry. We returned strengthened in unity, rejuvenated, and motivated to continue serving!
Reintegration and Education
3 boys have successfully transitioned from our rehabilitation program onto the next chapters of their lives alongside their families and relatives. As the academic year in Kenya drew to a close, eligible students underwent a national examination to attain a Certificate of Primary Education, a prerequisite for advancing to Secondary Education. Unfortunately, thousands of children from underprivileged backgrounds are denied this opportunity due to mandatory fees. Seven of our boys, six residing at home and one under the care of Embrace, undertook this examination, yielding several outstanding results. Education is greatly valued and considered a privilege so this was a great accomplishment for Embrace and our boys who worked very hard to come this far! They are hopeful to move on to Secondary School which is significantly more expensive. We praise God for His provision thus far and pray that all our boys at home continue to see God’s faithfulness despite the many challenges they face.
Advent
December traditionally brings heightened challenges to Embrace, marked by an increase in street feeding programs and correlated runaways. Within the centre, the month unfolded with various daily activities including building projects, sports competitions, cooking classes and many other exciting events. The boys prepared a talent show, where staff and guests were impressed by their creative performances which included singing, dancing, drawing, songwriting, acting and news reporting. We love their potential and encourage them to use their gifts for God’s glory. And of course the most meaningful part of Advent was the daily reflections on the birth of Christ and its significance in our lives. On Christmas day and New Year’s Eve, different groups of visitors came to celebrate together with the boys. Compared to previous years, we experienced almost no runaways during this season which is a great encouragement!
Annual Team Meeting
We concluded the year with a team meeting where we remembered the many blessings and testimonies from the past year, analyzed our efforts and set goals for the new year. God’s love, power and faithfulness was evident in countless ways. Our boys’ and team’s lives have all been impacted through Embrace.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank each person who has been a part of Embrace in 2023. Your prayers, financial support and encouragement play a great role in the work accomplished through this ministry.
Happy New Year! May God bless you as we continue serving Him in 2024.