Another Quick Update on Agape Boys

Some of you may wonder why I ask so often for each of you to pray for our boys who run to the street or why we're so excited when a boy decides to leave the street to join us at Agape.  There are around 700 to 800 boys living on the streets in Kisumu . . . . in October eight of these boys died or were murdered.  The causes and reasons vary . . . police shootings, mob justice, an accidental drowning, a revenge killing  . . . all within one month.  Hard to believe, huh?

These sad "statistics" really accentuate our excitement in sharing that Eddy decided to leave the street and come to Agape today.  Thankfully, we found Eddy after only being on the street for a few days.  Please keep Eddy in your prayers!

Eddy Olweny, Age 12

But with good news, I also have to discuss some unfortunate news.  Earlier this weekend, Barack and Erick decided to jump the fence and head back to life on the street.  Both of these boys have left Agape before, but they've always chosen to return.  It takes some boys a few iterations of leaving and returning before they decide to settle down.  The last time they left, they said that they wanted to go visit a friend in Nairobi (7 hours away), so we're praying that they don't try to make this trip.  If Kisumu can be dangerous for street boys, Nairobi can be much, much worse.  Please pray that they choose to return to Agape soon and that the Lord will keep them safe while on the street.

Barack Omondi, Age 12

Erick Omondi, Age 12

Agape Kids Update

Please welcome Fred Odhiambo to the Agape family!  He left the streets last week and decided to make Agape his new home.  Fred is a very outgoing boy and has already made a lot of friends.  Please pray that Fred settles well in his new home!

Fred Odhiambo, Age 13

As I have discussed in other posts, Agape's reintegration team works closely with Remand, Kenya's equivalent of juvenile hall.  In Kenya, many abandoned children end up in Remand, and Agape helps reintegrate these kids with extended family.  Up until last year, Agape only reintegrated boys, but last year Agape began reintegrating girls with their families, as well.  Remand is only equipped to house around 70 children, but right now there are 133 kids resident at Remand's facilities (103 Boys, 30 Girls); so, they are horribly crowded and have to sleep two to a bed.

Please pray for Collins Odero; last week Agape's reintegration team successfully reunited him with his family in rural Kenya.

Collins Odero, Age 12

Also, please keep these other children below in your prayers, as Agape works closely with each of them to prepare them to be reunited with their families in the coming weeks.

Julie Akinyi, Age 11

Linet Akinyi, Age 12

Lukas Omondi, Age 12

Michael Oduor, Age 13

Peter Ayeko, Age 12

Valary Omondi, Age 11

Also, please pray for Zephania Ochienge, age 11; I didn't have his photo at the time of this post.  Thanks for your prayers!!!!

Work Permit Done!!!

Praise the Lord!  I received word that my 2-year Kenyan work permit has been approved by Kenyan immigration.  This is a huge answer to prayers as this officially allows us to serve in Kenya long term.  The next step is to get dependent passes for Tammy and the kids, which should be completed this week!

Rainbow Chameleon

Tammy happened to glance out of the window into the front yard and thought she saw one of the kids' toys lying on the ground.  Looking more closely, it turned out to be a chameleon.  In trying to take its picture, it ran up a tree, but we still got some really cool pictures!

He started out a really cool rainbow-blue color.

Once we spooked him, he ran up a tree and changed to a brownish-green color.

Once we went back inside, he changed back to his rainbow-blue color, probably because he thought that the threat was over.  He was doing a little dance on the tree, so he's probably out looking for a new girlfriend.

Isn't our Creator amazing!!!!

Our New Dining Hall!

Yesterday, we had a surprise dedication and ribbon cutting for our new dining hall at Agape's main campus in Kisumu.  Blake Gibbs has been working tirelessly for months to erect this new structure that will accommodate a new kitchen, dining area, library, and conference room.  The staff wanted to mount a plaque on the new building reading "Blake's Office" but Blake insisted on installing a plaque reading "To God Be the Glory, Great Things He Has Done."  Amen!

Our new dining hall!  The new dining area is four times bigger than our current space.  We also use the dining hall for our Sunday worship services.  The building also features much better ventilation, which results in 15-20 degree cooler temperatures inside (than our current space)!

The new stainless steel kitchen!  A huge thank you to the ministry's supporters who helped make this kitchen a reality!  Upon seeing the new kitchen equipment, one of our cooks said in awe, "This is an American kitchen!"

Assembling for the ribbon cutting and dedication.

Blake doing the honors of cutting the ribbon for our new facility!

The boys had "Queen Cakes" the Kenyan version of cupcakes to celebrate.

Some of my new friends peering through the window.

Zedekiah, Simon, and Briton hoping for more Queen Cakes.

The Agape staff singing "To God Be the Glory!"

A Baby Story: Kenyans Are Tough!

Our friend and guard, Patrick, recently had his sixth child, a little girl named Rejoice.  Patrick is an awesome guy, and is an assistant pastor at his church.  The other day, Tammy was talking with Patrick about the birth of his daughter, and Patrick shared the following story:

Patrick's wife went into labor at 2 AM, and because they did not have a vehicle for transportation to the hospital (bike, motorcycle, or car), Patrick began looking for a piki (motorcycle) or boda (bike) to take his wife to the hospital.  Because he couldn't find a piki or boda, Patrick and his wife began walking to the local hospital.  Halfway to the hospital, Patrick's wife began to give birth . . . so, Patrick delivered his new baby girl on the side of the road!  Tammy asked how Patrick cut the umbilical cord, and he replied that he had a razor blade and string (to tie around both ends of the cord).  Because Patrick's wife had already given birth there was no reason to go to the hospital, so Patrick, his wife, and their new baby girl just walked back home!

I don't know about you, but I'd say that Kenyans are pretty tough!!!

Patrick and Lyla

Agape Boys Update

Just wanted to send out a quick note to be praying for two of our newest boys to Agape Feizal and Backstone who joined us from the street last week.  Please pray that Feizal and Backstone will be comfortable at Agape and that they will get along with the other boys.

Backstone Omindo, Age 11

Feizal Odhiambo, Age 13

Also, please keep Calvins Okoth in your prayers, as well.  He jumped the fence a few weeks ago and has been living on the street.  Please pray that the Lord will draw him back to Agape!

Calvins Okoth, Age 12