More than a week ago, in our church, we hosted about 5 missionaries from out of State. Like any short term missionaries in any country, we had to accompany them to the places they were going to minister at. Their visit was very short; only five days. But we got to visit 3 different Children's Homes on three different days. The comparison for the three Children's Homes was very notable and amazing. It was actually one of our highlights - for all of us - both guests and hosts. The reason for the difference? Well, you will find out soon.
Children's Home 1
The first Children's we visited was in Baba Ndogo. It had about 78 children - a few of whom were away in boarding schools. The Home is being run by a couple who are born again Christians and very devoted to the children. To them, raising those children is not only an honor but a calling from God. From the first impression, we noted some major needs one being space. Imagine 78 children crammed up into 3 bedrooms the size that can only accommodate 3 bunk beds and leaves room for nothing else. But the impressive thing is that the children were clean and the place was generally clean. When we interacted with the children, it was easy to control them. They were well behaved and we had a smooth time of interaction - telling them bible stories, singing with them and presenting small toys to them. When we told them to queue for the toys, they did not have any trouble and once each received a toy, they were content and didn't feel the need to go asking for more toys or for a different kind of toy.
Children's Home 2
The second Children's Home we visited the next day was in Eastleigh. There were about 80 to 100 children who were being raised by a Muslim woman. She is a devout Muslim and we even tried to share the word of God with her. But just like they say, if you want to know about the home you look at the children, they really did paint a vivid picture in our minds. First off, our time of interaction and games was not easy. We had to change different games half way because they were just not working. We get not get them to follow instructions or even get them to listen in the first place. When it came to handing them gifts, we had trouble having them stay in the queue and those who got gifts came back for more. One even told me that he stole a gift from his friend. Talk of aggressive, they were in every way a children can be. The home also had limited space like the first one but this one was smelly (I will not go into the details of this).
Children's Home 3
The third Children's Home we visited was in Kabete and it was a government run Home where staff and volunteers worked in shifts. That means that the children there did not have someone who is constantly there for them throughout. This definitely reflected on the children as some of the younger children needed a diaper change but no one had bothered to change them. We visited in the evening and it was when the night staff were just about to get in for the shift and the evening staff were about to leave. It was clear that the staff did not have any religious inclinations but were just government staff who were trying to do "the right thing". But to an outsider, "the right thing" could mean something totally different. In terms of space, this home adequate space and it was clean but the children were "smelly". It is sad but that is the truth. When we gave them the gifts, they were well behaved and most were content with whatever gift they received. But we had trouble consoling one child who was weeping because they wanted a different kind of gift.
In Conclusion, no home can be perfect and that includes regular homes with a father and mother. But there is a big difference that Christ can make. We saw it and we experienced it with our own eyes.
Therefore, pray:-
Children's Home 1
The first Children's we visited was in Baba Ndogo. It had about 78 children - a few of whom were away in boarding schools. The Home is being run by a couple who are born again Christians and very devoted to the children. To them, raising those children is not only an honor but a calling from God. From the first impression, we noted some major needs one being space. Imagine 78 children crammed up into 3 bedrooms the size that can only accommodate 3 bunk beds and leaves room for nothing else. But the impressive thing is that the children were clean and the place was generally clean. When we interacted with the children, it was easy to control them. They were well behaved and we had a smooth time of interaction - telling them bible stories, singing with them and presenting small toys to them. When we told them to queue for the toys, they did not have any trouble and once each received a toy, they were content and didn't feel the need to go asking for more toys or for a different kind of toy.
Children's Home 2
The second Children's Home we visited the next day was in Eastleigh. There were about 80 to 100 children who were being raised by a Muslim woman. She is a devout Muslim and we even tried to share the word of God with her. But just like they say, if you want to know about the home you look at the children, they really did paint a vivid picture in our minds. First off, our time of interaction and games was not easy. We had to change different games half way because they were just not working. We get not get them to follow instructions or even get them to listen in the first place. When it came to handing them gifts, we had trouble having them stay in the queue and those who got gifts came back for more. One even told me that he stole a gift from his friend. Talk of aggressive, they were in every way a children can be. The home also had limited space like the first one but this one was smelly (I will not go into the details of this).
Children's Home 3
The third Children's Home we visited was in Kabete and it was a government run Home where staff and volunteers worked in shifts. That means that the children there did not have someone who is constantly there for them throughout. This definitely reflected on the children as some of the younger children needed a diaper change but no one had bothered to change them. We visited in the evening and it was when the night staff were just about to get in for the shift and the evening staff were about to leave. It was clear that the staff did not have any religious inclinations but were just government staff who were trying to do "the right thing". But to an outsider, "the right thing" could mean something totally different. In terms of space, this home adequate space and it was clean but the children were "smelly". It is sad but that is the truth. When we gave them the gifts, they were well behaved and most were content with whatever gift they received. But we had trouble consoling one child who was weeping because they wanted a different kind of gift.
In Conclusion, no home can be perfect and that includes regular homes with a father and mother. But there is a big difference that Christ can make. We saw it and we experienced it with our own eyes.
Therefore, pray:-
- That the children in Home 1 will continue to know, love and become like Jesus Christ.
- That the children in Home 2 and 3 will encounter Christ and those around them will also come to the saving knowledge of Jesus.
