Blog
We observed, participated and engaged with ‘The Day of the African Child’ on June 16th. We had a strong conviction that this day was meant for us. We proudly celebrated this day because we have empowered thousands of children in Kenya since 1999. Each year we find more reasons to continue to give hope that has led to the transformation of children and their families.
The day reminded us of the ongoing battle for education equality across Kenya and in the counties where we serve children and families, week in, week out. This year the theme for the Day of African Child is ‘Education for all children in Africa: the time is now‘.
Brian's Story
Today we are sharing the story of Brian, a resilient young man who is inspiring hope. He is succeeding against all odds and doing his best to improve his life through education.
Brian began his education while his family was doing well but things changed when his father lost his job. Tumaini team met him after he dropped out of school. We stabilized his life by making sure his school needs were met and he quickly excelled in both his classroom studies and in extracurricular activities. He later completed high school with good grades and, by the grace of God, is now a student at Kirinyaga University.
Brian was born in a family of 5 with 3 sibling and both parents. He had just joined form one in high school when his father lost his job. It meant that there was no school fee for the term.
“Life was going well but things took a painful turn when my father lost his job at a dairy company. It was one of the toughest experiences I have ever gone through,” he recalled.
Times were tough, and this family could not even afford basic needs. Education was far from the top of the list of priorities. It hopeless for Brian and his sibling at home and in school. Brian had to sacrifice his education so that his siblings could go to school.
As the first born in the family, much of the responsibility of tending to the family’s farm work fell on Brian. “It was my duty to make sure that the work done, livestock were fed, taking care of my siblings after school, after church as my parents tried to make ends meet.”
Brian had given up hope for his life. “I saw no hope of ever getting an education.” But God was still rewriting Brian’s story. He was looking for casual jobs when we met him. We gave him hope and a future far from what he could have thought. Brian rejoined school and things started to change for the better. We worked with his family and introduced the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them, and they began to learn about God and His providence.
Brian’s school attendance and that of his siblings became regular as the financial burden had been lifted. He improved in all his grades and his potential began to be realized. Brian completed high school and was one of the best students in his school. He later joined Kirinyaga University. We celebrate Brian, who is a second-year student studying Bachelor of Technology in Medical Engineering.
Brian is mentoring other young people in his village, and he also gives tutoring to younger people during school holidays. He continues to volunteer in his local church and is involved in helping others to see beyond their current circumstances and into a brighter future
Tumaini Kwa Watoto has been instrumental in Brian’s journey of education. Brian has been equipped and empowered to forge a future full of prospect and promise.
Celebrating 25 years of God’s miraculous provision
As we planned to relocate to Kenya in 1998, we didn’t know how our living expenses in Kenya would come. We didn’t have a mission organization sponsoring the work that God was calling us to do. We needed God’s provision to rent a house and all other household expenses, our flights to Kenya, medical insurances and provision for our boys’ education. In May 1998, one of our friends was made redundant. Tony decided to tithe his redundancy money to us – £5,000! This money was enough to pay for our flights and help us ship our household stuff to Kenya.
Provision for our boys’ education: A friend sent us a cheque for £600 with a note saying ‘for the boys’ school fees’. On August 30th1998, the day before we were due to fly out to Kenya, another friend called us and said that she needed to sees. She came with cash, £500 specifically for ‘the boys school fees. That was two terms of their school fees paid. Over the next few years God provided for our boys’ school fees without fail. Sometimes we needed half the amount required and that’s what God sent to us. It’s amazing how God provided for their schooling in a private school for 10 years until they relocated back to UK. As God provided for our person needs, he also provided for Tumaini Kwa Watoto’s work. Many miracles of God’s timely provision will be shared in the coming months. This reminds us that ‘God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply’ – Hudson Taylor
