BlogStory of the Week
Jimmy’s story is beyond what words can express.
Who would have expected to see such joy and pain mixed together? As we got off the bus at Kangemi stage, a suburb of Nairobi Jimmy led the way through the market to his home. He is a quiet, calm, thirteen year old boy from the Democratic Republic of Congo. As we followed him, there was a sudden shout by the women “Hi young boy, stop there and do not try to move. Where have you been? Furaha (means joy) has been looking for you everywhere.” The voice of one woman sounded like Jimmy had committed a crime before running to the streets. We calmed down the gathering crowd and sought clarity. Briefly one woman explained that Jimmy’s mother Furaha was one her regular customers. She said that Furaha one day broke down in tears as she narrated to them how she had walked everywhere looking for her son.
We requested one of them to accompany us to Jimmy’s home. It was a long walk, but these two ladies accompanied us and pointed to a poster bearing Jimmy’s details and contacts. As we entered the gate, Jimmy’s mother sprinted towards us. She was crying, screaming and calling out his name! Jimmy stood still, terrified and filled with confusion because he did not expect this kind of welcome. Furaha embraced her son and both fell to the ground. Jimmy’s father came out crying as well and picked Jimmy up from his mother as we tried to calm the parents suggesting to them to thank God for Jimmy’s return.
Jubilation, singing, prayer took place. Jimmy’s parents shared with us how he left home. As a team, we were greatly encouraged to see the family embrace their son and prayed for total restoration of their relationship. This was very refreshing especially to see the joy of the family on receiving their lost and found child. This kind of joy is what takes us back to the streets again and again to rescue another child – every child needs a family.
Here is a video that captured the reaction of Jimmy’s family when they first saw him.
Warning, the video might be distressing for some viewers.
