Ladies & Gentlemen...

The boys with their brother, Ezra

(Side note: Due to an increase in our family's numbers, we have been experiencing 'technical difficulties' with regard to routine posting on our ministry site. We do apologize for the infrequency of posts, but trust you all understand. Sincerely, Management)

On September 6, 2011, three boys who used to live in the streets, used to gamble, used to struggle with substance abuse, and used to endure the looks of people who would bet against them succeeding in life, will begin classes at Hope Academy in Kawangware! This represents a complete 180 from where they once were.

Two weeks ago we were approved to have the boys tested for entrance into Hope Academy. They took entrance examinations last week. Three days later, the Head Master called me for a meeting. They were in! Praise God!!!

I kept this close for a few days because I wanted to make the delivery of the news special. The boys were nervous all week! (I'm so cruel to make them wait, ... but it was fun seeing them anxious.) It actually encouraged me that the boys were so anxious for this opportunity.

On Thursday, we will be taking Patrick Thuku, Brian "Halt" Maichi, and Julius Saidi to get sized for their school uniforms. They will begin weekend tutoring in August to prepare them for school life and what's going on in their respective classrooms. They are joining the first of our boys who made it to school there, Christopher Chingi. He is doing quite well in class 8 (8th grade). Patrick and Brian will begin in class 7 (7th grade), while Julius will begin with class 6. They still have a lot of work to do in improving, but what a testament to the program which took boys who hadn't been in school for years, and now has them ready to return to "normal life!"

Many of you are part of the success story for these boys. You have come here to tutor them. You've taught them numerous truths from the Bible. You've loved on them. You've supported and paid for them. You've raised awareness and prayers for them. You've invested YOUR time and YOUR resources for boys that you may not ever see again on this side of Heaven. They owe you much. My hope is that their work ethic and character in school will be an acceptable "thank you."

Grace Kriegel, Thank you for serving these boys this summer. You are such a huge part of this success story! You will go far in your life and I am so proud of you!

Now, we remain with the three youngest in the program. Our focus will turn to getting these three ready, hopefully, to test for entrance by early January 2012. They are quite behind for their ages and have a few other hurdles as well. Pray for their growth. Seeing their brothers accomplish this task will also serve as motivation for them!

Our ministry will also begin focusing on securing the funds to see ALL these boys through secondary school (high school) and through college. The cost of both are more favorable here than in the States. But what father wouldn't work for his boys in such ways?!

I am so proud of these boys.