Wesley Kibet 2014
My name is Wesley Kibet and I am 16 years old. I was raised by my mother who was a drunkard and a medicine woman. She tried all her best to raise my older brother and I but due to her drinking habit she was unable to do so. This led us to spend days and nights without food. One day I remember we went 4 days without food and this made my older brother go out and look for food. Later in the evening he came back with lots of fruits and out of that my big brother became a street boy. At the age of 5 life became so difficult at home I decided to join my brother in the street. Even then I would question God about my life and my family and I saw myself as a looser and felt bad to be born in a family that had no father and being in the hands of a drunkard mother. It was so discouraging and I felt I should die than suffer in this kind of situation.
When I was about seven I was caught by the police sleeping in a corridor and put into juvenile detention for quite some time. I remember vividly on this one day that everyone was busy with the visitors who had come on a Christmas day to celebrate together with us and I got a chance to run away back to the streets. And this is the day the almighty God answered my prayers for on my way to town I met with this lovely lady who had compassion for the street children. She took me in to a café and questioned me and she promised me that she will provide a home for me and if I change my character she would take me back to school and with no hesitation I said I was ready and that’s how Kimberly Shields took me to rescue center where I started transforming. I worked hard in everything and in May 2005 I joined Rohi Children Organization under Cornerstone. This became my new home. I gave my life to Jesus and all through even during holidays I remained there.
In 2010 I was able to meet my mother again and for sure I could tell my mum has not changed from her drinking habits. This again killed me, especially because she had another baby. But the staff continued to encourage me and I was able to finish my class 8 exams. * (see below)
In 2013 I joined Blescohouse Boy’s HS and thank God because he opened another door and my sponsor decided to continue with the good job that they were doing through the new Nakuru Children’s Trust. I am now going into grade 10 and I believe I will make it to through high school and hope to become a doctor.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to almighty God for his love and care and to the larger family of Cornerstone who have joined their hands together all this long journey to care for more than 300 souls that were perishing in various ways. They have helped them to see the light again and given them hope. May God bless you and it’s my hope that we will always remain a family that will change the life of many. Blessings once again.
* Early in 2015 Wesley’s mom gave her life to Christ and she and Wesley have reconnected. He has been spending his school breaks with her and his younger brother.
Anne Wamaitha
I graduated from high school in October, 2010; the first graduating class from Rohi. I spent 3 months as an intern at a private school and then had to wait until I could start my post-secondary education.
In September, 2011 I was able to start classes at Mt. Kenya University, Nakuru campus. After much thought and counsel, I have decided to pursue a degree in education. Having all my school fees and accommodations paid for gave me heart to press on and work hard. Apart from just studying I also involved myself in other activities; games, Christian union and Mission, school politics, which have all helped me to grow in many ways. I have gained knowledge about life and also about God. During the school breaks, I go back to my guardian’s home. I will graduate in August, 2014 with a diploma.
Life has been tough with many temptations but I thank God for helping me. I am now a 3rd year student and I believe and trust God for the best and a good life. I love being a teacher, this is because I really love children, I love mentoring them and listening to them and being of help where I can.
I am very thankful to God for his mercies, provision, favor and love and especially for my sponsor family, Sharon and Barry Penner. They have given me a reason to live a happy life like any other person. Thank you so much. And finally, I am thankful to Cornerstone Fellowship for your support.
2015 Update: Anne has chosen to continue her post-secondary education to get a full degree (BA in Education).
Hannah Njeri
Hannah is currently in Class 5 and is 12 years old. Her hobbies are reading and she would like to be a pilot when she grows up. Hannah’s mother is mentally ill and unable to care for her or her younger brother age 8, and sister, age 3. Her mother is able to earn a few dollars a month by working for some of the farmers in the area. The family lives in a one room, dirt floor house with no electricity or running water. On school breaks, Hannah stays with a neighbor, who is a Tribal Elder.
The January 2015 team was able to visit Hannah and her family and bring a “bucket of love”.
Ayub Muturi
Ayub was in the first graduating class and finished his degree in education In 2014. He is currently teaching high school at a local school in Nakuru.
Ayub comes from a family of six children with only two in school at present. They often slept without food but he was able to go through primary school when it was made free and there was a feeding program. After class eight, his poor and jobless parents were unable to pay fees and he dropped out of school during his freshman year. He ended up scourging in the city rubbish dump. His parent’s home, near the dump, was visited by a team of missionaries including Pastor Dave Shields who heard about his plight. Ayub later found his way to street church where NCT held outreach meetings to street- based families and children every Sunday afternoon. When the high school opened he rode a borrowed bicycle several times all the way from town to seek a chance to continue his education.
Both of his parents instilled Christian values and discipline in Ayub and he gives the credit for his success to God and his parents for always keeping him on the right track.