Ben is a 15 year old boy who lives in Kibera, the world’s second largest slum and home to almost 1.3 million people living within a 1.5 square mile area. He and his single mother live in a small “mud” house, approximately 12ft x 12ft, consisting of two tiny “rooms” only separated by a hanging bed sheet. Another family lives in the other half of the house; that’s also separated by a sheet. Ben's mother could no longer afford the tuition to keep him in school. Not only was Ben becoming sick, but he was noticeably depressed. His friends were going to school every day while he stayed home with his mother.

Ben’s mom requested Eliezer Kiratu, head pastor at Olympic Christian Center in Kibera, come visit her son; they attend the same Kibera church The Lord's House of Hope (TLHOH) kids attend. A group of us, including the "House Father" and Director of TLHOH; a college student, James Likavo, who is studying to be a social worker; and me; were invited to join Pastor to visit a couple families of the congregation who were in need.

We precariously walked down the wet, slippery, clay paths to the house and brought gifts of flour and fruits to Ben and his mother. We all prayed over him and provided encouragement. As you can see from the hat in the picture, Ben became my first Green Bay Packers fan convert! What I didn't realize at the time: The Lord was using Ben to “nudge” me to do something more.

Fittingly, Ben became the first child sponsored by Mission Education! He is currently attending Olympic High School. And Badi, the “House Father” at TLHOH and championship coach of the Kibera soccer team, has invited Ben to be a member of his team. Fridah Inoti, a professional Kenyan social worker, serves as the liaison between Ben/Ben’s mother and the school. Fridah’s role includes connecting Ben’s mother with resources available in the community. The ultimate goal is to help Ben’s mother be self-sustaining.

Children whose families can’t afford to send their children to school and who don’t get a “hand up” oftentimes go down the wrong path. Their prospects in life diminish with each classroom lesson they can’t be a part of. Young girls are especially at high risk as their hopelessness and desperation lead to prostitution and unwanted pregnancies. We consider ourselves very blessed to be able to make a dramatic difference in the lives of these children.