“Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.” – Psalm 34:5
As I watched 10-year-old Allan happily unpacking his Christmas stocking in our Naomi’s Village dining hall, a burst of thoughts and emotions overtook me. His smile, competing against the tautness of third-degree facial burn scars, was dominating gloriously.
Joy and hope, two divine gifts, never run dry around Naomi’s Village. Given freely to us, often in ways we can scarcely explain or express, they soothe and fill, cover and sustain, and fuel us to continue when circumstances might have said otherwise. For example, one of our long-term staff just lost his grown son under tragic circumstances in November. The way our ministry family shared his grief, his return to work, and the wholehearted love he has been showing to our children are just further proofs of the same.
We don’t fully know what happened to Allan. There were sketchy details about a fire breaking out in a small house in 2022, three brothers all alone, Allan the eldest. In the terror of escaping, Allan realized Peter (8) and Michael (6) had remained behind. Accounts say that Allan ran back inside and led the two young boys out, sustaining severe burns to his scalp and face in the process.
Safe House workers in Naivasha told us that after burn treatment and a move to a new area, the boys somehow were separated from their mother and were found alone. A year later, by the grace of God, we were told about the three by a visiting couple from Dallas, and they came home to live at Naomi’s Village in July 2023.
We all marvel regularly at their beaming smiles, giggles, warm hugs, sweet words, and playful spirits. How can ashes and loss, separation and pain have been swept aside by so much joy and hope?
I have long considered that question and am okay with not knowing the answer fully. No work of ours, no formula of provisions and protections, inputs and gifts could have made these changes happen. God’s power to love and redeem cannot be quantified nor produced by human efforts. It simply pours freely from His giant, loving heart, rendering the opposite of what ought to be in this fallen, temporal world.
Seeing God animated in Allan’s grin, I had to look away again, to choke back the tears of something inexpressibly but painfully good. Love coursed through my body, from head to toe, like a fresh baptism from Christ Himself. When I had felt discouraged and tired, this heroic boy’s redemptive face filled me anew with hope and joy.
Thank you, God. The coming year will have its challenges. But you have reminded me again that you can do what I am unable to do. And it is far better for me to live not with the expectation of ease, but with the hope of even greater joys in the days ahead.
Being a part of Allan, Michael and Peter’s homecoming to NV continues to flood my thoughts when I reflect on 2023. It was the absolute most impactful occurrence in my life this year. God’s story of redemption and love displayed through these 3 boys humble my heart and directs me to Christ. Will forever be impacted by their lives.
Bob, I absolutely love this post! Joy and hope are something we all long for and need in our lives. Your faithful, generous, and sacrificial work at Naomi’s Village consistently provide both. We are honored to be part of your team. Much love! Continued prayers in 2024!
Very wonderful!God’s blessings!
What a beautiful memory welcoming Allen Peter and Michael home to NV. I thank God i was blessed to be there. THANK GOD for sending that dear sweet couple there to help get the boys home to NV
Thanks for sharing your heart with us. What a gift God has blessed you with in opening your eyes to these precious gifts. It encourages me a new to pray for open eyes to see the joy amongst the trials.
Well said Bob. Allen is such a joy and inspiration to be around… and by the way , you and Julie are also!
Blessings in the new year, Bob, Julie and ALL the wonderful folks at Naomi’s Village! I am praising the Lord right now after reading Bob’s blog and seeing the beautiful pictures of Allan. NV continues to shine the Light of Jesus in a sad, evil world. You and my special friend David are in my prayers daily. In the love of Jesus, Judy Wagner
Thank you Bob and Julie for all that you’re doing for the orphans in Kenya!! You’re such an Amazing family and you’re rewards in Heaven will be great!!! 👍😇🙏
Thank you for sharing your story Bob and videos with the world!! This story made my heart sing and Praise our Heavenly Father for people like you!!!
Will be praying for Naomi’s Village and all of you who truly love on the Beautiful kiddos as Jesus did!! Thank you so much for all you do for them!!
Hope you had a very🎄Merry Christmas🎄and will have a Blessed 2024 New Year!! Love all of you so much and may God richly Bless you for being such Faithful Servants to the orphans!!
With much Love and Prayers!
Nancy
I love what you and Julie are doing with Naomi’s Village. I love our lil Annemarie and how she loves us back.
This is a beautiful story about sweet Allan.
My family and I are members of Cottonwood Creek and love our partnership with NV.
God is good, ALL THE TIME!
Thank you for sharing this, Bob. You, Julie, NV, and Mary G are in our prayers continually!
What an inspiring story. Thank you Bob for sharing. God works in miraculous ways.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful reminder that “God’s power to love and redeem cannot be quantified nor produced by human efforts. It simply pours freely from His giant, loving heart, rendering the opposite of what ought to be in this fallen, temporal world.”
Praying for the NV family as you enter into this New Year. Blessings to you all!
Bob, this is beautifully written and such a testament to God’s mighty will for Allan. I will always have his face in my mind as he would welcome me into the boys’ devotional time at night during my visit last summer. So vocal, such hugs, and the excitement like it was the first day, every day, of my visit. Thank you all at NV for caring for this young one. God has special plans for him!
Thank you so much, Bob, for sharing this story. You need to write a book of all of these beautiful memories from the start of your ministry till now along with lots of pictures. Both you and Julie touch my heart with your commitment to serve these beautiful children plus the community surrounding NV. Your very last paragraph, I felt the LORD use it to speak to me. Have had a very hard 2nd year w/o my Beloved Dale. This past year was very trying not only in my missing my Beloved, but also with illnesses. I pray for Mary Njeri, and know she will be an excellent Math teacher when she gets her degree. Thank you, Bob and Julie for devoting your life to the LORD and these beautiful Children, Families, & the Workers there.