Bravin is the last born child of a mother with a physical disability. Bravin’s mother doesn’t have the use of her hands. When his father died, Bravin’s older siblings left home, and life became very difficult for both Bravin and his mother. When Pastor David was working to get Bravin, there were issues with the paternal grandfather. Bravin’s grandfather wanted to take custody; however, he is a known alcoholic and did not have good intentions for Bravin. Thankfully, we were granted permission to take Bravin instead of the grandfather. Bravin enjoys school and life in his new home. Bravin is a quiet boy who enjoys playing with his best friend Bonafice and soccer with the other boys.

Bonafice's story regarding his parents is unclear. His aunt is a local hair dresser in Lwandeti, one of the closest villages to our property. When Bonafice came to us, he was living with his aunt along with four other cousins who are also orphans. The aunt told us that Bonafice was staying with another family member and he—along with the other cousins—were being mistreated. Even though she was struggling herself, the aunt did not want the children living in that abusive situation. The aunt was only able to keep one child with her in the home. The other two cousins were sent to different relatives. Now that Bonafice is with us, he is adjusting to a home lifestyle, he has a sweet smile and a big laugh once you get him going. He’s thriving in school and is a wonderful big brother to the younger children.

Boaz is Caleb’s younger brother, and he is now officially the youngest child in our orphanage. Boaz’s father was murdered by an unknown assailant. His mother was still pregnant with him when the father was killed. She left immediately upon giving birth to Boaz, leaving the grandmother to care for him and Caleb. The mother suffered extreme trauma and stress when her husband was killed. Caleb and Boaz cried all the time, and the grandmother couldn’t take care or support the boys. 

Boaz’s first question upon arriving at New Promise was whether or not Uncle Enos was his father. Because Boaz was a baby when his father died, and the fact that he is only four years old, Boaz still doesn’t understand the concept of death. Boaz was so excited to be with Caleb and it’s been so special to see Caleb help Boaz adjust to his new home. As the new baby of the house, he’s loved by all the children. Everyone loves to help Boaz and make sure he’s okay.

Fred’s mother was murdered in the capitol city of Nairobi one month before he came to us. His mother’s story made it on to the national news for a few weeks following her death. She moved to Nairobi to seek out employment because there are not many jobs in the village. Fred’s father disappeared before he was born, and Fred was left in the care of his maternal grandmother. Once Fred’s mother was killed, his grandmother was unable to pay the cost for Fred’s schooling. Fred is a quiet boy, but he always has a smile to give you. Fred is quick to help out with chores and he is one of the first to complete homework each evening. He is adjusting to family life and loves to play soccer with his brothers.

Ann came to us one month after her grandmother passed away. Her mother passed away when she was younger, and no one knows where the father is. Ann was living in the family compound with her teenage sister and the sister’s boyfriend. It became known to Ann’s schoolteacher that her sister was brewing alcohol and selling it from their home. This is a common practice in order to bring in some kind of income. The schoolteacher came to us because she didn’t feel like this was a good environment for Ann. The schoolteacher was able to get another school to take the older sister back to high school on scholarship. She asked us to take Ann because Ann was truly alone in the world. Of all the new children we received in May of 2023, Ann is the most quiet of them all. She’s still grieving her grandmother and adjusting to home life. Ann loves to jump rope with her new sisters. Her new teachers are giving Ann extra attention because her grades need the most improvement. All of the caregivers are confident that with time Ann will adjust and catch up to everyone.

Esther’s mother died and she was left alone in the family compound. Her grandmother took Esther into her home, but was also raising some of her other grandchildren. There simply wasn’t enough to go around for everyone to eat, be clothed, and go to school. Esther is from the village of Lwandeti, which is the closest village and market to us. She’s adjusted very quickly to home life and her grades are skyrocketing each term. Esther loves to play with her brothers and sisters.

Exnevia was one of the youngest in a family of seven children. Her father passed away, and her mother was jobless. Exnevia comes from a village in Mt. Elgon and was brought to our home by a pastor who is in Pastor David’s church network. She had been sporadically attending a local village school, so her excitement to start school was high. Exnevia has a contagious smile and laugh, which she is always doing!

Scovia came to us from another village in Mt. Elgon. Her mother died and her father is jobless. The father moved the family into the grandmother’s house because there was no money. Scovia is one of the youngest in a family of six children. She was left in charge of her two aunts' children while all of the adults worked in the fields. If her aunt’s children misbehaved, Scovia was punished and not given food. If Scovia didn’t get her work done, she was punished and not given food. This abusive treatment still affects Scovia because she’s highly emotional in her reactions. If a caregiver verbally corrects her behavior or one of her siblings does something wrong towards her, Scovia overreacts. All of the caregivers believe that given time, Scovia will adjust to receiving corrections. It’s a matter of helping her see that she’s safe and loved in our home. On a funny note, Scovia’s favorite activity is mopping, so the floor of the third house is always wet. The kiddos who have a habit of running through the house often find themselves on the floor! 

Daniel is the oldest child and the first child to join our family at New Promise! He is a kind boy and a good brother, which is a testimony of God’s grace in his life. Daniel’s brother, John Mark, is also at New Promise Homes. Daniel is the second youngest of nine children. There was no one left to care for Daniel and John Mark, the baby of the family, once their parents died. Their grandparents took care of them for a time, but then they passed away. 

When Daniel arrived at New Promise Homes, he was so terrified of everything and everyone. Daniel and John Mark witnessed the stabbing of their mother and the stoning of their father by mob justice on the same day! Caren and Enos worked diligently with Daniel and John Mark to reassure them that they were safe. Through patience and love, both boys began to heal from the trauma of that horrible day. Daniel and John Mark used to wake up with night terrors. They had trouble bonding with their brothers and sisters. Caren and Enos would comfort the boys every night they woke up crying, praying with them until they were able to go back to sleep. Caren and Enos would dance and play with the boys, giving them special attention to reassure them that all was well and to help them forget the trauma. 

Now Daniel is thriving! Because of his age and grade in school, he is the only child at New Promise Homes that attends boarding school. Daniel enjoys his school, and comes home every holiday to a loving family. Daniel attends the same church as his brothers and sisters each Sunday. This way, he can visit with the family and Caren can check to make sure things are going well at school

Phaisa came to New Promise Home from her grandmother’s home. Her parents died in an accident in Mombasa when Phaisa was one year old. She is the youngest of four children, and her three brothers are taken care of by her relatives. However, no one was able to care for Phaisa. When she first arrived at New Promise Home, Phaisa cried all the time. She rarely smiled and isolated herself. Phaisa struggled with food insecurities and was afraid of the beds and bathroom. Everything was new to Phaisa because these things were not available in her grandmother’s home. 

When Marion arrived, Phaisa found her best friend! Marion truly helped Phaisa open up and receive love. Their favorite game to play together is mama and baby. Phaisa is joyful and loves to play. Phaisa loves to dance and recite memory verses. Her teachers say that Phaisa is learning quickly in school. 

Marion’s mother was tragically killed in August 2019 under mysterious circumstances when Marion was 3 months old. Her mother was left in a sugar cane field, and they found Marion with her. While Marion’s grandmother tried to care for her, Marion was in very poor health when she came to New Promise Homes. She was covered in boils from head to toe and was very malnourished. Her stomach was distended from lack of proper nourishment. Her grandmother had no food in her home.

When Marion first arrived at New Promise Homes, she was put on a special diet to restore her body. She used to struggle with food insecurities and would eat her food as well as anyone who left food on their plates! Now, Marion is thriving and her health is recovered! The change in her health and countenance is a testimony of God’s grace. Marion is a joyful little girl who is thankful to have her own bed and be surrounded by loving brothers and sisters. She always wears her shoes on the wrong feet—even though everyone has taught her how to wear them! Marion also loves to dance and catwalk like a model. As the youngest child at New Promise, Marion receives special attention from everyone! 

Samweli is the last born of seven children. His father died of stomach cancer in Webuye Hospital. Samweli’s mother was unable to care for Samweli or send him to school because there was no money, no food, and no clothing. Samweli used to spend his time at home alone with no one to care for him. 

Samweli was so happy to come to New Promise Homes! He is surrounded by brothers and sisters and there is plenty to eat. He is one of our happiest children, and he always has a smile on his face. Samweli told us that he wants to stay here forever! 

Peter’s father died of HIV when he was three years old. His mother is still alive, but is battling HIV and was too ill to care for Peter. Peter has four siblings who are in the care of other relatives. However, no one was able to take Peter into their care. Peter was malnourished and struggled with food insecurity. But otherwise, Peter was in good health and HIV negative. 

From the beginning, Peter adjusted well to life at New Promise Homes, though, he did struggle to adjust to always having food in the home. However, Peter is a great big brother and helper around the house. He is doing well in school and making good marks!

Alvan is Peter’s brother, and Alvan was one year old when their father died of HIV. Alvan’s mother is also unable to care for him because of her health struggles with HIV. Their family is from the slums of Kitale. Alvan was very thin because his mother couldn’t breast feed him. He is currently on medication to treat his HIV, however, we believe that he will test negative in the near future! 

Alvan struggled with food insecurity when he arrived at New Promise Homes. But over time, he began to thrive. Alvan is a happy boy and a good brother to the other children. He is doing well in school and his health’s improved so much you almost wouldn’t know he’s the same boy who came to us!

Shadrack’s father died in a motorbike accident when he was two years old. He is the sixth born of the family, and his mother was homeless. She was unable to care for Shadrack once the father passed away. Shadrack suffered from severe malnutrition, and his stomach was distended when he arrived at New Promise Homes. He had no food and no clothes, and he was not yet enrolled in school. Shadrack suffered from low self-esteem and was very soft spoken, afraid to speak up. 

Shadrack is the happiest child at New Promise Home. He is also the resident preacher of our children, preaching at home, church, and school. Shadrack is also the head boy of New Promise Homes, and leads the other boys fearlessly. With a good diet, his malnutrition issues are also gone.

Caleb’s father was murdered by an unknown assailant. He was two and a half years old when the father was killed. Caleb is the first born of his family, and he has a young brother. In fact, his mother was still pregnant with the brother when the father was killed. She left immediately upon the birth of her second child, leaving the grandmother to care for the children. The mother suffered extreme trauma and stress once her husband was killed. Caleb and the baby brother cried all the time, and the grandmother couldn’t care and support both boys. She asked New Promise Homes to take Caleb because she couldn’t care for both Caleb and his baby brother. 

Caleb arrived at New Promise Homes at the age of 4. He continued to cry all the time until he felt comfortable and at peace in our home. Caleb was unable to sleep in his own bed. He was the youngest child at New Promise Homes until Marion Nafula arrived. He was malnourished and even had trouble with his appetite. Now Caleb is thriving! Caleb is a happy, happy boy who excels at school, and loves to recite the songs and poems he’s learning.

Trizah’s mother was shot during land clashes in their village in Mt. Elgon. She is the child of a pastor, and the second to last of seven children. Her youngest brother was still breastfeeding when the mother was killed. Trizah was the most traumatized of her siblings, and was unable to cope in their home. She couldn’t keep up with the siblings in chores or schoolwork, and it was causing much frustration in the home. Trizah would self-isolate and would not play with the other children. She was moody and choosy. Her father was unable to handle her behavioral disorder, and Trizah did not get along with the stepmother. 

Trizah never wants to leave New Promise Homes to visit Mt. Elgon. She feels the most comfortable in our care. She is a loving, doting daughter and is always smiling because she’s found happiness. Trizah loves all her sisters and brothers, and they get along well. Trizah is an excellent student who makes good marks.

John Mark is the baby of his family and the second child to join our family at New Promise! He is a kind boy and a good brother, which is a testimony of God’s grace in his life. Daniel is John Mark’s brother, and he attends boarding school during the school year. There was no one left to care for Daniel and John Mark once their parents died. Their grandparents took care of them for a time, but then they passed away. 

When John Mark arrived at New Promise Homes, he was so terrified of everything and everyone. Daniel and John Mark witnessed the stabbing of their mother and the stoning of their father by mob justice on the same day! Caren and Enos worked diligently with Daniel and John Mark to reassure them that they were safe. Through patience and love, both boys began to heal from the trauma of that horrible day. Daniel and John Mark used to wake up with night terrors. They had trouble bonding with their brothers and sisters. Caren and Enos would comfort the boys every night they woke up crying, praying with them until they were able to go back to sleep. Caren and Enos would dance and play with the boys, giving them special attention to reassure them that all was well and to help them forget the trauma. 

Now John Mark is thriving! He still needs some special attention, but John Mark’s excelling in his studies. He’s also a sweet brother and plays well with the other children.

Rhoda’s mother gave birth to her out of wedlock, and left Rhoda in the care of her grandmother. The father picked Rhoda up at the age of three years old. Rhoda has two brothers, aged fourteen and eight. She has three sisters, aged seventeen, twelve, and eleven years. All of the children have been raised by the maternal uncles. Later on, Rhoda’s father returned her to the grandmother, because he remarried and was unable to care for her. Rhoda was almost silent when she came to New Promise Homes. She had no clothes and shoes upon her arrival. We had to teach her how to wear shoes and clothes in our care. New Promise Homes sent Rhoda to counseling in the school and church. And now the caregivers are able to step in and offer counsel to her as well. Rhoda was an untrusting child, and struggled to adjust in a healthy family environment. 

Rhoda is still pretty quiet, but she’s happy! She is excelling in school, and enjoys playing with her brothers and sisters at home. Rhoda is the first one to sit down and start her homework each evening. Rhoda always volunteers to help in the kitchen and to clean up after meals. She is now adjusted to family life, and loves New Promise Homes.

Deborah’s mother was a total orphan. Deborah is one of fifteen children, all with different fathers. Deborah’s mother had a curse put upon her and every husband she married died. When a neighbor brought Deborah to New Promise Homes, Deborah was found abandoned alone at home. There was no relatives to care for Deborah because her mother was a total orphan. 

Deborah is the oldest child at New Promise Homes. She had no clothes and no shoes when she arrived at New Promise. Our caregivers taught her to care for herself, teaching her about good hygiene, wearing clothes, etc. Deborah is an obedient, sweet child who helps all the younger children with homework and chores. She’s very responsible. Deborah is excelling at school, and Deborah is one of the few people who can get Rhoda to talk!

Aurelius’s father was murdered and his mother died immediately after the passing of the father from typhoid and malaria. Aurelius was raised by his paternal grandmother who is over eighty years old. She is still alive, but due to her age she was unable to care for Aurelius. He is an only child. A neighbor brought Aurelius to New Promise Homes because Aurelius was struggling to cook for himself, and his grandmother was not able to cook for him. He had no clothes, no shoes, and was not yet enrolled in school. The neighbor felt that both the grandmother and Aurelius needed the assistance from New Promise Homes. 

Aurelius came to New Promise Homes malnourished and with a head full of ringworms. Aurelius struggled with food insecurity more than most of the children. However, Aurielius adjusted quickly to life at New Promise Homes. He’s a sharp, quick witted boy who is excelling at school. Aurelius is all about fairness and speaks out freely when he senses any injustice going on. Aurelius is best friends with Shadrack, and the two do a lot of ministry together. Aurelius always supports Shadrack when he’s preaching, looking up scripture references when Shadrack needs help. Of all our children, Aurelius is the most vocal about his happiness at New Promise Homes.