I want to share with you a story that was made possible because of your prayers and support for International Needs. It’s a story about a Bible Club student named Brian in Kenya. I hope you can celebrate with me the miracles that God has worked in the life of Brian and his family!
Brian’s childhood began in the dark alleys of Mathare, where survival was a daily struggle. Born to a single mother trapped in the grip of alcoholism, Brian knew more about loneliness than laughter. Nights were the hardest. His mother often left him alone, lost in her addiction, while kind neighbors watched over the little boy. But even their kindness couldn’t shield him from the trauma. One night, Brian was assaulted by unknown attackers, leaving deep scars on his young heart.
Seeing the danger and hopelessness, Brian’s aunt stepped in. She brought him to Kibera, offering him at least a safe place to stay. But life was still hard. Though Brian had reached the age to start school, his aunt could not afford to enroll him. He watched sadly as other children his age went to school while he stayed behind. Everything began to change the day his aunt took him to the Salvation Army Bible Club. From the very first day, Brian felt something he had never known before. “I was happy in the Bible Club. There was kindness and a lot of love,” Brian recalls, his face lighting up.
At the Bible Club, he heard the Gospel for the first time. Having never attended church before, as his mother spent Sundays recovering from drinking, Brian was amazed to learn about Jesus, who loved him unconditionally. He learned how to pray and found joy in singing, playing, and simply being in a safe space.
Through the Bible Club, Brian’s life took a new turn. He was enrolled in school through sponsorship, a dream come true. “I am very happy.” He says, “I used to feel sad when my cousins went to school and I stayed at home. Now, I go to school too!”
But the miracles didn’t stop there. Brian began praying for his mother at the Bible Club. Slowly, those prayers bore fruit. His mother gave her life to Jesus and moved in with Brian and his aunt.
Today, she no longer drinks. “This has made us so happy, especially me, to have my mom back,” Brian shares with tears of joy.
For Brian, the Salvation Army Bible Club is more than just a gathering. “Bible Club is my safe space. I also enjoy the meals very much and I love my teachers very much,” he says.
From a boy once lost in pain and neglect, Brian is now a shining example of hope, transformed by love, prayer, and the faithful ministry of the Bible Club. His story is a testimony that even in the hardest places, God’s light can shine brightly.