Amo

Boniface Amo (we call him Amo) is a fourteen year old boy who lives in the slum. He is an orphan.

{Last Saturday, we went to Mitumba like we do every Saturday to have Bible Study with the youth. (our brother-in-law Joe was also able to come with us, so that was great!) We had been gone all week, so because we had not had time to prepare a lesson, we decided to teach them the books of the Bible (in song form), and also play a game of Pictionary. We weren’t sure how the game would go, or if they would enjoy it, and were very pleasantly surprised by the excitement and group involvement!! It was a great time!! We had about 38 youth there!!! (let’s just say that the schoolroom was VERY crowded and VERY loud!!) }

Anyway, after all of this, Pastor Shadrach wanted to show Joe around the school, and bring him to the home that has been started for the orphan children in the most desperate need. The home has now admitted about 15 kids, and it was great to see blankets on the beds, and laundry hanging out to dry…it looks like a home.

Now, back to Amo. We went into the boys room, and saw someone on the bed in the far corner, under a blanket. Pastor called out to see who it was, and it was Amo. He asked if everything was alright, and why he would be there in his bed in the middle of the afternoon when all of his friends were out playing football in the field. Do you know why he was there??? It almost broke my heart. Amo has never had his own bed before. Never. His parents abandoned him when he was very young, and he has always just slept out in the corridors of the slum, or wherever he could find a place to lay his head. He has been on his own. The reason he was in his new bed in the middle of the afternoon was just because he loves having a place to call his own. He has a blanket, a mattress and a pillow. He has safety. He has new parents who are looking out for him. He has a place to put his clothes. He has a home. Looking at him and at his smile and contented look on his face was priceless. Here was a boy who looked like he had been given the world.
I love it.