Overcomers By Grace

Over the last several weeks, we have been going as a team to OBG (Overcomers By Grace). Here we are placed with a student who is physically or mentally (or both) disabled. The students range from 5 or 6 to a lady who is probably in her 60’s. Each day there are around 10 students who arrive at Sabia and Shafkat’s home. These precious people are members of the church New City Fellowship here in Nairobi. They have opened their home to disabled people within the community. Here at their school they have employed around 6 teachers to help these students learn eye hand coordination, their colors and numbers, different motor skills, as well as social skills and many other things. These women are absolutely amazing. First of all, these women love the Lord with all their heart. It is evident that they have a deep relationship with the Lord and desire to serve Him. Second, they love their students. Each teacher knows what will make their student laugh, what they enjoy doing, what will challenge them, and how to encourage them. These students get hugs and high fives all throughout the day. Every morning, they start with praise and worship time where the students are given drum sticks to make music. They all sing along and some of them even dance with the music. Next, a student is asked to recite the Bible verse they have been learning, which leads to a student closing the time of worship with prayer. It really is a fun time for all!

Yesterday, three of us plus Mesh went to OBG to help out for the day. The students arrived by bus and we all chose a student to work with for the day. My student was a little boy around the age of 7 or 8 named Yasif. He has a mental disability along with very poor eye site. I think one of Yasif’s best qualities is that he is full of life. He loves to sing and dance and tell people with a sing song voice, “Your beautiful.” He is beautiful. Yasif is such a happy child with such an easygoing spirit. I really enjoyed getting to work with him yesterday.

I am so encouraged by the things I have seen at OBG. God’s hand is truly at work in this place. Please pray for the teachers that God would give them wisdom in how to educate their students. Pray that God would fill these teachers with continued patience and love for their students. Please also pray that God would continue to protect and provide for each student. I know that God is faithful and will continue to work in the hearts and lives of his children.