These little guys paused briefly to take in a local soccer game. Sauntering across the field with somber looks in their eyes - they are focused on survival. The streets of Maputo offer a stark contrast to the nurturing upbringing most of our children enjoyed. Mozambique is filled with little boys who roam from one car to the next begging for coins or a piece of bread. Each of their stories is a unique twisted tale of tragedy far removed from the destiny God designed for them. Some of the boys are orphaned, and others have suffered such abuse at home that the streets seem safer and more inviting. Others are pushed out of their homes due to desperate poverty as families "prioritize" which children are allowed to live at home, and which ones are on their own. Their young lives appear to be destroyed, but God is making a way for them to be rebuilt and restored! "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
In response, the Assemblies of God in Mozambique founded a home to rescue and rehabilitate street boys. Thirty or more boys reside at the home at any given time. The program is designed to address the individual needs of each boy, while seeking to restore health to the family of origin in hopes that the boy can return home. In cases where restoration is not possible, families in local churches are engaged and often take boys in to raise as their own. The ultimate goal is for a boy to live at the center for a two year rehabilitation process, and then to be placed in a healthy Christian home. Six small group homes provide shelter for the boys while they are in residence. There, they are nurtured by a resident house-mother. Counseling begins immediately, addressing the wounds of their young lives, while daily chapel services offer the boys consistent opportunity to learn of Jesus and His love. Many lives have been changed through the compassionate touch of Jesus through the boys home.
Several months ago, a fire destroyed one of the small group homes. Thanks to the faithfulness of partners like you, the home is in the process of being rebuilt and restored! We hope to re-open the home in the next few months. If you would like more information on how you can help, let us know and we will send additional details to you.
Above: Home Destroyed by Fire Below: Rebuilding Progress!
Below: A Mural of Hope at the boys home
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