In the past month we have got our very own mail box! So now we have our own address and can quit using Rose’s. We also got our Pin number to help us file for deductibles on taxes! On top of that we got our own bank accounts – one for Shillings and one for Euros! In Kenya it is very very difficult to get these things and we have received them quicker than we anticipated! Thank you Jesus! Another blessing we have this month is Jackie Cooper, a university student from the United States that has come to help us for the month. She is studying International Business and Operations Management at the University of Minnesota. Jackie has completely redone our filing system and is helping us upgrade our technology and data.
In everything through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God! And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds! We ask that you pray for the health and safely of all our kids, especially as they start school holidays. Also, it hasn’t been raining as much here as is needed so we pray that God will send the floods down so we can have a good harvest and that water wouldn’t be in such short supply. Sometimes people have to walk for kilometers to find a water source.
And now I would like to introduce a Real Star – Brian Musa Omollo!
Brian grew up in the Kibera slums and in the midst of his hard childhood found that he loved to sing. His parents couldn’t afford to send him to school, but his extended family paid for him to go until he started receiving support from Real Stars. He is taking a 3D Animation course at university which he couldn’t otherwise do without the support of Real Stars sponsors.
Brian originally wanted to study Mass Communications, but when he was applying to university and told them his passion was music they suggested he get involved with cartoons instead. He loves the course and loves composing. He knows that because he trusts in God his life is going somewhere. He longs to provide for his family, especially for his five younger sisters. Many of Brian’s friends have turned to the streets and become gangsters, some have even been shot, but he is relying on the promise that God has a purpose for him so he joyfully continues with his studies.
Brian was born in Mumius, in the countryside. He lived with both his parents until they moved to Nairobi when he was 2 years old. At 5 he started nursery school. Then His parents moved back the countryside and he lived with his two lovely guardians: his grandmother and grandfather. His only brother died from illness at age 6 when Brian was still in primary school. When he started primary school his grandfather and uncles paid his school fees until year 8. After that his father paid for his education up to Form 2 when he was unjustly arrested for being in the vicinity of a civil dispute over land. He has been in jail for 2 years and has not yet been released even though he was not involved in the dispute. Such is the justice system in Kenya. God blessed Brian with a sponsor when he was about to enter Form 3. While Brian was still living with his grandparents, his grandfather became sick and passed away. Then Brian’s aunt moved from Nakuru to live with him and her son, Musa Ramadhan. Ramadhan should be in Form 1 but can’t afford school fees even though his mother now works security in Bomas. Brian has his own house near his aunt’s where he lives with and old friend, Collins. They live in a one room house, with sheets for bedroom walls, and no electricity, but Brian never loses hope and always has a smile on his face. His cheerful attitude is contagious as he talks about the future.
Collins, Brian, and Ramadhan at their home in KiberaWhen he gradutates from school, Brian wants to open his own music studio and work as a producer for other people’s music as well as his own. He prays that God will bless him with money so that he can open a children’s home for the children of Kibera slums.
Since he grew up there he knows the problems the children face and wants to help them. He would also like to help with church building, especially in the countryside.
Brian likes watching football and his favorite team is Manchester United. His favorite player is Rooney because he is rough around the edges, and that reminds him of where he grew up. Brian also likes to play Playstation at his friend’s house, who has creatively started a business where kids can go and pay for PS time. He prays that God will bless him with a computer for his studies.
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