Rising Above Crime: Rogers' Story

It takes immense courage and determination to rise above adversity. Rogers, a high school student from a single parent home, has faced numerous challenges throughout his life. From financial struggles to the threat of falling into a life of crime, his story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative power of faith. 

While in grade school Rogers' parents separated and his family's financial situation deteriorated rapidly. They were forced to leave their home and relocate to a shanty, which offered little protection from the elements. Leaking roofs during rainy days and scorching heat during the summer months became a daily struggle for survival. Rogers found himself roaming the streets in search of respite from the unbearable heat or rain.

Despite all this, Rogers refused to succumb to despair. Recognizing the need to support his family, he began playing soccer over the weekends to earn a small allowance of $3, which he gave to his mother for their basic needs. He was resourceful and determined to contribute, even in a small way.

Rogers' mother approached a MOHI social worker and shared their dire financial situation. Recognizing the family's need, MOHI stepped in to provide the support and resources they required. Rogers and his siblings were then recruited into MOHI’s Gitathuru Center. Rogers was sponsored all through primary school till he completed his primary school education.  When the time came to go to high school, MOHI ensured he had everything necessary, from uniforms to personal effects for boarding school. It was a glimmer of hope that would play a significant role in transforming Rogers' life.

Rogers still struggled with anxiety and worry about the situation back home. It affected his attitude towards school, as he found it challenging to see how education could change his circumstances. But life has a way of teaching us valuable lessons when we least expect it.

During a school holiday, while spending time with his friends, Rogers faced a pivotal moment that forced him to re-evaluate his choices. He and his friend were detained by local authorities. They were taken into questioning for theft. Although Rogers was later proven innocent, his friend eventually confessed to having stolen a cell phone. Rogers witnessed the harsh consequences of a life led astray. The incident served as a wake-up call, compelling him to reflect on the path he wanted to follow and the effect of his choice in friends. 

Determined not to follow the footsteps of those who resorted to crime in the slums, Rogers realized he needed to find a different path for his life. It was during this pivotal moment that he encountered Pastor Wycliffe, the Pastor at Ndovoini Center, who spoke to him about the dangers of the world and offered guidance. Rogers made a life-altering decision – he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Embracing his newfound faith, Rogers became an active member of a Bible study group that met every Saturday at school. Through studying the Bible and fostering a personal relationship with God, he discovered inner strength, hope, and the power to make good choices.

Rogers now sees the value in all of the advice and care that he had received from his teachers and school chaplain. It was the voices of his teachers he heard telling him that he has a way out of the slum. It was the same voices that guided him to Jesus. Through the guidance of the staff at MOHI, Rogers has now found hope, purpose and a brighter future.