Interview with Brian

Only Servants Ministries is having a powerful impact in the lives of young boys who have been living in the streets of Kawangware, Kenya.  Kawangware is a slum area of Nairobi and has a poplulation of 600,000.  Only Servants is providing a safe haven for the boys Monday through Friday during the day.  The boys are being fed, receiving an education, taught about God, and most importantly- being loved.

Name: Brian.     My name is really Hald. But my grandfather started calling me Brian in 2003.   So that is the name I use.

Age: 15   (March 23, 1995)

Favorite Food: chips and sausage; chicken

Favorite Soda: Sprite

Where do you stay: I stay with Pastor Deo.   Before I lived with him, I stayed on the street. I ran around at night afraid to sleep. Police would beat me.

Do you sleep on the street: No- I sleep at Pastor Deo’s now. There are 10 people who stay at his house. But before, I lived on the street for about a month. I would run away from home to the streets, then go back home. Run away, and then go back home. After awhile, I stayed on the streets for good. I had to leave school because I didn’t have school fees. I used to go to Skyland school.

How long did you stay in the street: about 1 month

Why did you leave home: My father used to beat me.  He used a wire to hit me.  He didn’t drink; he just called himself “spastic.”  He had a bad temper and did not treat me well.

Do you have family: Yes.  My mother died.  My mother’s sister is the woman I thought of as my mother. But there is another woman- Lucy- who is like my mother (? There is some confusion about this).  I have a brother.  He lives on the street, too. He is 17.

Do you see your family: I see my brother in the streets. I see my dad sometimes. When I do, I hide myself from him.

Have you ever/ do you still use glue? When: I took glue for one day, morning to night.  I felt like I should die.  I didn’t think I had a reason to live.  But I knew the effects of glue, and I knew it was bad for me.  Pastor Deo told me I made a good choice when I decided I didn’t want to use glue.  I know God has a purpose for me.

What do you eat on Saturday/ Sunday: With Deo’s family.

If you could have ANYTHING you wanted right now, what would it be: Education, so I can help other street boys.  And storybooks for the school.  I like to learn all day long.  Even when I go home, I continue to read and study.  And I can say for myself, I am fine.  But it is hard for the other boys- to go back to the streets.  I want a home for them too, and a family for them to live with.

Brian speaks the best English of anyone and has spent the least amount of time on the streets.  His background is confusing but seems to be very happy living with Pastor Deo.  He is a total charmer thinking he can charm his way out of anything.  His love language has to be physical touch- a hug being one of the best gifts to give him.  He realizes that he has better living conditions than the other boys and is concerned about their needs and well being.  He loves soccer and is great at it.  Brian has a very generous heart.     Lindy Thompson ~ Only Servants