I am Christopher Columbus, a doula by trade and a part-time Plant Operator. My purpose is to have a positive impact on people that I meet and leave a lasting legacy of love behind. I believe love can handle all challenges. The ability to give and show love helps us avoid negativity and makes us live together in harmony. I was born into this world with nothing, and I want to leave behind something positive that occurred during the time I was here.
My goals have been to become an inspiration to others, through giving back to the community, in every area of my life. I work in maternity with mothers and babies. always joyful to see them leave the facility happy and without complications. This keeps the family happy and gives hope to the next generation. I do all of this out of love as I trust and invite God into everything that I do.
My journey with the In Heaven’s Eyes Center began when I was a young boy, living in the streets of Nyahururu, collecting plastic to make a living. I met Benson as he was ministering to the street children. We were able to meet in town with Benson’s friends, and other street children, for fellowship. Thereafter, we were treated to breakfast. I didn’t really know or pay attention to what was being said. My focus was always on the meal that was provided afterwards. We could always go back to our usual way of life after parting ways knowing we could expect the same the following day. At times, we were allowed to have fellowship, take a shower, and have a meal at the Center before being transported back to town. This happened for some time and, through coming to the Center and listening to God’s word, I gave my life to Christ.
From that point my life went in a different direction. Benson asked me to remain behind when the other street children were transported back to town. At that time, the Center had only three small timber rooms, one for Peterson, one for the Cook, and one for us boys. I lived there with the other boys for a few weeks before joining a formal school. My life took a dramatic change. We started living under some rules and had to follow certain protocols that we were not accustomed to. I skipped grades one and two and started school in grade three. I was there from grade three to grade eight and sat for my last exam before joining high school. I attended four years of high school; however, things didn’t go as smoothly as we thought they would. We could be sent home for non-payment of fees as well as other disciplinary issues. This was not the kind of life we were accustomed to. Our teachers were very supportive and acted more like parents to us.
Through all of this, God did not leave us. His favor was on us, and we were able to lead in most of our classes. This gave us hope and courage to continue and, thus, we felt encouraged and realized that we were no different from the other students. It was understood that we could do even better despite our background that had instilled self-pity in most of us. This didn’t come easy to us. Whenever we encountered a challenge, we felt as though we belonged in the streets. From time to time, some of us kept sneaking out and going back to the streets. The change was a process that not all of us were able to go through. To date, some of our brothers and sisters, that we lived with in the Center, are still in the streets. Every time we meet with them, it causes so much pain.
With God’s love, that was manifested through Apostle Carolyn Vessel as the vision-bearer, and the rest of the Co-Labourer’s with Christ team, I have always felt indentured to carry the burden and serve the community by showing love and care to the mothers and babies. Being the first one to receive them, I thank God and pray that they can grow with His favor. It makes me happy and thankful to God for how far he has brought me. My dream has always been to become the best nurse possible, one who will serve people whole-heartedly.
I want you ALL to know that this letter is not even half of the words or emotions I have toward you. I don’t tell you enough how much I love you. From the moment I walked in, you treated me as your own. You’ve taught me so many things along the road of life. Thank you ALL for the good things you have done in my life. I still hold on to the vision and hope to achieve this one day. Despite everything, I have not given up wanting to refashion my life.
Thank you ALL for supporting ALL of my hopes, dreams and wishes – especially when I do dumb stuff! You treated me like one of your own and I’ll forever be grateful to you for that. You deserve the world!
With all my Love,
Your Son,
Christopher Columbus