Andre’s childhood can be summed up in one word:  instability. He doesn’t know his father and has little contact with his birth mother, whose drug use and prostitution landed her in prison. Another female relative he lived with was also imprisoned and then died two years after being released. His current legal guardian, an adult cousin, is a single mom trying to raise her family on a part-time job.

That’s a lot of changes for a kid just 14 years old. Changes that left Andre confused and angry, to the point where he was suspended from school and getting into fights with a younger brother. When his guardian learned of an open spot at our Good News Boys Home, she jumped at the opportunity for him to join late last month.

 In his first few weeks at the Boys Home Andre struggled with emotions that reached a boiling point. Those episodes still happen but are fewer in number.  “It’s going good,” Andre said. “I’m learning regular school subjects and about being closer to God. I’m learning that you reap what you sow. If you get in trouble there are consequences.”

Having grown up without a father Andre is discovering that his Heavenly Father is always with him. The decision he made for Christ when he was 5 years old means more to him now as he studies Scripture and is counseled by Boys Home staff.

Andre is reading through Genesis and has taken a liking to Proverbs. A verse in particular that speaks to him is Romans 6:15: “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” Pray that Andre will take this verse to heart and continue to grow in grace.