Over the last three years we have meet a precious set of siblings. Two of them are currently in school at Lilias Place and four more of them come to the Jesan Center on a regular basis. Recently we have been able to put the oldest of the 10 siblings (we will call him ‘J.R.’) in an accelerated learning program that is conducted by Lilias Place School.
We are so excited to be able to help this young 16 year old as we have only been able to give opportunities to his younger siblings since we have known them. A few weeks ago J.R. went to school with his younger brother, J, for the first time. We witnessed an incredible interaction between the two that we have never seen before.
Lets start with a little background.
Both boys live mostly on the streets. When we meet them 3 years ago J idolized his older brother J.R. and hung on his every word! However over the last two years J has moved away from his idol and has gone off on his own, spending time with a different group of kids on the streets. These said kids are some what of rival groups, quarreling and stealing from each other. The two groups only get along when at the Jesan Center.
J and J.R. are part of two different groups now. They no longer act as brothers, they act as rivals. We see it every time they are together with their groups of friends. They put up the ‘tough guy’ act.
However that one day a few weeks ago changed everything. Ronald and I noticed it right away. The guards were down, there was no tough guy act to hold up and the two that were once enemies instantly became brothers again! Seeing them smile, laugh and joke together it nearly brought tears to my eyes knowing that it is because of the Jesan Center that we see restoration in their relationship.
It is our hope that they will continue to be brothers.
Praise God for his amazing work!
