Courage in Action

Kevie’s Prayer

Twelve years ago, our organization, Kerus Global Education, took the bold and exciting step of establishing an orphan care center in Soshanguve, South Africa. As educators focused on the HIV/AIDS crisis, we decided to invest in a grassroots community project to help those suffering. As we first walked the dusty streets of Soshanguve, one of the most impoverished places in South Africa, we passed endless rows of small dilapidated metal shacks that served as homes. Instant pain, excitement over possibilities, and a need for courage flooded our hearts. There, we experienced twelve years of intense sadness, overwhelming joy, and disappointment together as companions, all opportunities to witness the miracle of astounding grace, deepening our love and trust for our Father.

One of our earliest encounters with astounding grace was through Kevie, a precious little boy who came to the center after being abandoned by his mother. Like so many women struggling to survive, Portia’s solution to poverty was prostitution. Addicted to drugs and living dangerously, she left Kevie with his grandmother.

Kevie was born HIV positive and always struggled with his health, but his resolutely cheerful, positive attitude radiated throughout our Orphan Care Center. He loved everyone, and his joy was infectious. The entire community adored him! We always said that Kevie smiled with his nose, scrunching it up as he would laugh and laugh!

Kevie and his grannie attended the church that partnered with Kerus. He loved Jesus, and every day Kevie prayed for his mom to come to church and find a family there, and mostly that she would meet Jesus too. Even during his last time in the hospital,

Kevie spoke of getting well so his mom would come to church. He wanted the honor of introducing her to everyone there. But he never got the chance. Sickness engulfed quickly and, within a few days, he was gone. Our beloved boy, just eight years old, went to be with Jesus. It all happened so fast! The grief-stunned community was devastated over the loss of such a pure and loving heart. On the day of his funeral, the truck carrying the small wooden coffin containing Kevie’s tired little body slowed as it passed his school. Over 1,000 children and hundreds of adults lined the road on both sides, holding up banners, singing, playing instruments, and crying to celebrate and give honor to Kevie’s short but vibrant life. A picture we had taken in a photoshoot displayed his precious nose-wrinkled smile in the back window.

Unfortunately, we were in the USA when Kevie died, but on our first day back to Soshanguve, we arranged to meet the pastor to visit Kevie’s grave. A skinny, sickly-looking lady arrived first, ran up to us, fell into our arms, and wept. We had no idea who she was until the pastor came out and introduced her as Kevie’s mother. She was the mother we had never met and, frankly, our hearts were full of negative feelings for her. How could someone abandon such a beautiful little boy? We were confused.

After Kevie’s death, the pastor shared that Portia had returned home, and in her grief, she decided to grant Kevie’s persistent request to go to his church. Taking her place in the back of the church, she listened to the pastor’s sermon on forgiveness. His words hit their mark in Portia’s battered soul. Unable to contain her tears, she began to wail. Assuming she was brokenhearted, the pastor stopped preaching and asked if he could pray a prayer of comfort for her. Portia added to the story, “I couldn’t stop shouting, I’m free! I’m free!” They were tears of redemptive joy! Just days after her son entered into the presence of his beloved Jesus, Portia, standing in Kevie’s church, was a new woman, freed from the guilt and shame that had robbed her for so many years.

Portia insisted that she be present to take us to Kevie’s final resting place. While staring at the mound of dirt and the hand-painted grave marker, Portia fell into our arms again. The woman we disliked before we ever met was pouring out her mother’s heart as if we had been friends for years. Our hearts broke as she shared how Kevie would speak to her about his two American moms who would hug him every day. She thanked us for the photographs, the gifts we gave to her precious boy, and she shared more about her former life. Her grief was deep, but so was her peace. A few short weeks later, Portia lost her long struggle with AIDS, uniting with her precious Kevie in the presence of Jesus.

Tender little hearts often ask God to work in incredible ways, and our amazing Father does for them what we adults quietly believe is impossible. Our Father’s love is endless, and He is infinitely able! Sometimes it takes a child to lead us to those truths.

Dr. Jennie Cerullo and Dr. Marcia Ball

Co-Founders & Executive Directorsof Kerus Global

To learn more or to donate to Kerus,visit: www.kerusglobal.org