Blaine is Growing Up

When I moved in with Boniface’s family six years ago, his wife’s nephew Blaine had already been living with them for five years, since he was two.  However, his days in the home appeared to be numbered due to his persistent lying and stealing.  I took a shine to the seven-year-old, who was still little enough to tote around on my hip.  I offered to tackle his behavioral issues if Boniface and his wife allowed him to stay, and they accepted the deal.

Though challenging at times, serving as Blaine’s godmother has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work in Africa.  My experience shows that the Bible’s instructions for child-training are truly effective when applied consistently.  Beyond behavioral compliance, my goal is for Blaine to trust Christ to cleanse his heart from sin.  By God’s grace, I have already seen much reason to hope that this objective is being realized.

Now a lanky thirteen-year-old, Blaine has matured in other ways too.  He applies himself to his eighth grade studies with the expectation of a career in mechanical engineering.  He often cooks dinner for the family and diligently performs other household chores.  He takes the initiative to wash my vehicle and repair a plethora of broken items around the house.

During his recent summer break from school, Blaine accompanied me to work for several weeks as an apprentice to our organization’s mechanics.  This was his idea, and he proved himself a hard worker through the long days of servicing vehicles (as pictured here) and lawn mowers.  I am delighted with his work ethic and drive to learn.

Please pray that God will continue to prosper Blaine’s spiritual, emotional, academic, and professional development.  Pray also for wisdom for me as his godmother in guiding him through his teen years, as he makes decisions that will affect the rest of his life.  May the Lord use Blaine’s insight, intelligence, and industriousness to bless our community and country for His glory.