How was The King's Embrace started?

After two church mission trips to Bungoma County, Kenya, Carrie Thomas decided to return to Bungoma in October 2015. Accompanying her were David and Linda Fischer, who had been supporting an orphanage in Migori, Kenya, for the past 15 years.  While in Bungoma, they met David Wesonga who served as their driver and translator. David, Linda, and Carrie noticed school-aged boys roaming the streets, many of them constantly holding plastic bottles between their teeth. David Wesonga explained that these boys live on the streets and "huff" glue from bottles to mask their hunger and numb them during cold nights. David Wesonga had grown up in Bungoma town and was very aware of the dire circumstances in which these boys found themselves.

 Upon their return to the U.S., God placed upon the hearts of Carrie, David, and Linda the desire to help restore the lives of these boys. But living in the United States, how could they possibly make a difference on another continent?  The answer was David Wesonga.  He had made a very favorable impression as he escorted them throughout their trip. He was a Kenyan, who understood the culture and social issues. But most importantly, he had the heart and dedication to lead this new ministry.  When David Wesonga agreed to become the general manager, The King's Embrace was born.  The name of the ministry is based on Matthew 25:40, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

 Work was immediately begun to incorporate and become a 501(c)(3) organization.  After purchasing seven acres in 2017, The King's Embrace began construction of a residential home that could house up to 80 boys. The home was completed in April 2019. Currently, TKE is supporting 40 former "street boys" and actively working to rescue more boys.  

Where are we located?

Why are the children living on the streets?

Some children are pushed to the streets following the death of parents.  Some chose to leave home to escape physical or emotional abuse inflicted on them by parents, stepparents, or other family members.  But for many that is not the case.  While hard to comprehend, in societies where education and jobs are unattainable and aid programs are nonexistent, the harsh reality is that parents who genuinely love their children, but simply cannot provide for them, are forced to send them out into the streets.  It is a last, desperate resort, but often their only chance for survival.

Why are most of the children on the streets male?

It is generally believed that boys have a better chance of survival on the street than girls.  Therefore, when a parent faces very limited economic resources, boys often feel compelled to leave the household to reduce the burden.  Unfortunately, when girls must leave their biological home, they are often taken in by other households and exploited for labor or sexual purposes.