Runaka at age 17, full of hopes and dreams!

Everyone at Kuda Vana hopes each child in our care will grow to become self-sufficient adults who utilize the gifts and talents God gave them. More than that, we hope they will find meaning and hope in knowing a Father in heaven who will never harm or abandon them. It is so gratifying to see when these hopes become a reality.

Runako was around seven years old when he lost both of his parents and came to Kuda Vana (then known as Murwira Children’s Home). It was evident early on that he was a bright boy with a love of learning, and deep feelings. With support and love from the Kuda Vana Family, he has grown to be an introspective and hard-working young man of 23 who marches to his own drum.

He has taken the role of “big brother” to all of the children at Kuda Vana. Though Runaka has been in Kuda Vana’s Youth Transition program for several years, he still makes time to check in on the younger children and strives to be a good example. Runaka said recently:

“A great leader will point you in the right direction, but mothers and fathers walk you all the way home.”

Your support and prayers help Kuda Vana’s staff and volunteers be mothers and fathers to young people like Runaka, seeing them all the way home on their journey to self-sufficiency and spiritual wholeness.

We are so proud to announce that Runaka recently graduated from Midland University in Zimbabwe with a degree in Business and Finance! He is already employed and working in administration as an assistant to the accountant at a reputable company. He recently sent us this picture of himself in his graduation cap and plans to celebrate with his family on Kuda Vana’s Youth Transition Campus this Christmas.

We are also happy to share that Runaka recently made the decision to give his life to God. He celebrated this commitment with a baptism in front of friends and family at a local church. Runaka wrote to a Kuda Vana family member recently and shared:

“I don’t want to care about all the things I thought I used to want to become or do. I want to melt in the Potter’s careful hands so He can make me whatever He pleases. Whatever He calls beautiful, that’s all I want to be.”

We are so thankful to have played a small part in helping this incredible young man on his path to becoming who he was meant to be. Your continued support of Kuda Vana helps these kinds of stories come true.

On his way: a baptism, a graduation, and a whole lot of love