Our Next Chapter: Sparrow's Nest

In 2012 the Rwandan government developed a plan to end institutionalized care for orphans and place them in families. This plan, referred to as "reunification," involves a process of investigating each orphan’s history, identifying safe home placements with living relatives or foster families, and closing orphanages. This process is now underway at Kimisagara Orphanage.

Reunification, Kimisagara, and the Future of Imana Kids

As the government works to reunify the children and close the orphanage, our Imana Kids face a season of transition. While we fully support Rwanda's vision for reunification, we acknowledge it is a long-term process, and it cannot meet all of the children’s physical and spiritual needs overnight.

James has been faithfully praying with the kids, shepherding them to trust and find strength in God as they face an uncertain future. His discipleship is vital to our children’s wellbeing, and this is where we sense God leading us to expand the vision of Imana Kids.

Our children need a safe place to gather for counsel, prayer, and rest. They need discipleship, Bible study, and fellowship.

Our children need Sparrow’s Nest.

What is Sparrow’s Nest?

There is a home in Kigali. It sits at the base of a hill, just a stone’s throw from our children’s schools. It stands empty now, but soon it will be known as James’ place. A gathering place. A resting place.

This is Sparrow’s Nest.

Sparrow’s Nest is a safe haven for our Imana Kids. It is a place where they can receive counseling, tutoring, spiritual instruction, fellowship, and special care. It is also our home base in Rwanda, where our board members and missions teams can lodge during short-term visits.

Building Our Nest

We will soon be launching fundraisers to support this cause, including an online, alternative Christmas gift catalog. Please stay tuned to our Facebook page and website for more details about the campaign.

Also, if your church celebrates Orphan Sunday, would you consider using that opportunity to help us advocate for Imana Kids? If you live within driving distance of one of our board members, we would be happy to make a presentation, or we can provide all materials and information you would need to make one on your own. If you are interested in contributing to our cause in this way, please email us here!

Establishing Sparrow’s Nest is no small endeavor, but we are moving forward confident in God’s leading. While our road has taken many unexpected turns this year, we know none of them surprised the One who guides us. We have seen Him work clearly and powerfully through your faithful prayers.

Please continue to lift up Imana Kids and our Sparrow’s Nest. Our work is far from over!

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

~Psalm 84:3

Answering the Orphan's Cry

Caring for orphans is work we cannot do alone. Thankfully, we don’t have to. From Imana Kids' beginning, God has been drawing together those who share His love for these children. We have amazing partners who contribute their gifts in countless ways, and we’re thankful for every one of you. We’re also thrilled to introduce you to some of our more recent ministry partners, Willy and Sarah Jane Roberts of Orphan’s Cry.

Music with a Mission

Gifted musicians with a passion for orphans, Willy and Sarah Jane share their original music wherever God leads. Each performance is an opportunity to empower and advocate for orphans, including the spiritual orphan who has yet to understand their value in God’s eyes.

The Roberts’ message of love is more than a song. They also live it out by donating the proceeds from their music and merchandise sales to orphan care ministries. Since May, Orphan’s Cry and Imana Kids have been partners in serving the children of Kimisagara.

To help you get to know the Roberts better, here is a short interview with Willy. You can find more information about Orphan’s Cry, including videos, songs, and items for purchase, at their website, www.orphanscrymusic.com. They’re also on Facebook, so stop over and say hi!

Interview with Willy Roberts of Orphan’s Cry

Alison: When did you first catch the vision for Orphan’s Cry?

Willy: Back in 2007, I was praying for an orphanage that our church supported. I felt a burden to do more. I asked the Lord what I could do, I felt Him tell me to use our music to raise money and awareness. That was the beginning vision but it wasn't until 2010 that we founded Orphan's Cry Ministries as a non-profit organization. Through the sales of our albums and merchandise, all of the proceeds are able to help orphan's around the world. It is exciting for us that when people share, purchase or support our music in anyway, that they are a part of our mission.

Alison: Has the journey been what you expected, or have there been surprises along the way?

Willy: The journey has been some of the most difficult times of our life. There have been rewarding times but most of this journey has been a total faith walk. We have had many struggles to overcome but through the last few years we have gained wisdom that we pray will benefit as we move forward.

Alison: Describe a moment or experience that affirmed your mission.

Willy: The first year totally confirmed our mission. Not long after forming the non-profit, divine appointments began to happen and shortly after I was in Haiti. Before long we were gaining support, taking a team to the orphanage we supported, and dreaming vision for the future.

Alison: What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in obeying the call to care for orphans?

Willy: Shortly after our first team trip to Haiti corruption was exposed involving the leadership of the orphanage. After many failed attempts to resolve the issues we were faced with no other option but to leave and cut off all support. It was heartbreaking and damaged the ministry as well. We lost much support and more importantly lost vision.

Alison: The needs of the orphans, both near and far, can be overwhelming. How do you battle discouragement and disillusionment as you serve?

Willy: You are exactly right. The needs can be overwhelming! We try to focus on what we CAN do. We have a saying "Do Something." We can't save every child but we can save some.

Alison: You have a new album coming out soon. Does it include a particular song or message that’s especially near and dear to your heart?

Willy: The new album is titled "Our Love Will Stay." Sarah and I have been through many trials and struggles through the last 13 years but through it all our love has not only remained but grown stronger. That's what this album represents for us.

Alison: What advice would you give to those who are eager to respond to the orphan’s cry, but aren’t sure what they have to offer?

Willy: Like I said before, "Do Something." Figure out how you can help and do it. If it's through monetary donations, or through donating time or resources. Just Do Something. I believe if we all just do a little, much will be accomplished.

Orphan's Cry's new album, Our Love Will Stay, releases in November. You can pre-order it now, or purchase their album Lead Me Home, in the Store at www.orphanscrymusic.com.

"I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things." ~Mother Teresa