Aubrey’s Transformation

“It doesnt matter if it was 20 years ago or 2 years ago, if you have come to Zambia with Heart of the Bride, you have met Aubrey. And if you ever worked at Abbas Heart Learning Center in town, you probably tried to teach Aubrey his ABCs while he still lived on the streets.

Now in his early 30’s, Aubrey grew up as a very young street kid. We had tried early on to get him off the streets but he just seemed to have too many emotional immaturities to manage it. I remember telling Bob, if we could just build a small house for Aubrey in the back yard so he doesn’t die on the streets, I would be very happy. Well, now he has successfully integrated into our Skill Training Center for recovering street men, most of whom are disabled in their neurodevelopment. The change I have seen in this guy just has me in awe of the Father. After proudly showing me his beautiful math work (taught to him by a former street kid-now certified teacher at AHZ), He told me last night in his very limited English, how the devil tries to get him to go back to the streets, but now God has touched him and he knows he can never go back and how the uncles and house parents pray with him everyday and help him.

At times, these lifelong street people struggle leaving their identity that is tied to the streets. You would think they’d jump at the chance to leave but there are habits, routines, relationships, and connection in town. I am so grateful to God that He was able to change Aubrey’s identity. And Aubrey himself gives testimony to his new life! There is nothing more beautiful to witness. And soon we will be looking for sponsors to build Aubrey and some of his friends some small houses on the back of the STC property so they never have to worry about dying on the streets alone.”

Candace Walker, Missionary to Zambia