Ray's Story

By Rita Langeland
Executive Director - Hidden With Christ Ministries

Ray arrived at Treasures of Africa Children’s Home in 2007 at the tender age of 6 1/2 years. He is what is considered a “true orphan” because both of his parents are dead, having passed away within a few months of each other from AIDS. He has no known siblings.

Despite the sad circumstances that led to his placement at Treasures of Africa, Ray has thrived in his new home. He is a sweet boy with a heart-warming smile. He has a very tender heart and is often seen giving brotherly care to the younger children here at TOA. He has also proven to be one of our top students among the children at Treasures of Africa. He has consistently finished in the top of his class each school year. He is especially good at mathematics and when he is not outside playing soccer with the older boys, he can be found sketching designs of automobiles. He has stated over and again that he desires to become an engineer.

Because of Ray’s stated interest in engineering, we arranged for a Tanzanian engineer to come to TOA to give a “vocational talk” to our kids. We have begun a program of bringing in successful Christian people from different fields to share their particular area of expertise in order to inspire our kids to dream big about their own futures. For days before the engineer’s presentation, Ray asked me again and again, “Mama, when is the engineer coming?” He was so excited to meet him and to hear about the engineering field. The engineer, whose name is Mr. Shali, gave a very comprehensive multi-media presentation about the work of an engineer and the various fields of specialization in engineering. Ray sat in the front row soaking up every word!

Ray will turn 11 years old on July 28th. He has a long road to walk toward the fulfillment of his dream to become an engineer. As an orphan in Tanzania, the chances of Ray ever becoming an engineer or a professional of any kind, were slim to none. But now, as a part of the Treasures of Africa family, Ray will be given the opportunity to become a successful leader in whatever field he eventually chooses. We are so blessed to have this sweet young boy at TOA and are agreeing with him that God will do great things in his life.

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