“What are the reasons why love goes wrong?” Pastor Fred recently asked a group of students at Oasis for Orphans.
The answers were varied. “Misunderstanding,” one child offered. “Irresponsibility,” another chimed in. A third said, “Cheating!”
It was one of many questions about love, sex, and marriage the group discussed over the course of reading Loveology by John Mark Comer.
Many of the children at Oasis grew up orphaned, giving them no framework for what a loving, healthy marriage looks like. Surrounded by a culture where abuse can be common, they often come to Oasis unaware there could be a different way to pursue dating than what they’ve grown up witnessing.
To offer a Biblical perspective on relationships, Pastor Fred started using Loveology as a helpful tool to spark important conversations about sexuality, respect, consent, attraction, and dating in a way that honors both individuals in the relationship—all taboo topics in Kenya.
The result? Students are considering a new future for themselves.
Boys who held fast to being the domineering, authoritative figure in a relationship are becoming open to a more caring, respectful partnership. Girls are learning the value of waiting for the right partner instead of rushing into an unhealthy relationship for the sake of being married.
While it takes time to truly break a cycle of unhealthy emotional patterns and learned behaviors, Pastor Fred is seeing shifts in the way students consider relationships.
“I’m always thankful and grateful to the role Oasis is playing in the lives of these boys and girls,” he said. “Oasis is not only concerned with their academic life, but also social, spiritual, physical, and emotional growth.”
By pointing students to God’s design for relationships, Pastor Fred is changing the way these students will date, marry, and parent. These life-changing conversations are not only protecting our students from experiencing harm in relationships, but they will also lead to a cultural shift.
A redemptive framework for relationships will change the trajectory of generations to come.
Thank you for supporting Oasis and helping make this holistic care possible! Because of your support, more students will grow up experiencing the love of God and sharing His love with others.
On mission together,
Oasis for Orphans Staff + Team
P.S. It’s not only Oasis students who are reading Loveology.
As a team, we have found great value in reading this book together. Many of our Kenyan staff also grew up in broken families with warped views of healthy relationships. Thanks to this book and the conversations we’re having as a team, they’re also changing how they date or treat their spouse or raise their children.
We’re grateful for the positive conversations this tool has generated and that our staff can be role models for students in pursuing healthy relationships.
“The more we teach with our lives the more we will change [the students’] mentality,” Pastor Fred said. Will you pray for students and staff as they overcome cultural expectations of relationships in pursuit of God’s design for relationships? We’re grateful for your support!
