Freedom From Bondage: Yamikani’s Story
By: Kaitlyn Miller
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
"Amazing Grace"(My Chains Are Gone) Chris Tomlin
Scars and chains no longer hold him down. Yamikani lived a life of grace in action. 1996-2016
Early this morning, our sweet Yamikani’s chains were broken for good when he left this earth to return to his Heavenly home.
Yamikani became a part of our family in 2010. Some of our CHE team members were in a village attending a funeral when they heard screams and groans coming from a goat pen. (pictured below) Yamikani’s mother had tied him there for years not understanding his medical issues and seizures.
It took days of work to get Social Services and Child Protective Services to take action and move Yamikani to the Grace Center with his mother and younger brother. His mother and younger brother returned to their village before long and Yamikani remained a special, loved son at the Grace Center for the next six years.
When Yamikani first came to the Grace Center, he could not even hold is head up because he had such little muscle control from his difficult, chained start to life. However, as in all things, God’s plan was much greater. God worked mightily in Yamikani’s life during his time with us through the hands and feet of house mothers, staff, and team members who poured their love into him. Yamikani progressed and was able to walk and even communicate in his own way.
Yamikani and 2012 team member Steven Ebeling. Yamikani grew and developed through the love and attention of many team members; all while he was showing them love right back.
In 2012, Yamikani uttered his first word, zikomo. This child who had suffered mightily said thank you as his first verbal communication; what a testament of God’s grace! That same summer, Yamikani learned to laugh smiling and giggling when he was amused and there has never been a more beautiful sound!
Our hearts are aching with the loss of our little ones. We have been abundantly blessed to know these sweet souls and witness God’s freedom and grace in action! Yamikani is no longer bound by earthly limitations; he is FREE!
We want to challenge you to take action in Yamikani's honor today. Is there someone you know who needs to know the freedom found in Christ? Share! Do you want to take action for those left here on earth, missing Yamikani? Pray! Pray with us for our children, staff, team members, and supporters affected by the loss of this innocent soul.
We cannot wait to see him healthy, whole, and free in Heaven! What a glorious day; his chains are truly gone!