Jack's Story

“I used to stare up at the planes as they flew over me in the sky, but I never EVER thought that I would be in one in my whole life! Especially a plane coming to America. I feel like I’m living in a dream,” shared Jack Odhiambo.

Meet Jack. He is a former street boy from Kenya, who lost his arms when trying to jump on a moving train in attempt to escape the police. He is a man who for many years never had any hope for a future, but God has restored him and has given him a life he only dreamed about.

Now at age 26, he is beginning to live out his dreams, and experience many firsts that he never imagined. Jack left Kenya and flew in a plane for the first time. He has come to America for the first time. He went to the beach, and felt the sand between his toes for the first time. He swam in the ocean for the first time. And just last week, he shared his story to over 1,500 American students for the first time.

“I have been given a second chance for a reason. My dream is to be able to share my story of redemption, and that God would use it to change lives,” says Jack.

Jack’s dream is becoming a reality. On June 9, he stood on stage at Bigstuf Camp in Panama City Beach and shared his story with over 1,500 students from across the country. He was welcomed with cheers and a standing ovation from students and youth pastors who were inspired by his message.

Jack’s story is one of unimaginable hardships on a journey to redemption. He grew up on the streets of Nairobi, stealing food to eat and money so he could buy glue to sniff and get high. His nights were spent sleeping on the dirt outside his family’s house, because there was no room for him inside.

He was 21 when he lost his arms. He has no recollection of the accident. All he remembers is running for his life, and then waking up in the hospital to find that both his arms were gone.

“For so long, I wished that I had died under the wheels of that train. In an instant, I went from being a tough street boy to being a baby to people. I had to depend on people to do everything for me. Every night, I would cry to God to be dead,” said Jack.

This life of hopelessness continued for the next three years, until Jack met a man named Moses at a shelter in Nairobi. Moses began to speak hope into Jack’s life, and would tell him about God’s love, and that God still had a plan for Jack, even though he didn’t have his arms. In 2005, Moses brought Jack off the streets to live in the Christ Compassion Rehabilitaion Center in Joska. It was here that Jack found hope in Jesus Christ.

“The biggest lesson that I have learned is that no matter what I go through, God has a plan and He will never leave me. I just have to keep seeking Him first,” said Jack.

While at the CCRC, there was a group that was serving there with The 410 Bridge. They heard Jack’s story, and felt called to do something. So they donated money to bring Jack to America to get two prosthetic arms.

When asked if he’s scared about the surgery, he grins and exclaims, “No! I am not scared at all. I am just excited and happy to be here. I can’t wait to be able to bathe myself and feed myself. I will be able to carry my bible and turn the pages myself. ”

When Jack returns to Kenya, the first thing he wants to do is show his family his new arms, and share with them his experience in America. He then hopes to enroll in bible school, so he can pursue his dream of becoming a pastor.