As Missions of Hope International (MOHI) celebrates 25 years of spreading hope and transforming lives, we honor the faithful service of one of our longest-standing staff members — a woman whose dedication has helped shape MOHI from its earliest days.
Elizabeth’s story is one of faith, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable. Her life journey closely mirrors MOHI’s own — from humble beginnings to widespread impact. Today, she serves as a dedicated teacher at MOHI’s Kariobangi Center, but her history with the organization dates back to 2001, just months after its founding.
For Elizabeth, teaching was never just a job — it was a calling. Long before she joined MOHI, she carried a deep passion for serving children in disadvantaged communities. That passion was rooted in personal experience. Born and raised in Busia County in western Kenya, Elizabeth faced immense hardship. Her father passed away when she was in Grade 1, and years later, she lost her mother as well. As an orphan, she endured many struggles, but rather than let those experiences define her, she turned her pain into purpose. She committed her life to helping children from similar backgrounds — including orphans and children living on the streets — and turned her classroom into a place of healing and hope.
After high school, Elizabeth moved to Nairobi in search of opportunity. There, she found herself involved in ministry — preaching, participating in women’s fellowship, and teaching Sunday school. It was during this time that she discovered MOHI and felt deeply compelled to be part of its mission.
As a teacher at MOHI, Elizabeth was eager to serve. The children she taught — many of whom arrived at school hungry or exhausted from sleeping on the streets — only strengthened her resolve. Loving and nurturing them was not easy, but she did it with determination and grace.
"One moment I will always remember is when MOHI was one small house that had been modified to serve as a school. It had a few rooms that were partitioned into classrooms and offices, with one washroom shared by all. It was a small space that we happily shared as a family with the fifty students that we had. Seeing the growth and all the centers we have now is truly amazing!”
When Elizabeth first joined MOHI, she never imagined the organization would one day grow into an international ministry serving tens of thousands of children and families.
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" MOHI has become what it is now because of the hard work, dedication and good leadership of the founders. It is also through our collective efforts of praying and having bold faith in God that has led to this immense growth. |
Over the years, Elizabeth has seen firsthand how MOHI has impacted not only students but also families and staff. Through job opportunities and financial literacy training, MOHI has empowered many, including Elizabeth herself.
“I have benefited from this, and I thank the MOHI founders for believing in me and giving me the chance to work here. It is through this opportunity that all my children have gotten access to education, and the income I earn helps me fend for my family. All my four children have studied at MOHI and by God’s grace, one of them is currently studying in university.”
What brings her the most joy? Seeing former students succeed. Some of the children she once taught in kindergarten — kids who arrived in school malnourished and vulnerable — are now working, earning an income, and building better lives for themselves and their families. Many have even been able to leave the informal settlements of the Mathare Valley. That transformation fuels her continued passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation.
“MOHI has also nurtured the spiritual lives of many. Many children, staff members, families and communities have all been transformed into a Christ-centered way of living, thanks to the works of ministry that MOHI has carried out since September 2000. The preachings, devotions, Bible studies and prayers have paid off.”
As MOHI marks this 25-year milestone, Elizabeth’s dream is to see the impact grow even further, beyond Kenya’s borders.
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" I thank MOHI founders for allowing God to use them. My life has also been transformed in many ways. I am also thankful to all our MOHI partners for working with us to transform lives in disadvantaged communities. |
Reflecting on her time in Mathare, Elizabeth sees clear evidence of change: reduced crime, increased school attendance among children from vulnerable families, and greater economic empowerment across the community.
“We have come from far and we are going far!” she concludes.
As we celebrate MOHI’s 25th anniversary, we give all glory to God for the countless lives that have been transformed through His provision, grace, and guidance. We are deeply grateful for how God has used faithful servants like Elizabeth—and so many others to carry out this vision. As we look ahead to the next 25 years, we continue to trust God to lead, provide, and multiply the work for His glory and the good of His people.
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