Gitathuru

Greetings from Gitathuru!

Hello! Receive calvary greetings from Gitathuru Center. As we come to the end of the second term, we wish to share some outstanding achievements from our center. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership towards the transformation of lives in our community.

Doreen Ongachi
Head Teacher, Gitathuru

Hope Transforms: A Success Story

Leah* is a single mother to two boys: James and John*. They are in Grade 5 and 8, respectively. For years, she supported her family by washing people’s laundry. The income was inconsistent and barely enough to make ends meet. Life became unbearable when her health deteriorated. She faced the impossible decision of either buying medication or paying rent. This financial strain left her unable to properly care for her children, affecting not only her well-being but also that of her sons.

Due to the family’s limited resources, James and John often went without food, especially on weekends and during school breaks. This led to health challenges and impacted their ability to focus and perform well when back in class. 

A turning point came when a MOHI social worker intervened. She began walking closely with Leah and her family, offering emotional support, prayers, advice, and encouragement. She also reached out to the school leadership, and together, they allowed the boys to receive meals after school to ensure they did not stay hungry through the night.

Recognizing Leah’s potential, the social worker introduced her to the MOHI’s microfinance and encouraged her to join an economic empowerment group. She joined the group and began saving almost $2 weekly.

Later, she accessed a loan from MOHI that helped stabilize her income by starting a small-scale fish-selling business. Today, Leah’s life has been transformed. She can now afford her medication and provide for her family. Her children are also thriving; they are well-fed and performing much better in school. 

Leah also serves as a parent's representative for our eighth grade. Through faith, Leah has risen above adversity and now stands as a symbol of resilience and hope for other struggling families.

*Name changed for privacy

Term Highlights

• Our music teams participated in the area and regional competitions of the Kenya Music Festival, where out of the seven items they performed, one poem was selected to proceed to the national level.
• Our students participated in the area ball games competitions, and a number of them proceeded to the regional level in handball, soccer and volleyball. They also participated in the MOHI ball games competitions.
• We had 70 Grade 6 students attend Angaza Discovery Camp, where they had fun and learned a lot about God’s creation.
  
  

Church Highlights

• Our team reached out to local motorcycle taxi riders with the Gospel.
• We conducted an alumni service in which we emphasized how to reach out to their peers.
• In partnership with staff and alumni, we hosted an evangelism event that reached 74 people, with 15 of them deciding to follow Christ. 
• We received 70 students who had attended Angaza Discovery Camp, and we have started a new believers' class with them.

Partner Connections

• We hosted a team from Flipside Christian Church, who conducted a VBS with over 580 students. The students were taught the importance of trusting in God. The team also took our staff for a bowling session, and 49 unsponsored students for a trip to the Giraffe Center. Both staff and students had a great time with the games, lesson activities and trips. 
• We hosted a team from Eastside Christian Church who visited homes and carried out enhancements for a number of families. The families were deeply touched by their compassion and generosity.
• The Han family also visited Gitathuru Center and had the opportunity to take their sponsored child on a trip where they spent time together.
• We welcomed a team from West Side Christian Church, who conducted dental screenings and applied fluoride to all students who were present.
• A team from West Valley Christian Church visited us and led a VBS for our students. They also took a group of students for a trip to the Giraffe Center.

Prayer Requests

• Pray for continued good health among our students, their families and staff members.
• Pray for a good relationship between the Gitathuru staff and the community to help us work peacefully.
• Pray against premature deaths among our parents.

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