Greetings from Mabatini!
Greetings from Mabatini Center. Another amazing school term has come to a close, and we want to share some of its highlights. Thank you for your support and partnership as we work to transform lives through the love of Christ.
Jackline Gaithuma,
Head Teacher, Mabatini
Hope Transforms: A Success Story
James* joined Missions of Hope International (MOHI) at the Mabatini Center in 2013. From the beginning, he was a bright and determined student, grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow. Today, at 23 years old, James is a university student, continuing his educational journey with pride, resilience, and unwavering faith.
James lives with his parents and three sisters in the Mathare area near our Center, where they’ve resided for more than 14 years. The family has endured many hardships over the years. They initially lived in a basic home made of corrugated steel and supported by wooden poles, common in the area due to the low cost of rent.
The Mabatini community faces many social challenges—widespread drug and substance abuse, high rates of crime, and limited access to quality education. Early pregnancies and marriages are common, and many children are out of school because their parents simply don’t understand its value. But in the midst of these difficult conditions, hope found its way into James’ life.
In 2012, MOHI conducted an outreach to identify vulnerable children in the area. James and his siblings were among those selected. Once enrolled, they began receiving both breakfast and lunch daily, something the family had previously struggled to provide. For the first time, the children could focus on learning, and the parents found relief from constant worry over food and school fees.
James didn’t just grow academically, he also experienced deep spiritual growth. As he learned more about God, he began sharing scripture with his family. His mother helped him with his schoolwork, and soon the entire family started attending Outreach Hope Church. Through these experiences, they gave their lives to Christ and became born-again believers.
James’ father, a welder, found renewed purpose in his work. With God's help and support from MOHI, he was able to provide for the family better. MOHI also offered food baskets at the end of each school term, which helped ease the pressure of day-to-day living. James completed his education without the burden of school fees, and his younger brother Victor has also graduated and is preparing to join university.
Today, the family is thriving. Once living in extreme poverty, they can now afford three meals a day. James has become a positive role model in both his family and community. He is especially grateful for the transformation he has experienced and often says, “Some things may seem impossible for humans, but with God, everything is possible.”
James’ life is a testimony to the power of faith, education, and compassion. He and his family are forever thankful to MOHI and to every partner who helped make this transformation possible.
*Name changed for privacy
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