MOHI Gave us a Fresh Start

Rose Achieng is a single mother of three residing in Mathare, Mabatini area. Her journey has been marked by significant challenges, particularly during childbirth, where she underwent three cesarean sections. Unfortunately, after her third delivery, her husband left, attributing the cesareans to bad luck and a result of bewitchment. The husband subsequently remarried.

"I found myself in a tough spot. I had two young sons and an infant whose father had left us," she recounts tearfully. Rose struggled to provide for her children in challenging circumstances. With no job and no financial support, life became incredibly difficult. She could barely afford a meal. "There were times when I had no choice but to feed my children on soil because they were hungry and I had nothing else to offer. As a mother, I just wanted to fill their stomachs," she sadly recalls.

With limited options, Rose leaned on the support of friends and her church, who helped as much as they could. “I considered finding a job, but I was too weak and still recovering from the surgery. There wasn’t much I could manage,” she explains.

Rose in her home.

Meanwhile, her children, attending a nearby school, were forced to stay home due to her inability to pay their school fees. Just when she was about to give up, a social worker from Missions of Hope International entered their lives. This social worker was actively seeking children to enroll in one of our schools and upon hearing Rose’s story, he pledged assistance.

Her eldest son became the first to enroll in first grade, receiving a school bag and a uniform, and soon after, he secured a sponsor. “That was the start of a new chapter because shortly after, my second son was enrolled too,” she recalls with a smile.

Rose's son in class.

The second son also found a sponsor immediately. “My son went to a VBS once without a school uniform. I believe someone noticed him because the next day, I got a call saying that someone had decided to sponsor my son and even brought us some food. I was overjoyed,” she says, smiling broadly.

Rose attributes it all to the mighty work of God. She explains that for the longest time, her children relied on the meals provided at school; breakfast and lunch, because there was no food at home. Fortunately, Missions of Hope International ensures that every child receives two meals each school day. “I used to remind my sons to eat until they were satisfied while at school because there was nothing to eat at home,” she adds.

Now that her children were attending school, Rose made the decision to gain more control of her life. She decided to start a small business to support her family. With the help of her neighbor, who also happened to be a parent at Missions of Hope International, Rose launched a fruit pudding-selling venture. Her neighbor showed her where to get fruit and containers to start making and selling the pudding. Today, she sells fruit pudding during the day and sells delicious porridge in the evenings.

Rose's fruit salad.

Rose's children attended the daily devotions at school. They would then come home and tell her about what they learned. Slowly, Rose began to notice a change in herself and in her children. Their Bible studies strengthened Rose’s faith in God as well as gave the children a chance to engage with God’s word better and in depth. Rose finds encouragement in God’s word. She believes that she and her children have a bright future.

Grateful for the assistance provided by Missions of Hope International, she acknowledges the transformative impact it has had on her family's life, including the joy of celebrating her children's birthdays for the first time when her sponsor bought her child a birthday cake. “At least now my sons know how it feels to have a birthday cake that they can share with their friends,” she adds. 

Rose finishes with a word of encouragement, “I want to encourage any parent going through a lot out there, don't lose hope. God exists and he works according to His will. He has good plans for everyone.”

Rose's story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith, offering hope and encouragement to other parents facing similar challenges.

You can make an impact for parents like Rose through child sponsorship. When you sponsor a child, you ensure they receive an excellent Christian education, nutritious food, medical care, and the opportunity to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Will you sponsor a child and help support a parent like Rose today?