Redeemed by Grace: Matano's Story

When Matano looks at his children today, he sees more than students in school. He sees hope, stability, and a future rooted in faith. Just a few years ago, that future felt far out of reach.
Matano lives in Mitangoni, a small community in Kenya’s coastal region. He is a father of four and a staff member at the Missions of Hope Mitangoni Center. But before MOHI became part of his family’s story, life was filled with uncertainty.

Before joining Missions of Hope International in 2021, Matano worked as a casual laborer within his community. The work was inconsistent, and providing for his family was a daily struggle. Keeping his children in school felt almost impossible. Over time, the weight of hardship and hopelessness led him into alcoholism and khat (a discouraged, but legal stimulant in Kenya) use, choices that took a toll on both his health and his family.

Education Opened the Door

Everything began to change when two of Matano’s children were enrolled at the MOHI Mitangoni Center.

The school’s proximity to his home immediately eased financial pressure. Transportation costs were no longer a concern, and his children began receiving nutritious meals each day. More importantly, they gained access to quality education in a safe, consistent environment.

“In the previous school, my children walked home for lunch,” Matano explains. “Many times there was no food, and they were too hungry and tired to go back. They missed school many times.”

At MOHI, the difference was clear. His children were learning, eating well, and thriving.

Care for the Whole Family

Through the school, Matano’s children also gained access to medical care whenever they fell sick. For the first time, he no longer had to choose between seeking treatment and meeting other basic needs.

As his children were cared for physically and academically, Matano began to feel something he had not felt in a long time: hope. Education, nutrition, and medical care worked together to create stability for his family and open the door to deeper change.

A Turning Point of Faith

Around this same time, construction work was underway at the center, and Matano was offered casual labor. One afternoon, while chewing khat, he crossed paths with the head teacher. With compassion, she spoke to him about his life and invited him to consider surrendering his life to Christ.

“That conversation changed my life,” Matano remembers. “I was not leading a happy life, and a strong conviction urged me to change my ways.”

Not long after, Matano accepted Christ and began attending church services regularly. His journey of spiritual transformation had begun.

From Casual Laborer to Staff Member

When a vacancy opened for a school cook at the Mitangoni Center, Matano was selected. Joining MOHI as a staff member brought stability and dignity to his work, but it also nurtured his growing faith.

Daily staff devotions became a cornerstone of his spiritual growth. Day by day, his faith deepened as he learned, prayed, and walked alongside others committed to serving Christ through holistic ministry.

With a steady job, Matano can now provide for his family without the constant strain he once felt. His work schedule has helped him distance himself from old habits and friendships tied to addiction, supporting his ongoing recovery.

He has also joined MOHI Capital Limited, a MOHI initiative that equips families with financial literacy, savings skills, and access to microfinance loans, further strengthening his household’s long-term stability.

Gratitude and Shared Impact

Looking back, Matano is filled with gratitude.

“I thank God for MOHI,” he says. “They came to our community, gave my children access to education, gave me a good job, and most importantly, they helped me find Christ. My life and my whole family have been transformed.”

Stories like Matano’s are made possible through partnership. Because supporters pray, give, and walk alongside families in communities like Mitangoni, transformation reaches far beyond a classroom. It touches parents, strengthens families, and points hearts toward Christ.

An Invitation to Walk Together

As you reflect on Matano’s story, we invite you to pause and give thanks for the ways God works through holistic ministry. What began with education for his children grew into healing, stability, and a restored relationship with Christ for their entire family.

Please continue to pray for families in Mitangoni and across Kenya. Your prayers, encouragement, and partnership help create environments where transformation can take root and flourish.

How Sponsorship Makes Stories Like This Possible

Matano’s journey began when his children were given the opportunity to attend school.

Through child sponsorship, children receive access to education, daily meals, medical care, and spiritual nurture. Just as importantly, families gain stability and hope as they walk alongside a community that cares deeply for their children’s well-being.

When you sponsor a child, you are not only supporting a student. You are helping strengthen families and open doors for lasting transformation, just as you see in Matano’s story.

If you would like to learn more about child sponsorship and how you can be part of a story like this, we invite you to explore how sponsorship creates opportunity, dignity, and hope for children and families.