Redefining the Future

“If it were not for Missions of Hope International, I would not be where I am today and my children would not be in school,” Lucy says.

Lucy is a mother of seven and a security guard at Missions of Hope Kargi Center in northern Kenya. She recalls her rough beginning before MOHI transformed her life. Before she discovered MOHI, she lived with her family in another town, far away from Kargi Center. When she was in Grade 8, her education was cut short, and she was forced into an early marriage. This is a norm and a part of her culture, whereby girls are married at an early age because they are seen as a source of wealth to their families. Getting married means their parents receive a bride price from the spouse's family, which includes sheep, goats, cows, or camels, depending on the agreement. So when Lucy came of age, the village elders and her parents came together and arranged for her to marry an older man.

What hurt her most was that she would never return to school. Previously, she had hope for her future. She envisioned herself exploring the world, having pursued education at higher levels. But from the turn of events, her dreams were shattered, and she was obligated to be a wife. The older man she married had another wife, so Lucy was the second wife. Years later, Lucy’s marriage broke due to constant disputes between her, her co-wife and her husband. As a consequence, Lucy was forced to leave her marital home. She and her children moved to Kargi town to live with her parents and siblings. 

Lucy felt hopeless, she was now a single mother with no job, no money and no property. Lucy decided she needed to look for a job to fend for her family. She found a job as a domestic worker, fetching water. Though she earned a salary of as little as $12 per month, she survived, making sure it catered to her children’s upkeep. 

“I have made a lot of sacrifices so that my children can go to school. My children and I often go to eat with my parents so that I can save for their education. I value education, and I want my children to pursue it further than I could because I was denied that chance.”

Lucy’s income was not enough. She needed to look for a job with higher pay. She managed to get another job as a cook at a local primary school, where she earned a monthly salary of $31. Lucy stretched her earnings as far as she could and would save half of it every month. 

When she was a cook, it became a challenge when schools closed because she would be out of a job. During this time, she would be idle, earning no income to feed her family. It was at this point that a MOHI social worker discovered her and enlightened her about the support MOHI could give her. Lucy then asked the social worker if there were any open positions at MOHI that she could fill. He promised to update Lucy when something came up.

After some time, a security guard position opened up, and the social worker remembered the promise he made to Lucy. Lucy applied for the job, went for an interview, and a few days later, she was employed as a security guard. This opportunity also opened doors for her children, as some of them study at MOHI. They are happy to benefit from a quality Christian education, nutritious meals, access to medical care and the opportunity to hear the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ. She is grateful to God for coming through at a time when she was battling never-ending challenges.

Lucy vows never to marry her daughters at an early age. She has decided to break that generational pattern stemming from her culture. She looks forward to the day her children will go to university and pursue careers of their choice. 

Lucy also shares that she has grown spiritually and that before MOHI, she didn’t know Christ. She says, “When I came to MOHI, my relationship with God was nurtured. I learned how to pray and ask God to provide for my needs.”

She has now found peace in her life, knowing that God will always come through for her. 

“I am thankful to God that MOHI offered me support when I needed it most.” She never thought that she would one day be as empowered as she is now. Lucy is hopeful that Missions of Hope International will continue holding her hand till her children complete their studies and pursue their dreams.

Lucy’s story is a powerful reminder of how transformation begins with hope—and often, it starts with a single opportunity. When you sponsor a child through Missions of Hope International, you help open doors for children like Lucy’s to receive an education, experience the love of Christ, and pursue a brighter future. Your support can be the turning point in a family’s story. Sponsor a child today.