Their Stories...

Mama Louis’ story is one of change, resilience and renewed hope. Living in Salgaa, her life took a new direction after members of the local church reached out to her and offered support. Through this connection, she was given an opportunity to work at the manufacturing facility - an opportunity that became a turning point for her and her family. Over the past three years, her work has brought stability and purpose into her life, helping her move away from the difficulties she once faced. Through this job, Mama Louis was able to support her daughter in completing high school and she now holds hope that her daughter will be able to attend college in the future. She has also seen positive changes within her family, including her daughter getting married and continues to recognise the impact that steady work and support have had on her life. Mama Louis expresses deep gratitude to the Bishop for opening the manufacturing facility and empowering the mamas by providing meaningful employment and new opportunities for the future.

Mama Jane’s story is one of perseverance, healing and gratitude. After learning about the church through missionaries in her community, she decided to attend and was deeply moved by the message she heard there, choosing to commit herself fully to a new path. At the time, Mama Jane was suffering from a serious illness caused by goitre and with support from the church she was sent to Nairobi Hospital, where she received surgery and treatment that changed her life. Following her recovery, she continued to stay connected with the community and was later given the opportunity to work at the manufacturing facility. Through this job, Mama Jane is able to pay her rent, support her children’s school fees and medical care for her leg. She is deeply thankful for the stability this work provides and takes pride in learning new skills, including sewing hoodies and t-shirts. While she hopes one day to open her own small business with the right support, she remains content and grateful for where she is now, expressing thanks to the Bishop and everyone who made this opportunity possible.

Maryann’s story is one of guidance, stability and renewed direction. After being invited by Magdy and Fr Anthony to connect with the community, she was given the opportunity to work at the manufacturing facility, an experience that marked a turning point in her life. This role has provided structure and purpose, helping her stay focused and away from negative influences she once faced. Maryann often reflects that without this opportunity, she is unsure where she might be today and she is deeply thankful for the direction it has brought. Although she did not previously have a strong connection to a community like this, she now feels supported and encouraged. Through her work, Maryann is able to cover her rent, provide food and help support her family, creating a more secure future for herself and her loved ones. She expresses sincere gratitude to the Bishop for opening the manufacturing facility and for the patience and support shown to her and others, recognising the positive impact this opportunity has had on her life.

Joyce’s story is one of resilience, patience and meaningful change. She was living in the market area and working as a waitress when she first became aware of the church in Salgaa through others in her community. Life during that time was unstable and Joyce faced serious challenges, including difficulty paying rent and becoming involved in situations that ultimately led to her arrest. After spending some time away in Nairobi, she returned to Salgaa to find that the community had grown and her children were already connected, even though she was not at first. With encouragement from her family and after stepping away from the life she had been living, Joyce chose to focus on rebuilding her life and caring for her children. After years of patience and persistence, she was given the opportunity to train and work at the manufacturing facility, joining in May 2025. Since then, she has found purpose in learning new skills in a supportive environment where she feels respected and encouraged. Through this work, Joyce is able to pay rent, provide food and clothing for her family and support her parents back home. Looking ahead, she hopes one day to open a small business to teach other girls these skills - freely, just as she was taught. Joyce is deeply grateful for the patience, kindness and opportunity she has been given and for the chance to build a better future for herself and her family.

Mama Sentrine’s story is one of compassion, opportunity and renewed purpose. She first became aware of the community through her daughter, Diana, and was deeply touched when members came to visit her home after the birth of her grandchild. Seeing the care and support they showed, Mama Sentrine decided to become more involved and learn more. Not long after, she was given the opportunity to work at the manufacturing facility - an opportunity that marked a meaningful turning point in her life. For many years, Mama Sentrine had dreamed of learning how to make hoodies and t-shirts and this role has allowed her to develop those skills while working in a supportive environment. As a widow who has been raising her children without a partner, this job has provided vital stability, helping her pay rent, care for her family and regain a sense of independence. She expresses deep gratitude to Bishop Paul for opening the manufacturing facility and extending this opportunity. She hopes that the work being done here will continue to support more families and create lasting impact for future generations.

Damaris’ story is one of purpose, patience and positive change. She originally came to Salgaa for business and during that time became aware of a growing community presence in the market. She was welcomed and encouraged to take part in activities that were beginning to form locally, long before the manufacturing facility was established. Over time, Damaris remained connected and committed, spending months learning new skills, including basic computer training and waiting patiently as plans developed. When the manufacturing facility eventually opened, she was given the opportunity to work there - an opportunity she describes as life-changing. Through this role, Damaris has found structure, focus and a supportive environment that helps her stay on a positive path. The job enables her to pay rent, cover school fees and provide food for her family, bringing stability and reassurance to her daily life. She takes pride in her work and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to grow, learn and contribute. Damaris hopes that by sharing her story, others will be encouraged to remain open to new opportunities, trust in God’s process and believe that meaningful change is possible even when the path forward is unclear.

Anne’s story is one of clarity, resilience and personal renewal. After moving to Salgaa from another town, she initially heard many rumours about the local church and felt unsure about what to believe. It wasn’t until she encountered Fr Anthony and Deacon Thomas preaching in the community that she became curious enough to attend with her friends. What she experienced challenged everything she had heard and she decided to continue coming - eventually even on her own. During this time, Anne was struggling financially and surviving by washing clothes for others, while facing daily exposure to negative influences in the streets. When the opportunity arose to work at the manufacturing facility, it marked a turning point in her life. This job provided stability, allowing her to pay rent, cover her bills and meet her basic needs - something that once felt impossible. With structure, support and a renewed sense of direction, Anne was able to step away from drug use and unhealthy habits that had previously put her life at risk. Today, she speaks with gratitude for the chance she was given, thanking Bishop Paul for bringing this opportunity to Salgaa. Anne hopes her story encourages young people to choose a healthier path, reminding them that real change is possible when they choose growth, faith, and purpose over destructive influences.

Lady’s story is one of resilience and renewal. Forced into marriage at just 17 to a man who was 85, she experienced years of instability, moving from place to place and struggling to find security and support. During the COVID lockdowns in Salgaa, Lady encountered a community that offered her food, care and a sense of belonging. With time and encouragement, she stepped away from her past, rebuilt relationships with her family and began creating a more stable life. Today, through her work at the manufacturing facility, Lady is able to support herself with dignity and independence. She takes pride in learning new skills, using industrial machines and building confidence in her English. Today, Lady is deeply grateful for the chance she has been given and hopes one day to save enough to start her own small business. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with patience, support and opportunity, even the most difficult past does not define a person’s future.

Florence’s story is one of restoration, belonging and renewed hope. For a long time, her life was marked by deep hardship - she was living outdoors, often sleeping in the forest, feeling lost and unsure of her place in the world. At that time, she had little connection to community or support and struggled to understand her own path forward. After noticing missionaries in Salgaa gathering, singing and supporting one another, Florence became curious and decided to attend a meeting to see what it was about. What she experienced there left a strong impression and for the first time in a long while, she felt welcomed and seen. Florence began attending regularly and chose to step away from the life she had been living. Over time, she found guidance, structure and encouragement, helping her rebuild both confidence and stability. Through her work at the manufacturing facility, Florence is now able to provide for her family - paying rent, buying food and ensuring her children attend school consistently. Today, she speaks with pride about how far she has come and hopes one day to open her own small business, empowering other women by teaching them skills such as making hoodies and t-shirts so they too can support themselves with dignity.

Mama Naomi’s story reflects guidance, growth and renewed stability. She first connected with the community when Fr Anthony visited her home and invited her to learn more about what was happening locally. Through these conversations, Mama Naomi became curious and chose to take part, gradually learning and finding encouragement along the way. Not long after, she was given the opportunity to work at the manufacturing facility - an important step that brought meaningful change to her life. Through this role, Mama Naomi has gained stability and independence, allowing her to pay rent, provide food and clothing, as well as care for herself with dignity. She speaks with deep appreciation for the support she has received and for the opportunity to rebuild her life in a positive, supportive environment. Mama Naomi expresses sincere thanks to Bishop Paul for opening the manufacturing facility and for the chance to be part of a place that has helped her move forward with confidence and hope.