Unshaken - You Helped a Desperate Mother Find Stability in Chaos

Thick clouds hung low over the Kawangware slum as darkness crept in faster than usual.“Not much farther now,” Akinyi told her two sons following close behind. In truth, she was reassuring herself. The journey home was long, but the little food she had collected was worth every weary mile. Her nine-month-old slept soundly in her arms despite the noise of motorbikes and city buses.

Balancing carefully across a rickety bridge, Akinyi ducked through a small gap in the tin fence and stepped into the narrow alley leading home. But something was wrong. Even in the fading light, she could see the fabric curtain at her doorway moving. Her door was wide open.

Her heart raced. “I always lock the door,” she thought. She motioned for her boys to stop and slowly approached. As she drew closer, she realized why she could see farther into her house than usual. There was no door at all. Her landlord had removed it. It was his message: You haven’t paid rent. It’s time to leave.

That night, Akinyi hung blankets over the empty doorway to keep out the cold and rain. She prayed for a miracle.

When Everything Fell Apart

Rent in the slum costs around $25–$30 per month—a nearly impossible sum for many. When Akinyi’s husband abandoned the family without warning, her world collapsed. She tried to provide for her children with small, inconsistent jobs, but the math never worked. Feed her sons or pay rent? The choice was heartbreaking, but clear.

That’s when Akinyi met the team from Vapor Ministries. They listened to her story and immediately went to work. Your generosity made it possible for Vapor to pay her back rent, ending the harassment and restoring her security. Soon after, team members helped her relocate to a safer, more affordable home closer to the Vapor center.

Today, Akinyi collects more than 250 liters of clean water each week from the Ruth Well at Vapor. Because of your partnership, Akinyi now earns food through dignified work at the center - cleaning, washing clothes, and tending gardens that you helped make possible. Her hands are busy, and her heart is full again.

Faith Restored

“I used to walk about 15 miles just to get a little food from well-wishers,” Akinyi said. “They only gave it out on Sundays, so I couldn’t go to church for a long time. I began to backslide in my faith. Now I’ve been able to return to worship.”

Her children attend Vapor’s discipleship league several times a week, learning about a Father who will never leave or forsake them. When medical needs arise, your generosity allows Vapor to help cover their expenses.

“I want to thank you for how you are helping me and my family,” Akinyi said. “Because of the food I receive for my work, any other money I earn can go toward rent and school fees.”

Because of You

You are the reason Akinyi’s story didn’t end in despair. Every week, your compassion brings food, water, and the hope of Christ to families just like hers. You are helping them find stability in chaos and hope in despair.

Akinyi asked if she could sing a song of blessing for you. She wants you to know that Jesus loves you, the children in her community, and everyone at Vapor. She prays that you are blessed in abundance and says she and her family love you as well!

Thank you for standing with her, and with so many others, through your partnership with Vapor Ministries. To give a year-end gift, click here or contact Bethaney Roland at broland@vaporministries.org.