Story of Grace
PAUL KAMAU
FROM GRASS TO GRACE
Farmer
PAUL KAMAU
Farmer
""May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit""
— Romans 15:13
A STORY OF TRANSFORMATION AND HOPE
Early Life
Extreme childhood poverty
My name is Paul Kamau. I was born and raised in a small village called Matumaini (Hope), in Molo, Kenya. I'm the first born of the late Simon Miugo and the late Miriam Wanjiku. I have two brothers called Antony Mwaniki and Benson Mbugua. My brother Anthony was born with cerebral palsy and is unable to speak.
As young children growing up we lived with our parents in extreme poverty. Our parents worked as casual labourers surviving on a day-to-day basis and there were times where they didn’t get any work and we would often go without food and struggle to pay our house rent or have the basic necessities like clothes and shoes. This meant that sometimes we would survive by begging from people and we also missed a lot of our early primary education. Life was not easy on our side, especially for me as the first born.
As young children growing up we lived with our parents in extreme poverty. Our parents worked as casual labourers surviving on a day-to-day basis and there were times where they didn’t get any work and we would often go without food and struggle to pay our house rent or have the basic necessities like clothes and shoes. This meant that sometimes we would survive by begging from people and we also missed a lot of our early primary education. Life was not easy on our side, especially for me as the first born.
Matumaini Rehabilitation Centre
Growing up in a children's home
In 2007 my mother became very sick and was admitted to hospital. Whilst our mother was sick and receiving hospital treatment our father was not able to take care of us so in 2008 we were taken to a nearby children’s home called Matumaini Rehabilitation Centre. Later in 2009 I was able to meet with Chris Saunders and he talked to me, met with my family and gave me hope and I started to feel like I'm now having family who love me from outside the children’s home.
The loss of our mother
Childhood grief
In 2010 we were supported to buy a small piece of land and in 2012 we received help to build a semi-permanent mud house which gave my family a glimmer of hope for the future. However shortly after this, in 2012 tragically my mother passed away when I was 13 years old, my brother Anthony was 9 years and Benson was just 7 years old. It was a truly sad and challenging time for us as our mother was giving us hope and true love but we lost her at a very young age. Following this, because of depression and stress our father became addicted to alcohol and began physically abusing and neglecting us. We were then taken back to Matumaini Rehabilitation Centre and through Heartbeat Africa and Chris Saunders I was able to return to my primary education.
Returning home
A lifeline through Heartbeat Africa
In 2013 we returned home to live on our land and through Heartbeat Africa Chris Saunders ensured that I completed my secondary education in 2018 with all my school fees and shopping requirements being provided. My brother Benson was also supported in his education and completed his secondary education in 2025.
Accepting Christ as my Saviour
Mentorship and discipleship
Throughout the time that I have known Chris Saunders he has shared the gospel with me in both his words and actions and has demonstrated the love of Christ to me and my family. In 2020 I made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour and was baptised in September 2020. Chris Saunders has become a father and mentor in my life and has taught me what it means to be a disciple of Christ. He has been there for me throughout every challenge that I and my family have experienced and has given us the love, hope and spiritual and practical guidance that we have needed.
My father returns home
Forgiveness and reconciliation
In 2024 my father came back home to ask us for forgiveness. As a Christian I knew the importance of forgiveness and my brothers and I were able to be reconciled with our father. However, shortly after our reconciliation our father sadly did not finish the year and he died in December 2024 with pneumonia and liver failure after taking alcohol for many years.
College education
Graduated December 2025
In 2025 I graduated from college with a certificate in General Agriculture. Through the skills and training that I have received I am now able to support my younger brothers and have recently begun poultry farming and growing several different crops. May God bless Heartbeat Africa and all those who supported me and my family for so many years!
Miracle of a new house
God's provision
By 2024 the condition of our mud house that was built in 2012 had become very dangerous and was at risk of collapsing at any point. The wooden posts had been eaten by termites and the house was sinking and leaning to one side. It was very dangerous but God was protecting us.
In 2025 we experienced an incredible miracle! Through the generosity of many people and Heartbeat Africa we have now been provided with a beautiful permanent house where we can live comfortably and safely for many years to come. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank each and every person who supported us with our new home – you have truly transformed our lives!
In 2025 we experienced an incredible miracle! Through the generosity of many people and Heartbeat Africa we have now been provided with a beautiful permanent house where we can live comfortably and safely for many years to come. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank each and every person who supported us with our new home – you have truly transformed our lives!
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