God’s Word does not return empty but accomplishes His purpose. Isaiah 55:11(ESV)

This is the testimony of Rebecca Mathii, a 100-year-old granny who lives with her daughter in law in a small stone walled house which she says is enough for her at her age. Her village rural area is mostly dry, sunny, and hot in the year but again the breeze of the dam is so refreshing. She is a farmer who rares dogs, cattle, and goats.

We captured Rebecca’s story during our End to End follow up in Embu County in February 2024.

“I was blessed with 15 children but only 5 are alive by now. The rest passed on because of illness when they were young, but I have always found comfort in God even when I did not know Him as my Savior. As a young mid aged woman, I had so many problems like lacking proper housing and beddings. I used to sleep on sacks with my family because of poverty and even though I knew God existed, I was so worldly. Later in life I came to experience God personally. In 2021, I became sickly and immobile and worst of all, I was in terrible pain, and I felt so lonely, but God had a plan. Mrs. Tabitha (our audio Bibles promoter) visited me and brought a gift! The Torch Bible!   I was so excited. I wanted to listen to the Kikamba Torch Bible, Word for word! It spoke my language and was such a source of refuge during that period.”

Rebecca puts on the Audio Bible which is hanged on her neck and says,” This is my best book in the Bible! The book of Luke has all that Jesus did. I get marvelled at it sharing all the miracles Jesus did in a deeper way. The healing ministry of Jesus in the Bible speaks to my life. I believe through the Word and prayer, miracles happen. I am a breathing miracle who witnessed healing because I have been healed after hearing of Jesus healing the Blind Bartimaeus. My feet got strength and I can walk. I also have been taught the place of giving as a Christian through the audio Bible to the point of giving towards construction of my home church!”

She goes on, “I have been referencing the Word in my daily conversations with people. I often say, “But the Bible says…” As I hold it loosely hanged around my neck.

There is unspeakable peace that has overshadowed my life because of listening to God’s word.  I would be so lonely had I not received such a gift! You know Church had been so difficult to attend. This Bible is my friend. I have no other but God. I feel Him near me like a friend speaking with me. I would probably be dead if I did not encounter the listening to God’s Word.”

What has been a difficult season for you? Susan asks. “Let me mention two things. One is when I lost my husband and soon later, I got an illness that made my legs swell. I could not move and if l did, I fell off. I was entirely in a dark pit. My house manager could not handle an old sick woman and she left as well. and oh, how I felt lonely, sad, and so helpless. How could I live without my life partner, the only person who I was left with since our kids got married? I felt nobody had problems like me before God came through and helped me through this Kamba TORCH BIBLE! Because the thought of being alone and lonely in my huge compound would have consumed me!”

When Rebecca is still sharing, her daughter in law smilingly approaches the house and she shared how much she was expecting the team and immediately, like she has literally been waiting to share says,” My name is Esther, and our mother here has loved us more since she started listening to the Word in this torch.” She narrates as tears wells up her eyes. ” She calls out for us to see us often and preach to us and reminds us to forgive one another when wronged. You understand in laws get to quarrel a lot, but we have taken her advise seriously since she says Jesus’ way is that of peace and quiet lives. This Word here is the bread of life. ”

Rebecca with finality says,” There is peace that comes with listening to the Word of God.”