My Story –From Curse to Blessing, from Death to Life.

Amazing Grace That Saved a Wretch Like Me

Early Childhood, School Life and Struggles

My name is David Maina. I’m 35 years old, and I was born in Korogocho, Nairobi, one of the biggest slums in Kenya.I grew up in a humble family, and my dad was a Christian. During my childhood, he would take us to church, which was a traditional church (Akórino). It was a spiritual church where they wore turbans on their heads and long dresses. They believed that other churches were going to hell and that through their garments they were holy. In our family, you could not miss a church service — if you did, you were in a hot soup. I had no option but to go to church. 

As a child, I would lead other children in songs during Sunday school. My dad was a tough man. It was in the year 1999 when I first ran away from home due to several beatings from my dad. I ran to my uncle, but when I got there, I found he had already shifted where he lived. So, I had to return home — but I discovered my dad was already looking for me. In class five, I ran away from home again, this time to the streets, because of the beatings. I felt I wasn't loved, so I chose the street life. 

In my primary school, I kept running away from home and going to sleep in the street. But my life changed when I joined a boarding school in Form 2. I was influenced by peer pressure, and my behavior changed. I would run from school and go to the club and come back at midnight. I started stealing other pupils’ textbooks and selling them, until one day I was caught and suspended from the school.

My First Big Theft

I remember after being expelled from school one day, I planned to go back to school and steal textbooks. I borrowed a watch from my friend and that evening I went to the club, and at midnight I boarded a matatu to my school. I entered the school through the fence, went to the classes, and stole textbooks.The classes were down and the dormitory up, and there was no security because the school was in Ridgeways, a place known for rich people. But for me, I had gotten a sponsorship—I paid only 6000 Ksh per term. The school had rich kids and even a swimming pool, but I came from the slums.My dad used to give me 200 Ksh as pocket money, sugar, chocolate, and small Blue band. It wasn’t enough. Within two weeks I had nothing. It made me steal from my fellow students. I would break their boxes and open their padlocks with a wire.That night, I entered the school and stole the textbooks undetected and went out. I walked for 3 hours from Ridge ways to Korogocho with a bag full of textbooks.

God’s Warning Through Gideon

When I reached home in the slum, I tried to climb over a wooden fence but it broke, and the neighbours woke up and shouted, “Thief!” I had to run away.I went to my friend Wycliffe, and to my surprise, another friend Gideon was there. Gideon later told me that when I came that night, God spoke to him. At first, I thought God only spoke to people in the Old Testament. But Gideon explained in detail everything I had done—the watch, the time I went, and how I stole the books. I had told no one about it, but God revealed it to him.He told me God had warned me not to steal again. I was shocked and knelt down in repentance. I could not return the books, so I sold them—which is funny—but I stopped stealing.

A Narrow Escape from Death

Time passed, and I forgot and went back to my behaviour. I started gambling, and I planned to steal a cart from my dad’s friend. But when I tried, a man caught me, and he sent for security. At that time, the Mungiki sect acted as security, and I had seen them kill a boy for stealing.I knew my life was about to end. I ran towards the backyard, but the space was too small. Yet somehow, I passed through—it was a miracle. The man shouted “Thief! Thief!” and others chased me. A man even tried to cut me with a panga, but he missed.I ran for my dear life that day. By God’s grace, I escaped. Twice God saved me from death.

Life in the Village

Because of the danger in Nairobi, my dad sent me upcountry. But instead of changing, I became worse. I started drinking alcohol, smoking bhang, and cigarettes. I was the most notorious kid in school.Slowly, I stopped smoking cigarettes because I feared addiction. I stopped bhang because it made me act crazy. I thought I would become mentally ill.

My High School Struggles

In my high school life, most of the time I was sent home because of school fees, and I spent a lot of time at home. I missed many classes and fell behind in my studies due to lack of school fees.My grandmother also struggled to support us. Every evening, we would eat ugali and tea with very little milk. Most of the time, we didn’t have lunch. If we got something to eat, it was usually boiled potatoes. For dinner, ugali and tea were the only meals we had.What helped me survive was the food we got at school. There, we took tea and sometimes ate a balanced diet. 

But still, I studied with a lot of hardship in high school. If I could count the actual years I attended, it was like only two years instead of four. I was left behind in the syllabus. When I reached Form Four, my final year, I changed my behavior and became more serious in my studies. By then, God had blessed my dad and he managed to pay the whole year’s school fees. I woke up every day at 4:00 am to study at school and went home late, around 10:00 pm, after evening studies. I tried my best, but unfortunately, it was too late because I had missed so much school. In primary school, I had been a bright boy. I was always among the top five in my class.  But because of financial struggles and missed classes, I didn't perform well in high school.  After high school, I lost hope of joining college because we were financially unstable. I had to find a way to work and survive.

 The Turning Point

After finishing my final exam in high school, we had planned for party. I went with friends to a club in Karatina. But inside, the Mungiki sect was waiting for us. They robbed people of phones, money, and even shoes. I was afraid and prayed to God to keep me safe. I promised Him that if He did, I would give Him my life. God kept His promise. I wasn't harmed or nothing was stolen from me. He protected me until morning.

My Encounter with God

The next day I came back to Nairobi. That Saturday I went around looking for a church and found one. On Sunday, I attended. During the worship session, I cried and repented to God for all the bad things I had done to my parents and others. The Holy Spirit convicted me of my sins. I wept and asked God for mercy, and I promised Him I would change my life. That was the beginning of my walk with God. 

Serving God in the Church (2010)

I became a Christian in 2010 and I started serving God at the church. Every fellowship and overnight kesha I never missed. When the church required any help, I was there. I was faithful in serving God in all areas. I would wash the pastor’s car, slash grass, and wash the church.I was promoted as a church caretaker, and I would wash the church and prepare for Sunday services and mid-day fellowship. I also joined the praise and worship team. During my stay in the church, I would spend the whole day in the church reading the Bible.

Family Struggles

During this time, my family was in need and went through a lot of struggles. We would lack money to pay house rent. Sometimes we were evicted, and sometimes we lacked even food to eat. My dad was fired from the church because he was accused of stealing money. Life became so hard for us.I prayed to God to change the situation in my family, but nothing happened. I would spend the whole night crying to God to bless us and take us out of the slum, but my prayers were unanswered. I fasted, but nothing happened.

Questioning My Faith

I wondered what was wrong, and that’s when I started reading the Bible to find out the answers. As I read, I found out it was because of disobedience. I was immature in faith and tried to obey God in order to obtain blessing from him. but it was a wrong approach and mentality. The situation got worse. That’s when I started doubting the sermons at the church. They said if I obeyed God, fasted, and gave tithe, God would bless me. I did all that, but nothing changed. So, I decided to read the Bible myself and find out the truth. I prayed to God to give me the answers. Why did i do all the things i was taught to do but he didn't bless me. Prosperity gospel was preached in our church, and I began to doubt were they teaching the true doctrine. I asked God so many questions and i asked him for answers.

 Meeting the Missionary

One day, when I was walking in the slums, I met a friend of mine named John. He told me there were some Japanese who were offering a job, and on Friday they had organized Bible seminar. He took my names and gave me the direction where the seminar would be held. I decide to go not to seek God but to get a job. On Friday, I went to the location, and that was when I first met an Asian man named Papa from South Korea. He was a missionary sent to Kenya. He had organized a Bible seminar for youth every week on Friday and Saturday.

 Discovering the Truth

I started attending his seminars, and all the questions I was asking God were answered. Through him, I learnt the Bible, and realized we do not serve God for Him to bless us. Jesus did not come to make us rich and wealthy. He came to save us from our sin. Many seek Jesus for the wrong motive—to bless them and change their lives. But that’s not true. We should seek Him because He is our God and King. We should serve Him, love Him, and desire to be transformed into His likeness. We should put our faith in Him because only through Him we can receive eternal life. 

My Calling and Ministry Journey

I had to change my church; I joined Eltoto Ministry. Through Eltoto Ministry, I was taught the true doctrine of the Word of God. After one year of growth and discipleship, I became a volunteer, preaching the Word of God at dumpsites, to street children, and in schools. I became very devoted to the ministry’s mission, and they trusted me with responsibilities. Every week I had a schedule:

• Monday – I preached to the disabled community from Tanzania. (Luke 14:13 – “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…”)
• Tuesday – I went to the dumpsite to share the Word. (Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”)
• Thursday – I preached in primary schools. (Matthew 19:14 – “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”)
• Friday – I ministered to street boys. (Matthew 25:40 – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”)
• Saturday – I returned to the dumpsite for evangelism.

I also became a member of the praise and worship team. Through serving, I grew spiritually and in knowledge of the Bible. I began to understand the Word of God deeply. We went on missions to different parts of Kenya, where I often served as a translator and was even given opportunities to preach. I also joined international missions in Uganda and Tanzania. Later, the ministry began sending me out as a missionary.

• I was sent to Kilifi for two months.
• Later, to Kapsabet for one month.
• After that, I was sent to Tana River, a Muslim-dominated community. where i serve for three years as leading pastor even though i have not become one.

It has now been 15 years since I joined Eltoto Ministry. Two years ago, I was sent again to Tana River, this time to be in charge of a church in Ijara, near the Somali border. I served there for two years, ministering in a Muslim-dominated area that was constantly under the threat of Al-Shabaab attacks. Despite the risks, I continued to serve the church courageously. (Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”)My ministry continues to be guided by the Great Commission:

(Matthew 28:19–20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”)

My Calling and Seminary Education

From a young age, I knew God had called me to be a pastor. Even in high school, despite my stubbornness, my fellow students often called me “pastor” whenever I shared the Word of God. I had a deep desire to join seminary, but financial challenges stood in the way. Although I did not perform as well as I had hoped in high school, earning an average grade of D+, I never gave up. I knew that with determination, God’s grace, and the right environment, I could excel in seminary. I had always been bright during my primary school years, and I carried that hope forward. My dream was to begin with a certificate in theology, then progress to a diploma, degree, and ultimately a master’s level. By God’s providence, I connected with Saddleback Church online, where a small group supported me in joining International Leadership University. I enrolled in the Certificate program in Theology and, by God’s help, graduated with an A - (Minus). I enrolled in the Diploma in Theology program.

Considered as Curse by Family Members but God Change to Blessing

But my story does not end there. I was once considered an outcast in my family. Some even cursed me, saying I would die young and be buried before my time. They saw me as a curse. But last Saturday, during a family gathering, I stood before those same people and preached the Word of God. From curse to blessing, from grass to grace — only God could do this! He has lifted me up, turned my shame into honor, and set my feet on solid ground.Today, I live with the conviction that I am no longer a curse but a blessing to my family, to the church, and to the generations to come.

.My vision is to continue to degree level and, in God’s time, pursue a master’s degree, so that I may defend the Gospel and preach the truth of God’s Word faithfully. If anyone feels led by God to walk with me in this journey — through prayer, encouragement, or even scholarship support — I welcome you.

 Together, we can advance the Gospel and bring glory to God. All the glory belongs to the Lord who has lifted me from the pit and set me apart for His work. Truly, from curse to blessing, from grass to grace — this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.  

My Vision

 My vision is to start a ministry focused on evangelism in the slums, reaching the lost with the Gospel of Christ. I believe that through my story, many people can find hope, encounter God’s grace, and be transformed. I desire to dedicate my life to preaching the true Gospel and raising disciples who will impact generations. 

Conclusion

Looking back at my life, I see the hand of God in every situation. From the streets of Korogocho to serving as a missionary, God has been faithful. I believe He has called me to be His servant, to preach His Word with boldness, and to shepherd His people. It is my prayer that He will continue to guide me as I pursue my calling in ministry.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those who stood with me in this journey: Missionary Judy and David Kwak, Global Men Fellowship, Deborah, Raphael, Jr. Lopez, and Gina. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your love, prayers, and support.