“I tell you the truth. If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “move from here to there” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20-21

By: Jane Muthoni Irungu.

Jane and her daughters Eunice and Margaret

I got married in 1992 against my family’s wishes. They did not think that my boyfriend was a good man. However, I loved him very much and did not listen to their misgivings which I thought were based on their prejudice against people in the “matatu” industry.

I got my first born daughter Eunice Wangui in 1994 and the second born Margaret Wangari in 1999.Apart from the initial two years before the birth  of my children, I cannot say that I was ever happy in my marriage. My husband was very brutal to me and even to the children. He was also very suspicious and used to accuse me quite often of unfaithfulness.

On 29^th April 2006, I had gone to Jubilee Church for a women’s conference. I got back late and my husband was very annoyed and made a lot of noise claiming that I had gone to see other men. A few days later on the 1^st of May2006, he packed all his things and left our rented home.

I was very shocked by his desertion. Even though we were having problems I still thought we would work them out together. I could not believe that I could be left all alone by my husband. How would I cope? How would I raise my children all alone? I felt bitter that my husband had spoiled my life only to dump me with two children. He had left me with a huge rent bill and I had to pay school fees for my children who were then in an academy. I fell into depression and around Easter the following year, I was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital. I had very high blood pressure and was unable to breathe properly

Since my husband left, I had been unable to go to work sometimes because of my depression and as a result lost my job. I am grateful to my brothers because they supported me financially at this time. They also paid the hospital bill and two months counselling sessions with a psychologist at Kenyatta National Hospital.  I used to attend a session per week with Dr. Otieno and this really helped me. At the end of the period I felt able to cope and also to look for a job.

I overcame my depression gradually. I heard later that my husband got married again and they started another family. He never bothers about our children.

Now that I have healed I have seen how abusive my marriage had been. He used to shout at us and even beat the children without any reason whatsoever. I used to meet most of the bills. At home we used to talk even in whispers so as not to annoy him. He would always wonder about what we were talking or laughing about. “Put off the Television” he would order, or “Go to sleep”. It is a mixed blessing now that the three of us can talk and laugh as we please and even when money is short we use what is available and enjoy it in peace.

In everything, I have learnt to trust in God and I know God does great things for those who trust in him.

I f you believe, God can move mountains. I can say that because I have witnessed many miracles in my life. For example, last year I was shot during a robbery when I was coming from work. My bag with all the documents inside was stolen. I fainted and was taken to Kiambu Hospital but thank God because even though I got a lot of bruising, the bullet did not badly damage my head. My face just got grazed.

One should not depend wholly on another human being. It is only God who can be fully trusted. He will never leave you, no matter what happens. I am looking up to Him to take care of my needs as well as those of my children.  I know that with Him I am able.

This article first appeared in the March – April  2010 issue of Woman of Faith magazine.

Copyright Woman of Faith Magazine. All rights reserved. For comments write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it