A Life Touched by Mercy: Mathilde's Walk to Dignity.''

HABOGORIMANA Mathilde is a courageous woman and a proud beneficiary of the ITOTO Project, implemented by Rapha Global Wells and supported by the Kanyosha Incubator.

Born in Karusi and a mother of three, Mathilde carried deep wounds from abandonment and broken relationships. Her story echoes that of the Samaritan woman—marked by pain, yet redeemed by grace.

“I have lived a very difficult life. At my lowest point, I felt like God had abandoned me, but today I understand that I was still under His mercy.”

My first marriage failed, and my second relationship also collapsed. This man provided nothing for me, leaving me alone to care for my children. I survived by collecting charcoal, plastic bottles, and bones. Food and rent were constant struggles, yet even in those moments, God showed up—we never went to bed hungry.

When my second child was only 14 months old, I gave birth to my third. But when I returned home from the hospital, my partner had abandoned us. The pain was unbearable. I had no time to heal or rest; I had to survive for my children. In my suffering, I turned to alcohol, believing it would numb my pain, but it only made things worse.

I became irritable and overwhelmed. Even hearing my children call me “Mama” triggered anger, and I sometimes beat them. My firstborn was deeply traumatized. I completely neglected myself—my clothes were unwashed, and any money I earned went to alcohol. My poverty worsened. I reached a point where I had no shoes and walked barefoot. The weight of my struggles nearly broke my mind. I suffered from insomnia, and my youngest child was sick; his umbilical wound would not heal.

It was in this place of misery that I found RGW. From the moment I was enrolled, I knew it was God’s doing.

A Turning Point

On my first day at RGW, we were asked to pray for the sick. I had left my middle child at home ill and brought my youngest, who was also unwell. As prayers were lifted, both children were miraculously healed—even the one at home. I was astonished.

The first training session was on temperaments. For the first time, I began to understand myself, even though my problems were still heavy. I continued attending sessions, and little by little, my life began to change. I applied what I learned, and the transformation was visible.

My relationship with my children is being restored. I now recognize the pain I caused my firstborn. I take care of myself again—I bathe, wear clean clothes, and my mind is clearer. The prayers at RGW have been powerful in my life. I learned how to trust God.

One day, I realized I didn’t even own a pair of shoes. I prayed about it, and God answered. A young man noticed that I was barefoot, asked why, and after hearing my story, gave me money to buy shoes.

I am deeply grateful to RGW for their care and prayers. Today, I am respected in my community. I am no longer the abandoned, alcoholic woman people once knew. They see the change. I no longer turn to alcohol for comfort.

To anyone who feels hopeless, I want to tell you this: God is able to work miracles in your life.

RGW, thank you for your incredible work.