A letter from our founder
Jambo (Welcome),
It is my privilege to introduce you to the work of Matumaini Ministries. Founded by Dr. Sean DeNike in 2014, Matumaini Ministries—meaning hope in Swahili—exists to partner with local churches, pastors, and families to share the hope of Jesus Christ with the greater community. The year 2024 marks the 20th year of partnership with the church in Masai land.
Matumaini Ministries remains grounded in its mission to build the local church by raising up and empowering pastors and leaders through the power of the Word of God. This is accomplished by hosting pastor and leadership conferences and partnering with the International School of Ministry (ISOM) to bring biblical studies curriculum to Masai land. Over the past 10 years, 279 pastors and leaders have been trained in Masai land. ISOM provides a desperately needed biblical curriculum to grow pastors in wisdom and knowledge of Scripture while equipping them with tools for ministry growth. The average age of churches in Masai land is just 3–5 years (a 10-year-old church is considered very old!), which means the leadership is still young in their Christian walk. A gift of $100 fully trains a pastor in this material, equipping them for their ministry work.
Matumaini Ministries is also deeply involved in community development projects, working in and through area schools. We believe the greatest “treasure” in a community is its children. The ministry is blessed to have a full-time pastor, Sumare Kisipan, who travels to various communities, churches, and schools. Pastor Kisipan not only encourages children in their education but also shares the Good News of Jesus Christ. If you want to change a culture, it starts with the children. We are now in the fifth year of the “Christ in Action” sports program, which brings schools from three communities together for soccer matches and provides a platform for the gospel to be proclaimed. During just one game last year, 26 youths gave their hearts and lives to Jesus at a Matumaini Ministries “Christ in Action” sports event.
The education of young girls has been a priority for Matumaini Ministries since its inception. The “Daughters of Hope” program provides girls the opportunity to complete their high school education. Most families in Masai land live in poverty (earning $3 a day) or extreme poverty (earning $1 a day), making it nearly impossible for them to send their children to school. The cost of full tuition, room, and board is $600 a year. I am thrilled to share that all 20 girls in the program are fully funded for the 2025 school year. The average age of marriage for Masai girls is between 14–16 years old, with some even younger being married off by their fathers to reduce financial strain and secure a dowry. This program is making a tangible difference. Former participants are now pursuing higher education, including university and technical training. Two graduates have become teachers and returned to remote areas of Masai land to educate the next generation and stand for Christ in their schools and communities. The “Daughters of Hope” program is a testament to how many can come together to impact one life—and how one life can be changed forever.
Thank you very much (Asante Sana) for your time, interest, and partnership with Matumaini Ministries—for the glory of Jesus Christ!
Grace and Peace,
Dr. Sean DeNike
Founder & President, Matumaini Ministries