Life often presents us with unexpected challenges that test our strength and perseverance. This is the story of Wilberforce Achoka, whose journey took him from optimism to despair and, ultimately, to redemption.

Achoka’s story began with an unconventional romance that defied societal norms. He met his girlfriend at a friend’s gathering, despite being married with children. Despite the complexity of his circumstances, the connection was instant. Determined to legitimize their relationship, Achoka introduced his girlfriend to both his wife and their families.

“It was difficult, but I introduced her to my wife. I also met her family, and they gave me permission to marry her,” Achoka shared.

Driven by love and a desire to improve her future, Achoka invested significantly in his girlfriend’s education. Once a high school dropout due to teenage pregnancy, she expressed a strong desire to resume her studies. As a factory supervisor, Achoka supported her ambitions wholeheartedly.

“I got her back in school and ensured she advanced to college. After high school, I enrolled her at Utalii College for hotel management, starting with a certificate and later progressing to a diploma,” he explained.

Together, they navigated numerous challenges, building a relationship grounded in shared dreams and encouragement. Their journey took a pivotal turn when a friend informed Achoka about a lucrative job opportunity in Dubai. Believing it was a chance to improve their lives, Achoka spared no effort in making it happen.

He borrowed heavily, secured loans, and even paid over Sh800,000 in bribes to secure her placement. “Her starting salary was over Sh150,000, so I was confident the investment would pay off in a few months,” he said.

However, things didn’t go as planned. Once she reached Dubai, their relationship began to unravel. Communication dwindled, and when they did speak, tensions over money arose. The woman he had supported and believed in started to distance herself.

“Everything changed as soon as she got on that plane. We stayed in touch for three weeks, but after her first paycheck, things fell apart. When I asked about repaying the loans, her response exposed deeper issues,” Achoka recalled.

The fallout was devastating. Drowning in over a million shillings of debt, Achoka had to sell his car and four storage plots, marking a steep decline in his life. Consumed by stress and hopelessness, he attempted suicide twice and turned to alcohol, which led to losing his job and experiencing life-threatening incidents.

But life offered him a second chance. A near-death experience due to alcohol-related health issues became a turning point. After undergoing surgery and recovering, Achoka found new purpose in an unexpected role—he became a pastor.

Today, Achoka’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His transformation from despair to redemption serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope is always within reach.