The life journey of Nathaniel Lesso—now a pastor at Sena Pefa Church and Deputy Principal of Gethsemane Garden Academy (GGA)—is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of opportunity, faith, and intervention. His story, rooted in hardship and redeemed through education and spiritual renewal at Gethsemane Garden Christian Centre (GGCC), reflects the enduring power of generosity and vision.
Nathaniel was born into a family that moved to Uganda in 1998, driven by economic hardship. His father, a devoted pastor and close friend of GGCC founder Naftali Mattah, was a man of great faith but limited means. Unable to afford formal education for his children, Nathaniel found himself repeating Grade 7 for two years, clinging to hope for a future that seemed out of reach. When all doors to secondary school closed, he spent four difficult years as a fisherman on Sigulu Island—an experience etched in his memory, including surviving a boat capsizing on Lake Victoria.
Everything changed in 2007, during a trip to Kenya for his grandfather’s burial. At a night vigil, Nathaniel heard a sermon based on 2 Timothy 2:19 that stirred something deep within him. That night marked his spiritual rebirth—a “turnaround,” as he calls it. Encouraged by his uncle to stay in Kenya, Nathaniel re-entered school, starting over at Grade 6 at Wakiangata Primary School—despite being 24 years old. Undeterred by the late start and age gap, he pressed on with remarkable resilience.
His hard work paid off. In 2009, Nathaniel scored 347 marks on the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), earning a place at Gethsemane Garden High School (GGHS) in 2010. At GGCC, his life began to flourish. He immersed himself in the Christian Union, playing keyboard in the praise and worship team, and soon emerged as a leader. His teachers recognized his integrity and influence, electing him as school president from 2012 to 2013.
The life journey of Nathaniel Lesso—now a pastor at Sena Pefa Church and Deputy Principal of Gethsemane Garden Academy (GGA)—is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of opportunity, faith, and intervention. His story, rooted in hardship and redeemed through education and spiritual renewal at Gethsemane Garden Christian Centre (GGCC), reflects the enduring power of generosity and vision.
Nathaniel was born into a family that moved to Uganda in 1998, driven by economic hardship. His father, a devoted pastor and close friend of GGCC founder Naftali Mattah, was a man of great faith but limited means. Unable to afford formal education for his children, Nathaniel found himself repeating Grade 7 for two years, clinging to hope for a future that seemed out of reach. When all doors to secondary school closed, he spent four difficult years as a fisherman on Sigulu Island—an experience etched in his memory, including surviving a boat capsizing on Lake Victoria.
Everything changed in 2007, during a trip to Kenya for his grandfather’s burial. At a night vigil, Nathaniel heard a sermon based on 2 Timothy 2:19 that stirred something deep within him. That night marked his spiritual rebirth—a “turnaround,” as he calls it. Encouraged by his uncle to stay in Kenya, Nathaniel re-entered school, starting over at Grade 6 at Wakiangata Primary School—despite being 24 years old. Undeterred by the late start and age gap, he pressed on with remarkable resilience.
His hard work paid off. In 2009, Nathaniel scored 347 marks on the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), earning a place at Gethsemane Garden High School (GGHS) in 2010. At GGCC, his life began to flourish. He immersed himself in the Christian Union, playing keyboard in the praise and worship team, and soon emerged as a leader. His teachers recognized his integrity and influence, electing him as school president from 2012 to 2013.
Beyond academics and spiritual growth, GGCC also nurtured Nathaniel’s athletic potential. Recognizing his natural ability, then–Deputy Principal Mr. Eliud Kiche Ojwang recruited him to join the newly formed volleyball team. What began as raw talent quickly developed into skill; within months, Nathaniel became a core player.
Under his leadership, the GGHS volleyball team rose to prominence, winning the Mfangano championship title four years in a row and advancing to the provincial level. His standout performances earned him a place at Asumbi Teachers College (TTC), where he continued to excel in volleyball—helping his team win the 2016 Kenyan Inter-Colleges Volleyball Championship.
Yet Nathaniel’s story extends far beyond his individual accomplishments.
Tragically, his mother drowned in Lake Victoria while en route to a church service. In the aftermath of this profound loss, GGCC founders Naftali and Nerea Mattah stepped in with compassion and purpose. They welcomed all of Nathaniel’s younger siblings into the GGCC family. This act of mercy and provision, Nathaniel affirms, transformed not only his life but that of his entire family.
Today, two of his sisters are pursuing higher education—one at a university and another at the Kenya Medical Training College. One of them is fully sponsored by GGCC. Their increased access to education has brought newfound financial stability, allowing Nathaniel to help support his sister’s university journey. Meanwhile, his three younger brothers are thriving at GGCC: one is in Form 2 at GGHS, and two are enrolled in GGA, in Grades 8 and 5.
Where once there was emptiness and uncertainty, Nathaniel has now rebuilt. He has overseen the construction of a modern home for his family, offering comfort and stability. “The light of the Lord is shining in my home,” he shares, a living testimony to the truth of Isaiah 43:18–19.
He credits GGCC—and the vision, sacrifice, and support of its founders, sponsors, and teachers—with orchestrating his family’s remarkable turnaround.
Nathaniel Lesso’s journey—from a life of struggle on the shores of Lake Victoria to his current leadership roles—stands as a powerful narrative of redemption and hope. It also demonstrates how targeted investments in education and faith can bring about generational transformation, echoing the impact of GGCC far beyond the classroom and into the legacy of a restored family.