I am Susan Kathure, the stem staff at Kitale and Kapenguria CUs.
I joined STEM with many expectations among them including growth in all aspects of my life. In my introverted nature, it has never been easy to initiate conversations. It was my desire to grow meaningful relationships with students, associates, partners, and colleagues for effective ministry. I thank God for my growth and improvement in my interpersonal, public speaking, personal organization, and communication skills. Engaging with students on matters affecting them in various aspects of their lives came in so handy in shaping my listening skills. God used the students to teach me to listen with an open and empathetic heart.
In the beginning, the eight months of STEM seemed like such a long time. Looking back, it was such a short time of great opportunities to learn and unlearn, train and be trained, mentor and preach the gospel. I have bonded with the students in North Rift Region and more closely with those in Kitale and Kapenguria CUs. I am convinced that these moments have shaped me into a better student and teacher of the word of God and put Christ at the center of every teaching. I believe that each skill and value acquired during my STEM Journey will help me be a better fit in God’s service in each and every sphere of influence now and in the future.
I have learned patience with other people and myself. Throughout the STEM journey, it has been a journey of embracing people of different personalities. This was greatly facilitated by a reflection from 1 Kings 3:9 during our staff devotions where Solomon asks God for wisdom to lead God’s great people. This gave me the conviction that I am serving God’s people and I should do that with a lot of patience.
I am grateful to God for my family, teammates, associates, students, and partners whom without, my STEM journey wouldn’t be a success. Their prayers and financial support throughout my STEM journey were beneficial. May the cups of my partners never run out but have an overflow. May they also never tire to support the ministry. I will forever be indebted for the opportunity to serve among students in FOCUS Kenya. I pray that the ministry to students will always bear fruits in institutions of higher learning and in the whole society at large.
A special prayer goes to my team leader for being very present and resourceful throughout my STEM Journey. May our good Lord renew his strength every morning and the zeal and dedication and the labor in God’s vineyard be highly rewarded. May God keep providing to FOCUS and expand the ministry among students.
Shalom.
