The Lake Rift Region.
As recorded in our History book, The Mustard, the beginnings of the Ministry of FOCUS were indeed humble. One of the founding fathers, Professor Kinoti, once said they had no thought for any grand thing when they began! They were simply obedient followers of the Lord, seeking ways to do effective ministry. The establishment of the ministry of FOCUS was an answer to the prayers of students and graduates all over the world in the early 50s.
November 12th stands as a remarkable testament to God’s transformative work among us. On this day, we launched the Lake Rift Region, encompassing six counties: Kisii, Nyamira, Homabay, Migori, Kericho, and Bomet. The new region is experiencing growth in the number of students and institutions we are able to reach. The new region hosts 20 Christian Unions with over 10,000 students and 500 dedicated associates. It has 2 Campus Ministry Facilitators (CMF) and 5 Short Term Experience in Ministry (STEM) Staff dedicated to student ministry. Kisii University Christian Union hosted the Launching Ceremony of the Region.
This makes the 8th FOCUS Region. Pray with us as we stretch with the expansion of the student’s ministry opportunities in the country.
Send the light
It is an open secret that a majority of the Kenyan rural evangelization has been done by Students in Universities and Colleges. In the last three months, 2,122 Christian Union students were involved in 22 missions nationwide reaching over 20,000 people with the gospel and bringing 3,864 converts to the faith. Oh, how beautiful are their feet!
In a partnership between FOCUS and Christ is the Answer Ministries, we launched the LIGHT (Least Reached, Integral, Gospel-centred, Homegrown, Transformative) Program. The vision of the program is to Raise a generation of highly focused, effective, and passionate local and global missionaries” through “building the capacity of students, staff, associates, and church youth for effective cross-cultural missions through training, mentorship, and exposure.”
The program has brought together 10 students for induction training at the FOCUS center. They were sent off on a mission assignment in six CITAM mission stations in Samburu and Marsabit counties from 12th to 23rd July 2024. We pray with them for fruitful moments of exposure, formation, and fruitfulness. We invite you to join us in praying with them that the program bears fruit for the glory of God.
Please read the experiences, expectations, and prayers of Bonface, Ruth, and Anyango for your information and prayers.
It is my delight to be part of the LIGHT program. Having been posted in Archers post-Samburu, it is been an eye-opener on God’s diverse creation and love. I am delighted to interact with Samburu and Rendile communities for the gospel in Sunday fellowship, manyatta fellowships, and visitations among many more cultural engagements to spread the gospel. I look forward to hearing God’s clear call for long-term missionary work.
Bonface M Kamunyo, Archers Post
One of my desires is to have good times to study and meditate on the word of God so that I can share the word effectively. From my interaction with the people, I have noticed that even though they have heard about God, they are still in traditional cultures. This is one of my prayer requests. I also have a chance to volunteer to teach primary school students every evening. This will allow me to share the gospel and help the students to achieve their goals. I also want to know their language. Lastly, pray for me to hear God and know which direction He wants me to follow.
Ruth Kamene, Kargi station
I have experienced much especially on issues to do with tradition. The people of this community cherish African Traditional Religion so much yet at the same time they also believe in God. They practice syncretism. My prayer is to offer discipleship to those I meet so that they come to a proper understanding of God and commit their lives to Him.
Ruth Anyango, based at Ol Turot.
Last year, we began a national campaign dubbed Soma na FOCUS where we desire to equip students and associates with diverse Christian Literature for personal discipleship. See here brief excerpts of the testimonials of Albert, Evans and Gerald from Kenyatta University as.
I can confidently attest to the tremendous impact that the FOCUS bookstall and literature materials have had on my spiritual growth and that of my family. The availability of Christian books, Bible study guides, Bibles, and commentaries from the FOCUS Bookstall has been instrumental in deepening my understanding of Scripture and strengthening my faith. The resources provided by the library desk have not only enriched my personal walk with God but have also fostered unity and growth within the KUCU community. Furthermore, the dedication of our STEM staff, Madam Betty Mutunga in curating and making these materials accessible to us has been truly a blessing, shaping our spiritual journey and equipping us for service within the church and beyond.
At an individual level, the Christian books, Bible study guides, and commentaries available through FOCUS have deepened my understanding of Scripture and enriched my spiritual walk. The availability of different Bible translations has allowed me to explore God’s Word from various perspectives, leading to personal growth and maturity.
During our weekly Bible study sessions, we often refer to the materials provided by FOCUS to enhance our discussions and gain fresh insights. Whether it’s preparing for a sermon, leading a small group, or simply seeking answers to life’s questions, the FOCUS literature materials have been indispensable. The availability of Bibles and study materials has facilitated discipleship programs, evangelism efforts, and leadership development.
My life has really been transformed by the great experience I have had in reading and serving at the library desk. I now understand Proverbs 23 : 23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Wisdom can be bought and knowledge can be obtained from those who have capture it through books. The Library desk provided a platform for me to buy the wisdom and knowledge and also gave me a chance to show others that knowledge can be obtained. With the help of our able STEM Staff, Ms Betty Mutunga, I was able to achieve a lot during my leadership time. She provided a great connection between the kucu library desk and the FOCUS bookstall where we outsourced the materials we use. The timely and reliable Bible study guides have really helped me get to learn more about my Bible and am really grateful.
Commission 2024 Conference – Missions’ Partners Meeting at FOCUS Center in Kasarani on 4th April
Commission Conference Partners' Meeting.
God has used Commission Conference happening triennially since 1988 as a platform to call may people to his people to work alongside Him in redeeming the world. Planning for the conference began in August 2023. The Lord has been gracious that we have Kabarak University as our host. The Conference cost for students is Ksh. 5,400 while associates pay Ksh. 10,600. We explore the thrust of the Message, the Models, and the Motivation of God’s Mission to the world through the book of exposition – Isaiah. Pray with us as we desire to gather 5,000 students, associates, and international delegates.
On 4th April 2024 the commission Directors met with 25 partners from 21 different missions’ partner organizations. The meeting was filled with eye opening conversations generally on maximizing partnerships for Commission Conference planning but specifically on plenaries, seminars, follow up, mentoring, pre and post conference initiatives.
There are many ways that you can take part in Commission Conference. First is in praying with us. Pray that God leads the planning team as they prepare the content and other logistical issues. Pray also with the speakers and the delegates that we all prepare well to listen to God. You are welcome to attend Commission Conference by registering here.
We are grateful to God that he has linked us with you. We declare together with the Psalmist ‘Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!’