Brian Ocharo

Hidden and shallow! Those two words describe my state before I joined STEM. To begin with, I was convinced that I was inadequate in handling the scriptures. Then, I was afraid of being embarrassed for not being as sharp as the other FOCUS staff I knew were. When I was invited to join STEM, these two issues were heavy in my heart. However, in the depths of the trenches of my fears, the Lord lit my darkness. He gave me friends, co-workers, and neighbors with golden hearts in FOCUS.

The STEM house in my station was a timely blessing. The building I have been staying in also houses a few colleagues and FOCUS associates. Since we were all men of the same age, it was easy to start a fellowship with them. We would stay up until late nights on Sundays to discuss several theological topics. We talked about our lives, our experiences, our joys, and our troubles. In addition, we discussed sermon topics that we shared in the CUs. I looked forward to Men’s Club discussions because they intrigued me to discover scriptures more. 

This kind of fellowship has been characteristic among my teammates in Southern Nairobi Region also. They have spurred my passion for reading the word of God and exploring theological books. My character has been significantly changed by scriptures and from all the spheres of accountability. Moreover, I am better at sharing God’s word and doing apologetics. 

I gained numerous things through STEM. Among them is the chance for peer mentorship from colleagues. I have learned to be selfless and generously and lovingly invest in accountability fellowships. God used these friendships to point me to Himself and His word. I look forward to stirring this kind of influence in the next phase of my life. 

Serving as a STEM admin at FOCUS Kenya has been the best thing that has happened in my life since the outbreak of COVID-19. I am surprised that it has been a year and four months already.

On a normal day, I compile accounting and bank monies for the STEM staff needs. In addition, I manage communication to and from the STEM desk. Ours has been a virtual STEM year. First, we reported to our stations and had a virtual Staff Orientation Training (SOT). Secondly, we had limited physical meetings that were regional. Thirdly, we had our first national physical meeting in October. That meant I had the unique role of assisting the STEM staff to connect together and with the rest of the staff team throughout the period of being apart.  

To foster relationships from an admin level, I have had to rethink communication strategies with the team. I have learned how to build conversations, even in mundane places. I have noted significant growth in communication and writing through this process.

Managing correspondences among my teammates was not easy. On one hand, there are people who forget to turn in their work and require constant reminders. On the other hand, are others who combated me with numerous questions about every stage of work. The delays from the back and forth would often result in late disbursement of monies and consequently stall a couple of ministry functions. I am certain that I have had a thorough character development from all the people management I have experienced.

As a STEM administrator, God has helped me grow more patient. I have learned to listen and to appreciate people better. I am better at managing crises and even mitigating them. Because of this, my skills in communication, coordination, reporting, and management have significantly grown. In addition, I am more self-aware and know God more, now than before.

In conclusion, my 16 months in this capacity have been enjoyable. STEM’s intention of developing leaders and transforming lives is very clear in my journey. For that, I praise the Lord. I transit with great zeal and desire to serve the Lord passionately wherever He leads. These skills I have gained, I will use them for His glory.