A journey of transformation it’s been! Looking back at the last eight months of my life, I’m amazed and excited that my involvement in student ministry has been fruitful and fulfilling. When I was joining STEM, I knew it was a great opportunity to grow but I didn’t have any idea what this would look like. I had many expectations and equally many fears but with a commission to step forth into the unknown trusting in the God I know, I matched into the vineyard trusting God fully from whom I had clearly received the call and it has since proved to be the greatest venture of my life.
I have had numerous opportunities to learn from students that I was serving, FOCUS associates, teammates, and my team leader. My attitude has been shaped, my perspective of life and ministry has been transformed, and important disciplines have been instilled. I have learned new skills, my gifts have been refined and my character polished. Over the months, God has continually proved that indeed His work will always have His provision. He has used many strangers to support me financially which has greatly strengthened my faith.
My interactions with students helped me see how desperately the youth people yearn for mentorship and guidance. Consequently, I was challenged to live my life as one setting a good example for all. I disciplined myself and ordered my life and I can never recover from that discipline. The fulfillment and joy that came with mentoring students helped me appreciate that pursuit of God’s purpose for my life and His mission can never be equated with earning a huge salary.
Getting to do assignments that I had never done before and achieving excellent results confirmed to me that indeed God equips those He calls and one only needs to obey and be ready to learn. I have learned the importance of thorough preparation, planning, and personal organization which has, in turn, made me a more competent worker. The high standard of accountability expected in ministry resources allocated to me has instilled in me a stewardship heart and challenged me to be more prudent in the management of my personal finances.
The STEM journey has been that of self-discovery and self-identification. The exposure has helped me discover gifts such as public speaking and writing that I never imagined I had. I’m a far better person than I was eight months ago because of the many skills I have learned through the period such as counseling skills, negotiation skills, public speaking skills, writing, training, mentorship, resource mobilization, personal organization, and administration among others. These will help me be a more competitive person in the job market and to be an excellent worker in everything. With the skills at hand, I have no doubt that I have been empowered to impact and change the world.
I acknowledge the great support my team leader accorded me. His close mentorship has empowered me to be who I am today. He has always guided me and given me helpful feedback that helped me to keep working hard to become better every day. His kind corrections and rebukes when I am wrong provided a very conducive environment to learn and grow. I appreciate him for being a role model and a supportive supervisor. I also pass my gratitude to my ministry partners who have generously supported me financially and in prayers and made my ministry possible, may the Almighty God reward them greatly.
I thank God for FOCUS and the opportunity I have been granted to serve in the students ministry.
Please pray for me that the Grace of God will continue abounding as I serve a second term as the STEM administrator.
May God bless FOCUS Kenya!
