Alan Cooke is our Assistant Director and has been working with Daystar U.S. for 20 years. He stays very busy with a variety of tasks at work and a family of six at home!
What do you enjoy most about your job at Daystar U.S.?
I love the mission of Daystar (training Christian servant-leaders to transform Africa), however the thing I enjoy most are the relationships with my colleagues, both in the U.S. and especially those in Kenya. I also enjoy getting to know the Daystar University students and alumni. Some of my very best friends are Daystar graduates and staff members!
Alan with his good friend Evariste at Daystar's graduation in June.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I am not sure what ‘typical’ really means. My job is varied, so one day I may be communicating with friends and donors of Daystar U.S., another I may be researching and purchasing equipment for Daystar University, fixing a computer problem at the office, helping to proofread a grant application, working with colleagues on a scholarship budget, or packing a suitcase of supplies to go to Kenya.
How do you see Daystar changing the African continent?
Daystar graduates go on to make changes from the ground-up. These changes come about slowly over time. The integrity of a Daystar graduate may be impacting people around them at a government level, loving on those in the slums who they are ministering to, teaching children to help give them a future, or making sure they are representing Christ as a servant leader in their day-to-day job. One couple finished at Daystar University and returned to eastern Congo. They started meeting the needs of the people around them, working with the local community leaders. They are now impacting thousands in that area through a school, widow and orphan support, and farm projects.
How do you spend your time outside of the office?
With my family. My wife and I are best friends and we have been given the privilege to raise six children (ages from two weeks to 11 years old). We enjoy family outings, I spent quite a bit of time playing with and mentoring the children, and my wife and I love ‘childless dates’. Mommy needs to get out of the house without the children! :o)
Alan with five of his six children, Zoe, Sam, Joshua, Sophie, Abby, and his wife Sheila.
Alan with his newest daughter Lilly
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Set priorities in life and then slow down, making sure your time matches your priorities. The younger me was a workaholic, thinking that working long days was a good thing. I don’t think I was a very good friend to many people back then, as work was the most important thing in my life.