Daystar eNews: The Changing of Seasons (Nov. 2019)

In Minnesota we are transitioning from our fall – or what should have been fall, as it was cooler and wetter than normal – to winter.   This transition is not bad, it is just part of our Minnesota climate.  My children (photo in our snowfall last week) think this is the greatest thing; they are seeing the cold as the beginning of snow season, snowball fights, building snow forts and of course, sledding. 

This email has stories of transformation of our Daystar students. The changes these students undergo are not quick changes, such as our unexpected snowfall this week. Rather, the changes are part of the overall transformation of a life.  In Daniel’s story below he talks about his hopelessness – he could not do it on his own.  U.S. friends have supported his scholarship and Daystar is facilitating the growth and transformation – a partnership literally made in heaven. 

Thank you for being part of this transformation! 

Blessings in Christ,

Alan

Stories of Transformation. The Life Changing Opportunity of a Daystar Scholarship.

A Survivor from War-torn South Sudan Finds a New Home at Daystar

Meet Daniel: From Survivor of War-Torn Sudan, To Refugee, To Scholarship Student, To Servant Leader

Daniel, a Daystar scholarship student from South Sudan shares his story and his top ten highlights as a student living on campus.

I originally had seven siblings but one died during a civil war in my country, South Sudan. My parents were pastoralists but their cattle were taken away during that war and they were left with nothing since cattle were their power, wealth, and source of living. They could not even afford meals for us. As the war intensified, we were taken to a refugee camp in northern Kenya. Our living standards improved and later we were taken back to our own homeland after the signing of a peace treaty.

While at home in South Sudan God gave me an opportunity to get a job and I started helping my parents with providing for our basic needs while saving some money for my studies. Later on, my elder brother helped me join Daystar University. However, after my first year my brother told me that he was unable to support me anymore and my parents could not afford to pay my fees. I was helpless and hopeless until a friend told me to apply for Daystar financial aid. I was helped instantly—glory be to God! God has been so faithful to me.

I am now studying accounting at Daystar. I have a passion for it and I love keeping records and giving out credible financial reports for the Daystar Christian Fellowship where I serve as treasurer. I want to be an accountant who makes a difference and who will portray God’s ways of managing finances with self-integrity and accountability.

One of my greatest desires is to transform people’s lives through supporting the homeless and poor around the world. I hope to remember my fellow students who might be in need and help them as you are helping me. God has been investing in me so that I can invest in others. 

I am greatly favored and honored to serve in the International Student Association of Daystar University [ISADU] as Spiritual Committee Chairman as well as the Advisor to the ISADU Diplomatic Dinner Committee. ISADU-Spiritual committee basically deals with prayer and Bible study. We pray for international students to stay well in a foreign land, for the needy students among us, encouraging them to attain Bible study and to discover their purpose in the Lord. We also pray for our home countries because we are aware of what is happening back at home -carrying the burden for the nations at heart! We carry the burden for our nation on our knees and surrender it to the sovereign Lord whom we trust.

My prayer is that the Lord God almighty will bless you more so that you can help more of His people. I am here today because of the compassion and care you have shown me at my weakest moment. I appreciate and thank you! God has brought you into my life to create a great impact in me. Thank you and God bless you.

What are your top ten favorite things about living on campus at Daystar?

1. Our diversity and culture week (Athi River is home of diverse cultures)
2. Nature walks (Climbing hills, going to freedom area)
3. Orientation week for new students
4. Graduation day celebration
5. ISADU (International Student Association of Daystar University) dinner
6. Work study at DCF (Daystar Christian Fellowship) office
7. Mission work
8. Praying for God's people or helping the needy
9. Bible study/Chapels.
10. Katoloni prayer retreat/ University prayer day/ morning devotion.
11. Worship night/Kesha.

Former Daystar students, now alumni, start community school with over 420 students

In 2009, Lunkenya Pillars of Transformation (LPT) was founded by Daystar University Community Development students. In 2011, some of these passionate Daystar University students desired to help establish a community school so they started Mulandi Primary School to help children who used to walk over 5 km to attend school in Athi River township. The school now admits children from the Lukenya community and currently has 420 students. This school is a prime example of how Daystar is making a positive impact on society through servant-leadership.

“We are here to encourage you and assure you that we care,” remarked Dennis Muhika, immediate former Vice Chairperson of Lukenya Pillars of Transformation (LPT).

Dennis made his remarks on 27th September while addressing 35 students who were graduating. The vibrant young graduates reassured Daystar alumni who were present of their determination to perform well in their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, scheduled to start on 28th October 2019.

The visiting team of Daystar University students took it upon themselves to visit the young boys and girls, and speak hope into their lives as they prepare for their final primary examination.

The Daystar student and alumni’s continuous support to the school is motivated by their goal to empower through education. “I thank Daystar students for the encouragement and the visit. I hope we will adhere to the advice they have given and not lose hope in life,” remarked Silas Muriuki, a graduate and an aspiring future President of Kenya..

Daystar University neighbor Mrs. Mary Mulandi offered a piece of land to the Daystar students to develop it within a span of 6 months. Following the terms of agreement, the students mobilized community members to pool together available resources. Over the last eight years of its existence, the school has seen tremendous growth.

Daystar Mulandi Primary School has a school feeding program that provides porridge at 10.00 o’clock every day and lunch meal. Currently, Daystar Mulandi Primary School is constructing a dining hall and two classrooms, and Daystar’s LPT student group plans to donate 30 tables and 60 benches towards the school.

“We appreciate every effort by Daystar for the school. We wish you could establish a mentorship program to motivate the students. It makes more sense to them when university students talk to them, probably due to the age difference,” said the Founding Principal, Mrs. Pauline Manga.

Daystar’s Lukenya Pillars of Transformation (LPT) student organization is celebrating 10 years of existence and continues to light candles of hope in the surrounding community.

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