My name is Loise Nduku Kitulu and have been serving as the STEM staff for the University of Eldoret, Mosoriot KMTC, Koitalel Samoei University College, Koshin TTI, Moiben TVC, Iten KMTC, and A.I.C Kapsowar MTC. However, I was mainly stationed at the University of Eldoret.

I am eternally grateful to God and FOCUS Kenya for the opportunity to do STEM. It has played a key role in grounding me firmly in my faith. I have become consistent in my bible reading, cultivated a reading culture, especially in Christian literature, and learned to share the Word of God with others. My passion for ministry to students has been spurred greatly and I hope to give more energy to it beyond this period.  

STEM has taught me new skills and perfected those that I had. The highlight for me is learning to mobilize resources. I am better at communication and interpersonal skills as a result of the exposure to speaking engagements and training forums. As I did my prayer letters to my ministry partners, I improved my design skills. I have learned personal organization and management of my time using planners, to be a financial steward and a worker with integrity.

Several people made my STEM experience very memorable. First, my family was incredibly supportive from the day I expressed interest to join STEM. Second, the FOCUS staff team, especially the North Rift staff team, has been a family for me. Proverbs 27:5 says, better is an open rebuke than hidden love. These teammates have aided in my growth by always not hesitating to point out my weaknesses and helping me work on them. Third, my ministry partners, have shown me great love and I praise the Lord for them. I am grateful for the beautiful friendships we built with the students and associates.

As I approach my transition, I pray that God may grant me an opportunity to further my studies and reach more students.  

My name is Ms. Lucy Nafula and I have been serving as a STEM staff in Maseno and Busia CUs. 

At the beginning of this journey, I was clouded with uncertainties and the fear of the unknown. But God has carried me successfully and I have learned total surrender to Him. Through my STEM experiences, He has helped me know Him as the Sovereign God and my Provider.

My communication and public speaking skills have greatly improved. I have had very refreshing opportunities for one-on-one engagements with students and associates. Those have enabled me to sharpen skills in guiding and counseling skills. I am trusting God to enroll in further studies in guiding and counseling so that I can serve more effectively.

All these have been possible with the great help of very key people in my life among them, the faculty members and associates in Maseno and Busia, my team leaders, my selfless partners, and the students. May the Lord bless them abundantly and enlarge their territories.

I pray that the Lord will order my steps as I transit to the marketplace. 

My name is martin Mwathi. I was stationed at Kenyatta University Main and Ruiru campuses.

Thus far the LORD has helped me to know Him more. I had the privilege of supporting students in their vulnerable seasons and witnessing the transformation in their lives. God has transformed students who were lost in darkness and made them His followers. It has been humbling to witness this.

I have seen God caring and supplying my needs through people in my tenure of service. I have never met some of them but they were consistent in supporting my ministry. This has changed my perspective on giving to the work of the LORD. I am now more intentional to support missionary work through prayer, encouraging those in the field, and supporting them financially.

STEM has been packed with learning and unlearning. It has helped me appreciate that the gospel goes beyond the pulpit declaration of the Word, but should be lived out faithfully too. My perspectives on pain and suffering have significantly changed also. I am strongly convicted that He is good and gracious in trials and tribulations.

A host of skills have been sharpened in my service including personal organization, communication, resource mobilization, training, financial stewardship, public speaking, and presentations. I am much better at team playing, reading, research and writing. FOCUS has helped me become a diligent worker with sharper emotional intelligence. These skills will enhance my effectiveness in my future family and career.

The associates, students, and staff in FOCUS have become great friends. The experience opened opportunities for my mentorship and a lifelong transformation. Special thanks to my team leader for his mentorship and the KU students for embracing me. I am grateful to the staff and associates for their generous support towards me.
I pray for strength and spiritual renewal as I consider another year in STEM. I trust that the Lord shall affirm His will to me in my walk with Him.

My name is Mercy Naeku. I served in Taita Taveta CUs. Ministry has been a beautiful journey full of intense and immense growth and experience. It has taken patience to be refined and defined by God through the eight months of STEM. I have learned not to lean on my understanding but to fully surrender to God.

Fellowships with students in various meetings including discipleship, executive committee meetings, discipleship classes, training, and regular services were very enriching. Hosting and being hosted were highlights for me. When we cooked together, we always had deep candid discussions about life and ministry. These cheerful meet-ups would warm my heart!

I have learned lifetime values like excellence, honesty, integrity, hard work, and being a faithful steward. STEM has allowed me to learn skills in resource mobilization, content development, mastering the art of public speaking, and well-developed organizing and coordinating skills. Warm and exciting Bible studies with the associates and students have challenged me to keenly study the Bible and interpret the scriptures with faithfulness.

STEM has been a beautiful journey and timely gift to me and I give thanks to God and FOCUS for granting me such a rare opportunity. I have been challenged to think deeply about God’s mission and marveled at the sight of men giving their time and money to generously support God’s work. May God bless those who supported me financially, spiritually, and emotionally. I am grateful to the Taita Taveta associates for their overwhelming support accorded to me whenever I needed them. My teammates at Pwani, the students, friends, my family, the Christian Unions patrons and the FOCUS family have also been great pillars of the ministry. I am thankful for all their support.

I am transitioning to my teaching career with confidence in God’s leadership and guidance. Until He comes again, may He find me faithful! Every blessing in Christ Jesus!