In a country like Kenya where many people live way below the poverty line in a world-class city, Chris’s story is heard all too often. He’s the first born child of his parents, often thought of as the pride and joy of the family. But for Chris it turned into a childhood of unhappy surprises and extra responsibility causing education delays. Nevertheless, his experience deepened his faith.
When Chris was still quite young, his father started drinking and left the family. Chris was saddened and felt alone. His mother struggled to take care of him and his younger brother, so he went to live with his father and his new wife. At first Chris warmed to the idea of a family life again, but he was mistreated by his father's new wife. When his parents split, Chris had no concept of step-parents except that which he saw in movies. (We all know how those are usually depicted.) The situation was painful. More loss followed as his father and stepmother split up, leaving him with his grandmother to care for his younger siblings and help on the farm. Needless to say, his academic life suffered since he was not in school all the time. Eventually his mother also remarried.
Chris went back to live with his mom and new stepdad. This was when his life started to take new shape. His stepdad was not dismissive or abusive. In fact, he was encouraging and helpful. Chris says, “I don’t like to call him my stepdad, but my dad who stepped up.” This man helped shape him in every aspect of his young life. Chris says, “He was involved in my schooling, and chores. He knew my classmates, and peers. He cared about my siblings, and everything.” He understood and supported Chris and it really impacted him. Chris was emboldened to follow his desire to learn about computers. Even though the household budget was tight, his stepdad found a way to get the fees for his high school education.
As he grew and longed to pursue computer science his dad told him, “Don’t let what’s happened to you in the past define you.” Chris went to the Daystar University orientation and when he was handed the fee structure, he left right then, in the middle of orientation. But his dad encouraged him to return and somehow they’d find a way to get the fees. His dad was hard-working. And was able to get Chris started. But Chris also worked to make money for his education selling used clothing at a shall in the slums.
Driven by his fascination with technology and media, when Chris arrived at Daystar he immediately joined the service team. This is the team that sets up for chapel services and choir concerts. This team is under the Chaplaincy department. As such, the service team has its own Bible study! Up to this point Chris had been resting on his parents’ faith, but he dove into God's word and over the 4 years of service in the chaplaincy department he has grown in his faith and has a deep desire to share the gospel. Each year at Daystar Chris took on more and more responsibilities in the Chaplain’s department. He has grown to lead Bible studies and has planned outreach missions. They’ve even coordinated mission trips to Kenyan high schools where they travel overnight by bus to western Kenya to present a two-day program of singing, preaching, sketches and time to ministering to students.
Recently Chris finished an internship at a Christ-centered youth mentorship organization. He’s excited about the graduation ceremony on November 14th. Currently he’s really hoping that his career in computer science will be able to fund further ministry since he desires to keep sharing the gospel with others in Kenya.
Finishing his education at Daystar in computer science is a dream come true, but in the process, Chris grew in understanding of his personal faith and wants to be sure to share that faith with others in the future.