Reflections from my Return from Daystar
July 2nd, 2021
"The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad."
Psalm 126:3 (ESV)
Greetings from a warm Minnesota! Many of you have been experiencing warmer than usual temperatures. In Kenya it is the cool season, so generally high temperatures were rarely above the low 70’s and the lows were down to the upper 50’s – quite a change to our Minnesota weather, where we have already experienced 12 days at 90 or above.
The travel back home went well and uneventful – other than the inconvenience of wearing a mask for 24 hours. It was a great joy to travel with my wife Sheila. This was her first time traveling to Kenya since 2003!
We have so many reasons to thank the Lord for our time with the Daystar family these past two weeks. I want to share highlights of my time at Daystar for your encouragement and for your prayers.
The timeline of events over the past several years will help us to realize how the Lord helped us in so many ways, especially with what was accomplished during our time in Kenya.
The dedication of the studio building
History: In April 2019, Dr. Laban Ayiro became the fourth President (Vice-Chancellor) of Daystar University. During his first visit to the U.S. he shared about the dire need for new communication studios and communication equipment for the communication students at Daystar. God moved the hearts of our Daystar U.S. Board members to support the construction of new studios on the Nairobi campus. Please see the photo of this meeting.
Our Daystar U.S. Board of Directors
One generous Daystar supporter, Dr. John A. Clark gave a large gift towards the remodeling of this studio building. Our Daystar University colleagues placed a plaque honoring the Clark family.
Left to right: Dr. Clark, President Laban, and Daystar U.S. Board member, Dr. Eloise Loeffler and her husband Rod Loeffler.
In July 2019, a team from University of Northwestern St. Paul (UNW) led by President Alan Cureton, saw the old communication studios and visited Shine FM radio with a plan to strengthen partnership with Daystar University in this area
Dr. Cureton (center) with members of his UNW team and Daystar colleagues.
Another Northwestern Media team, led by Jason Sharp, visited Daystar in January of 2020 with a fresh commitment to fill the newly constructed studios with modern communications equipment. UNW purchased this equipment with a plan to deliver and install this equipment in April of 2020.
Jason Sharp (center) with members of his UNW team, along with Daystar colleagues.
(left to right) Sheila, me, Rod Thannum, Scott Jones, Mark Seignious, Ben Paulson, Tim Powell, and Walt Avra.
Then a worldwide pandemic closed international travel! After four cancelled trips, the team arrived safely (above) with 27 bags on June 8th. Going through customs was interesting and we thank the Lord for His favor in getting through.
The UNW team was able to train Daystar colleagues to install the communications equipment in the new studios and in the Shine FM radio station.
27 suitcases and boxes held the equipment!
Praise the Lord for all of his goodness. As Mark Seignious from UNW reminded us, "God is never early, He is never late, He is always on time!"
Scott and Mark were presented the plaques honoring UNW for the investment and partnership in the studios and Shine FM radio station.
Below is a video clip in which Mark, Scott, and I share our gratitude at the Dedication Chapel. Please click here or on the photo below. You can also watch the whole ceremony by clicking here.
Thank you for all of your prayers and support!
Blessings,
Alan
Daystar U.S., Executive Director