Rooted in God’s word, connected to his world

It is with great joy that we look back at Ezra 2016! The Lord’s faithfulness was evident in the planning and execution of the conference.Ezra 2016 Conference was the 17th Discipleship and Scripture Engagement Conference since its inception in 1989. It was also the largest conference ever in terms of numbers and representation. The conference has grown from less than 200 delegates in 1989, 600 in 2010, 2000 in 2013 and now 2300 in 2016. We also had delegates from 6 other countries – Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria, South Sudan and Norway.

There were great expositions from the book of Micah by Dr. Christine Mutua and Mr. George Ogalo. God ministered to the delegates in a special way through the awesome plenary sessions and over 40 seminars covering various discipleship issues.The delegates committed themselves to consistent bible reading and deliberate personal devotions. It is very encouraging to hear testimonies of what God did through the Ezra Conference. Various Ezra follow-up initiatives are already underway in many CUs and we trust God that the impact of Ezra shall be long-lasting.

March 2017

Campaign for National Cohesion and Peaceful Elections – CANCOPE 2017

Following a successful Shahidi Forum in October 2016 on the issue of Ethnicity, the CANCOPE Initiative was officially launched. FOCUS Kenya in partnership with Scripture Union, Kenya Students Christian Fellowship (KSCF) and National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) have engaged on a massive campaign to ensure that the voice of Christian pupils and Students on relevant national issues is heard in Kenya and beyond.

Some CUs like JKUAT Main Campus, University of Nairobi and Moi University took the initiative to hold the peace walk in their localities. CANCOPE is a 7-month long initiative that will be driven through the following activities: Bible Study on Ethnicity and Governance – currently we have 62 CUs and some Associates groups studying the guide; a Media Campaign and a 7 Month Prayer Campaign. The prayer bulletin is available on our website: www.cancope.co.ke and other social media platforms.

Chastity Campaign Beyond 2016 Chastity Campaign started in 2015 as a follow up to the inaugural Shahidi forum held in September 2015 on the topic, ‘New Horizons in Sexual Ethics’. The campaign had three pillars: Raising the Voice of Truth through social media engagement, the mainstream media (TV, Radio & Print) and advocacy platforms; Empowering the Youth with Biblical Values, Knowledge & Life-skills by use of Bible Study materials and other training forums; and Establishing Support Structures for Healthy, Flourishing Marriage and

Family Life through mentorship and brother and sisters fellowships.The Campaign was a great success with over 10,000 students from about 50 Christian Unions participating in Chastity Campaign Walks on 13th & 14th February 2016 in their campuses and neighboring towns; over 20,000 students going through a guide on Pursuing Purity; and over 10,000 students signing the Chastity Pledge forms across the country. There has also been a revival in brothers and sisters fellowship with most of the follow up for chastity happening there.There is need to sustain the passion for purity and also to continually recruit many more students to the chastity movement. This is being done through integration of Chastity campaign to the brothers and sisters fellowship; Making sexual purity, marriage and family key sessions in Anza FIT and Vuka FIT respectively; and making February a Chastity Emphasis Month.

STEM RetreatThe 2016 – 2017 STEM Cohort held their first STEM Retreat from 5th to 7th January 2017. As they get to the middle of the term, they have experienced great growth in leadership, discipleship and other areas of their lives, as evidenced in their testimonies.Gideon Muendo, the STEM Staff in University of Eldoret rejoices, “The end of January marks the first half of my STEM year. It has been great training, preaching, counseling and mentoring students in this Region. I have so far seen students grow in faith and some CUs that seemed ‘cold’ become vibrant.” Salome Njoroge, the STEM Staff in Kibabii University says, “The chance to be in STEM is one wonderful experience that has taught me accountability. I appreciate God and FOCUS for trusting me with the lives of students. This is indeed a noble task. I believe that one way of developing leaders is by trusting them even with what they may not be best at. And when one is trusted they have got to be faithful.”

National Evangelism and Missions Summit 2017

The National Evangelism and Missions Summit (NEMS) 2017 took place in Egerton University, Njoro from 27th – 29th January. The theme of the Summit

was “Sustaining Passion, Exploring New Horizons”. The Summit was attended by 103 evangelism and missions leaders from the 7 FOCUS Kenya Regions. The topics covered included: Mission Trends and Challenges of our Day by Duncan Olumbe; Integral and Holistic Mission by Dr. Raphael Kinoti; The Role of Students In Follow-Up Missions by Pastor Purity Murungi; The Role of Students in ‘Each One Reach Two’ by Joseph Kamau; Evangelistic Bible Study by Peter Kimeu & Evans Karanja and Apologetics in Missions by Rev. Rodgers Atwebembeire. NEMS was also marked by fruitful discussions around adopting areas for long term missions; getting into mutually beneficial partnerships for mission work; exploring new avenues of doing missions e.g. school ministry, ministry to children in churches, among others. The student leaders registered for Commission 17 and promised to mobilize others for the same.

FOCUS Kenya launches the Hesabika Trust

On 10th and 11th February 2017, FOCUS Kenya launched the Hesabika Trust to drive the Hesabika Movement.Hesabika  is a Kiswahili messaging for ‘Stand Up, Be Counted’ and aims at inspiring and challenging Christians to  Translate Concern into Action for Societal Transformation. The Hesabika Trust becomes an independent entity founded by

FOCUS Kenya to promote biblical social transformation. The seven Trustees include: Mrs. Rose Wanjohi, Dr. Timothy Wachira, Dr. Joshua Wathanga, Mrs. Rachael Kitonyo–Devotsu, Bishop Dr. David Oginde, Dr. Nelson Makanda and Mr. George Ogalo. The seven trustees signed the Hesabika Trustee Deed and were commissioned by Rev. Calisto Odede, who challenged them to remain true to the cause by being attentive and responsive to God’s voice and leading.

2017 AGMWe cordially welcome you to the 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of FOCUS on Saturday, 29th April 2017 at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) from 9:00am to 1:30pm. This meeting will take stock of the ministry progress in 2016 and chart the way forward for 2017.

FOCUS Associates 2017 Easter Retreat

Our famous Annual Associates Easter Retreat is back! The Retreat will be held at the beautiful and serene beach Neptune Hotels, Diani Mombasa (pictured above) from Friday 14th to Monday 17th April, 2017. The theme of the Retreat will be “Actualizing Social Transformation, Where I am”.

Delegates will be focusing on the Transformation Agenda: A Biblical Perspective by Dr. Nelson Makanda (Deputy General Secretary of National Council of Churches of Kenya-NCCK), Uzalendo Mwema: My Civil Responsibility for 2017 General Election by Mr. Kiragu Wachira (Lawyer and Political Analyst), Family Unit: A Social Transformation Pillar by Dr. Emma Karari (Cardiologist and lecturer at the Medical School, University of Nairobi). There will also be a reflective Easter Service and a show case of Hesabika models and other FOCUS initiatives.In addition to the worthwhile package above, the Retreat also offers you an opportunity to relax and have fun with your family, friends as well as joining over 180 other Associates in enjoying the great Kenyan South Coastal environs through afternoon excursions.

To register, kindly log into our website http://www.focuskenya.org/focus-programs/associates-retreat-2017/ and fill in the registration form or visit any of the FOCUS offices countrywide for assistance on registration. Departure from Nairobi for those using joint transport will be on Friday 14that 6.00 am and arrival back to Nairobi on Monday 17th of April 2017. Other travel details will be communicated later. To facilitate planning, a deposit of 50% of the preferred option is to be paid by

20th March 2017. Payments can be made through the FOCUS Mpesa Paybill No. 412412, Account name “Retreat” or through the FOCUS Barclays bank account 0948207400, Market branch, Nairobi. Kindly indicate that the payment is for the “Retreat”. For more information, please contact: Jacinta or Doris on +254 724 997 051 and +254 722 564 851 respectively or associates@focuskenya.org

Commission ‘17We are excited as we count down the days to the much anticipated Commission 2017 Conference, taking place from Thursday 28th December 2017 to Tuesday 2nd January 2018, and with about 4,500 delegates from Kenya and the Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. Since its inception in 1988, the triennial Commission Conference has been instrumental in touching people’s lives by hearing God’s voice on Missions. As a result, many missionaries, Christian workers, Pastors and faithful witnesses in the market place have played pivotal role in ensuring God’s Kingdom is impactful on earth. Commission is a hallmark in inspiring, challenging, networking and equipping Christians for holistic missions. Commission 2014 brought together 3,450 delegates and 1,946 delegates committed themselves to various mission fields. We shall have enlightening plenary sessions on cross-cutting mission issues, Bible expositions, seminars, and group Bible studies. The theme of the conference is “As the Father Sent Me, So I Send You.” (Jn.20:21).

STAFF UPDATES

New StaffStarting 15th January 2017, Francis Onyango joined the staff team in the Admin Department in the position of

Administrative Officer.   Francis is a graduate of University of Kabianga with Bachelors of Education (Mathematics & Chemistry). Francis served in STEM for 2 years (KU Ruiru and STEM Administrator, respectively). He is married to Fridah Kathomi.

CMF Placement ChangesMr. Wilson Kiuna, the Research, Training and Publications Officer, is on study leave from 1st January 2017 to pursue MA in

Biblical Studies at Africa International University.

Mr. Fredrick Abuya moved from Pwani Region to Southern Nairobi Region to serve as the Assistant Research and

Publications Officer from 1st January 2017.

Mr. Jacob Gathuita Wainaina, a CMF moved from Southern Nairobi Region to Pwani Region from 1st March 2017.

Mrs. Susan Wanjiru Munyaga (formerly Wachira), a CMF in Western Region will from  1st April 2017  move from

Western Region to Southern Nairobi Region.

Staff Wedding

Join us as we congratulate our Campus Ministry Facilitator, Susan Wanjiru, who got married on 18th February, 2017 to the love of her life, Samuel Munyaga. The wedding celebration was held at FOCUS Center, Kasarani. We wish them every blessing in their new phase of life.

Bookstall updates

Month-long Clearance Sale (March 2017)

The FOCUS Bookstall invites you for a stock clearance sale. The prices have been subsidized and start from as low as Kshs. 50. You can’t afford to miss this great offer!

THE ISRAEL OF GOD by E.K Prekopp @ Kshs. 100

Have you ever q u e s t i o n e d amillennialism and premillennialism or is this your first time to interact with these words? Have you questioned whether

The Old and The New testaments contradict on certain aspects? Prekopp talks candidly concerning these topics giving the reader a broader perspective and interpretation of scriptures, symbols and stories. This book is for every Christian who seeks to gain an understanding of the Bible. AIDS AND YOU by Dr. Patrick Dixon @ Kshs. 50

Most people think that they have nothing to do with AIDS because they are not infected or have no one in their circles affected. However, Dr. Dixon breaks the Myth from a doctor’s

perspective and as a Church Leader that AIDS affects everyone especially to those of third world countries. He gives practical help on how Corporations, Church Leaders, Individuals and Christians can help lead in the fight against AIDS with a vast use of information from researchers, scientific publications and his own experience as a doctor. Grab yourself a copy and stay informed and also see how you can be involved.Bookstall direct line: +254 724 253 530

FOCUS Kenya National Calendar 2017DATE EVENT VENUE5th – 7th January STEM Retreat FOCUS Centre27-29th January National Evangelism and Missions Summit Egerton Njoro Campus11th February 2015/2016 STEM Alumni Retreat FOCUS Students Centre8 - 14th February Chastity Emphasis All Regions4th February CANCOPE National Initiative Launch UON4th March NAEC Members Business Meeting FOCUS Students Centre 17-19th March NASEC Induction and Training Retreat FOCUS Students Centre20th – 23th March MT Retreat Venue to be confirmed24th -26th March National Governing Council (NGC) Retreat Resurrection Gardens (Karen)14th -17th April Associates Easter Retreat Mombasa 7th April Church Partnership Consultation Venue to be confirmed29th April NGC Meeting (Pre AGM) Technical University of Kenya29th April 44th FOCUS AGM Technical University of Kenya 30th April – 2nd May STEM Retreat FOCUS Students Centre19 - 21 May National Bible Study Workshop FOCUS Students Centre23rd– 26thMay Staff Capacity building and Review Meeting FOCUS Students Centre27th May FOCUS Associates Staff National Consultation FOCUS Students Centre2nd June FOCUS Fundraising Dinner Venue to be confirmed10thJune NAEC Officials Business Meeting FOCUS Student Centre16th - 18th June STEM Induction 2017/2018 team FOCUS Students Centre24th June STEM Alumni Forum FOCUS Students Centre1st July Research & Writing Capacity Building Workshop FOCUS Students Centre22rdJuly NGC Induction and Meeting FOCUS Students Centre 29th July STEM Convocation FOCUS Centre20th August – 3rd Sept Staff Orientation Training (SOT) FOCUS Students CentreOctober IFES Prayer Week All Regions14th October Shahidi Forum/ Paper Presentation Venue to be confirmed20-22nd October NASEC Evaluation and Planning Retreat FOCUS Students Centre2nd September Professional Groups Consortium To be confirmed3rd - 4th November NAEC Members Retreat FOCUS Students Centre20st – 23th November Staff Planning Meeting FOCUS Students Centre25thNovember NGC Meeting FOCUS Students Centre15th -17thDecember STEM Retreat FOCUS Students Centre20thDecember Staff Get together Venue to be Confirmed28th Dec. ‘17 – 2nd Jan. 18 Commission 2017 Kabarak University, Nakuru

CONTACT USVisit our website on www.focuskenya.org/Twitter: @focuskenyaFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/focus.kenya

FOCUS Centre, Kasarani, and P.O. Box 781-00618 Ruaraka Tel: +254 733 614 340, 722 564 851 focus@focuskenya.org, www.focuskenya.org

FOCUS Nakuru, PO Box 12731-20100, Tel: 0724997057 focusnakuru@focuskenya.org; 1st Floor, Riva Plaza, Nakuru/Eldoret Road

FOCUS Mombasa, PO Box 81365-80100, Tel: 0724997056 focusmombasa@focuskenya.org; Eleka Ministries Premises in Bishop Hannington Institute along Sheikh Abdullas F. Road.

FOCUS Kisumu, PO Box 9265-40100, Tel: 0724997059 focuskisumu@focuskenya.org; Life Ministry Kisumu Premises on Tom Mboya Estate Road, Next to Marie Stopes Regional Office.

FOCUS Eldoret, PO Box 3770-30100, Tel: 0724997058 focuseldoret@focuskenya.org; NCCK Community Center

FOCUS Nyeri, PO Box 3131-10100, Tel: 0728067067 focusnyeri@focuskenya.org; 2nd Floor, Karson House, Kimathi Street

Focus Kenya Focuskenya Focus Kenya

Your financial support towards Students’ Ministry is highly appreciated. We desire that your giving will be easy. That is why we have provided various options through which you can give. The following are the functional options: • Mpesa Paybill No.: 412412, a/c no. GF or STEM - (Name of STEM Staff).• Barclays Bank of Kenya:

Addressed to: Fellowship of Christian Unions Acc. No.: 0948207400, Market Branch.

• The Cooperative Bank of Kenya Addressed to: Fellowship of Christian Unions Acc. No: 01128098633500, Zimmerman Branch.

• The Standard Charted Bank: Addressed to: Fellowship of Christian Unions Acc. No.:0102073083700, Harambee Avenue Branch.

• Mpesa Line: +254 700 940 539 (registered under Janet Ogola).