Daystar University is recognized by many as a private Christian university. In its mission statement, the university exists to develop managers, professionals, researchers and scholars to be effective, Christian faith and holistic learning for the transformation of church and society in Africa and the world. The institution aspires to be distinguished, Christ- centered African institution of higher learning for the transformation of church and society.
In support of the mission and vision statements, the university has a Christian body, Daystar Christian Fellowship (D.C.F). Every student at Daystar is expected to be a member automatically through admission in the institution. The fellowship has different sub committees which cater for different peoples preferences. They include missions team, evangelism choir, worship team, Bible study, Sunday school, sing Africa, theatre arts, dance team, ladies fellowship, men’s fellowship, married students fellowship, intercessory, service team and off campus fellowship. The institution also has weekday chapels on every Tuesday and Thursday.
Daystar worship team members poses for a photo
I had two friends whom I came with as a freshman. As we attended orientation, the point of this institution being Christian was highly emphasized. We were given handbooks stating the expectations of the university towards us and the consequences for not complying with the rules. As we started attending lessons, we were actively involved in the activities of the Christian fellowship. None of my friends would miss chapel, prayer day and one of them even joined some of the sub committees.
The team in a worship session
When we were in second year, I can not explain what happened to Maureen. She stopped attending chapel, became reluctant to the sub committee that she had joined and even started avoiding us. As for Mercy, though she is now in her fourth year she is still devoted to the fellowships activities but she is not a member of any sub committee. She still attends keshas (overnight prayers), worship nights, annual conferences and Sunday services during weekends when she is in school.
Although all students are saved upon admission, not many of them are able to sustain their faith. There are three categories of students in relation to practice of faith in Daystar. The first category is those who are over engaged in the activities of the Christian body. They involve themselves too much that they end up experiencing burn out. I have a friend, Tim, who is in almost all sub committees. He also holds some leadership positions and has been involved in organizing different events like the annual conference and missions. On weekends, he is usually out on missions. When we meet, he is always complaining of the many assignments that he has and the lack of time to complete them. He is always being called to attend meetings making it harder for him to focus on his studies or even relax.
The other category is those who are mildly involved in the activities. My friend Mercy will attend the organized events of the Christian body. She is not in any subcommittee as she says that she prefers not to engage herself too much. She argues that being too engaged in the committees as a leader will mean foregoing some of her leisure time to do some things.
The last category is those people who are so engaged in the Christian fellowship in their early years but later disconnect themselves. There are also other people who will not be involved in any of the activities from the onset.
“The practice of Christian faith among students is not genuine,” said Rodah Kidula who is the D.C.Fs secretary, “Most students fill the forms claiming to be born again in pursuit of admission.” She also noted that when someone engages in the activities of the Christian fellowship, other students see them as ‘holier than thou’ and are very judgmental towards them. They expect too much from them and others even dismiss salvation based on the actions of others. She suggested that if the practice of faith among the students is to be improved, it should start from an individual level. Attendance of chapel should be for Christian growth not fulfillment of a rule. “Most students are Christians when they are within Daystar but change when they go elsewhere. Others are involved in the activities to just put a show not based on honesty,” she said. She even questioned the number of students who would petition if the chapel services were to be scrapped off.
“Most of the students activities integrate the Christian faith,” saidPaul Njuguna who is a fourth year student taking a Marketing major,“Some of the events like the floodlight light games are events that are fun but there is preaching as the events unfold.” This makes it hard for people to leave as they are enticed about the activities that will follow after the preaching. He also said that it is mandatory for all students to be Christians in order for them to be admitted although most of them prove their testimonies wrong.
Paul also noted some of the weaknesses, “The practice of faith among Daystar students is quite hypocritical. The actions of most students do not reflect what the Christian faith requires.” He also said that some people who are in leadership or involved in the activities end up with misplaced priorities. Most of them forget their requirements as students. This paints Christianity in a bad light as the people who are not saved criticize their faith when they fail to participate in group assignments or class work. He said that the reason why peopleloose interest in attendance of chapel as they progress with their studies is because chapel services are predictable and lack anything new..
“The student’s faith is based on pretense,” said Ann Njeri who is a third year taking Electronic Media, “because the number of people active in the students fellowship sub committees is very low.” Anne says that this should not be so since every student is a member of the D.C.F. She also said that most students attend the chapel services to sign up and show no interest in what is happening in the service. She also said that although students are aware upon admission that chapel attendance is mandatory, they end up not showing up for the chapel. They claim that they should not be forced to attend the services.
If Daystar University is to become a Christian university in word and actions, it will have to begin with you. Evaluate yourself and begin a commitment with God. Do your part and avoid judging others. “If the practice of faith is to improve among the Daystar students, it must begin with self. Renew and be faithful to your commitment and stop judging others,” said Rodah
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