I came to teach in Biblical and Theological Studies and Christian Ministries.  Before I landed, I found myself as the first ever Director of Student Development for two campuses!  Eventually I moved more into full time teaching, at undergraduate and graduate levels, and finally served as Dean, Postgraduate Studies (Masters programs) for over 5 years, all at Daystar.  I saw Daystar grow from a fledging university with a few hundred students, to now a full-fledged Kenyan Christian university with over 3000 students in numerous disciplines, with graduates serving in churches, media, community development, politics, business, education, counseling, and beyond.  I have had the privilege of teaching those who have become leaders in countries all across Africa, plus students from mainland China, Korea, and Ukraine.  Masters students are writing field research-based theses on issues relating to leadership, AIDS, discipleship, evangelism, church growth, governance, stewardship and self-sustainability of local ministries, famine, peace & reconciliation processes between warring communities, and more.

Just over one year ago, I left Daystar University to join the faculty of Nairobi International School of Theology, heading the graduate department of Leadership Studies (MDiv and MA).  This was my doctoral area, and I feel so very privileged to be training Christian leaders, in individual and organizational leadership vision, skills, knowledge, and character for all sectors of Kenyan and other African societies, all from a biblical foundation and worldview.  Our current 150+ students come from across the continent, and in my classes I have students who are pastors, bishops, architects, lawyers, farmers, both men and women, who are seeking to make a difference for God’s Kingdom, and seeking to promote God’s agenda in society.  One of them is currently running for a seat in Parliament, with his eye on the Presidency in future elections.

On the home front, I feel so very blessed by God to have three growing, lively children, all Kenyan.  Justin Wangai came home when he was just 6 weeks old in January 1998. He will be 10 years old next month, loves soccer, and as the “social coordinator” for our neighborhood, has many friends. Imani Njeri came home in 1999 when she was just 3-1/2 months, having just reached 7 lbs in weight.  She is now 8 years old, loves music, dancing, and anything sparkly. Both are fully adopted from the time soon after they came home.  Steven joined us 7 years ago, as our “last born first born” – he came last but is the oldest.  He is a foster son, now age 20, who is in his final months of high school. Later this month he sits for the national exams as he prepares to finish high school.  He has been a wonderful big brother to Justin and Imani.

As for the church, it is being said that the centre of gravity of Christianity is moving south - and the church in Africa as part of that shift is expanding in leaps and bounds.  In Kenya, 70% of the population is under the age of 30 (over 50% is under the age of 15), so many of the new churches coming up are young and vibrant.  The local church where I worship in Nairobi and am involved in various ministries has grown from 20 members in 1989 to several thousand, with over 25 new church plants as well.  The “mother” church was growing so fast that two years ago, it was dissolved – and five new churches were begun in its place, in the four corners of the city and one near the city center.  They are all active in evangelism, discipleship, leadership/pastoral development, compassion ministries in the many slum areas and among those suffering with HIV or AIDS, economic development, cross-cultural missions, and more.  Yes, there are many challenges, and mistakes made along the way, but the church is growing and learning, and seeking to embody what it means to be Christian and African, anchored in God’s word, being salt and light not only for Africa but for the world.  Christian faith is growing up directly in response to God’s word – beginning to bypass European and North American cultural expressions of the Gospel.  Thus, more and more I believe that Africa and other regions will be adding their voice to development of the Church worldwide.

I feel so humbled, honored and privileged to serve here in Kenya together with African Christian leaders and teachers, supported by you, and somehow being a part of what God is doing here on this side of the globe.  Thank you all so much for your on-going love, support and involvement to make this possible, as we join hands with many others, for God’s world.

With gratitude and prayers for all of your ministries as well,

Marta Bennett
Nairobi, Kenya