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Friends United Meeting |
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January/February 1999
Work-Study Comes to Tiriki
Friends Theological College, Kenya, Comes Alive
By Rich and Sandy Davis
The second term of the academic year has begun at Friends Theological College, and the students are doing very well. Twenty-four of the thirty students are now on the work-study program. They are paid with the John Sarrin Scholarship money which comes through the United Society of Friends WomenInternational. This has allowed them to reduce their fees, feel an ownership of the college premises, feel responsible for their fees, and be of great help to the college by reducing our costs of outside laborers.
At 3:00 p.m. each day after classes, the campus comes alive with
window washers, slashers, weeders, cleaners, a seamstress, a carpenter,
and herdsmen. For an hour they sing and work and relieve the tensions
of the day's class schedules. Some spend their work hour after supper
washing dishes and cleaning the dining hall, and others take turns at
the library desk into the evening study hours. We are all enjoying our
work together and are so proud of our campus.
Here, two students tell about the impact of the work-study program in their lives.
John Sarrin's Life Speaks to Us Even Today
By Elly Kigunyi Lugwili
Elly Kigunyi Lugwili is a third year student at Friends Theological College and will graduate April 4, 1999. He is presently ministering in Eldoret each Sunday by request of the Friends Church there. As a recipient of the John Sarrin Scholarship he works as one of four library assistants.
The John Sarrin Scholarship is worth talking about. Many students who have benefitted from these scholarships would easily agree with me that the life of this faithful man speaks even today after his death.
The John Sarrin Scholarship has lifted up many students in Christian colleges who have not been able to raise their school fees. The money has been put to good use, according to his wishes as recorded in the John Sarrin Story printed 1997. It says "His wealth is to be used for upkeep of the houses and education for boys and girls preparing to be Friends ministers or missionaries; no benefits to go for those who smoke, drink intoxicants, join the armed forces or paint up."
The Friends Theological College administration has not just been receiving this money and pocketing it. Richard Davis, one of the best administrators and an idealist principal at the college, and his realist wife, Sandy Davis, have put into effect better ways of distributing it fairly.
First, they have identified the needy students. Work-study has
been introduced so that they can work either in the yard, library, kitchen,
and on the compound. The amount credited on their fees is determined by
the hours covered by the end of the term.
Secondly, academic performance is also valued. Each student signs an agreement that he or she will abide with rules for work-study program. In case his or her GPA lowers, he or she may not be considered.
Thirdly, the college awards the scholarship appropriately to all who have been in the work-study program and are needful students.
One the other hand, students are encouraged to ask their parents or sponsors to complete the remaining amount of fees that may be outstanding balance.
This money has resulted in putting up new hostels for students, repairing classes for studies, equipping the library and accomplishing other goals, like fencing of the college farm, etc.
However, it would be right for me to say that these funds should always be committed to the hands of the faithful who have dedicated their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and are leaders or administrators of God's service so that they can distribute these funds with a sincere heart. Should these funds land in the hands of unfaithful people, who are greedy, and self-centered, then, it will be like a chunk of meat swallowed by a lion which can not be vomited. In this way, John Sarrin's statement of his "will" may be fulfilled and God will be pleased with us.
I hope in the future many will come to tell of their personal testimony about what God has done for them in their lives and it shall be called "the living testimony."
Long Live the John Sarrin Scholarship Committee of USFW International!
By Hannington Atenya
Hannington Atenya is a second-year student preparing to return as a pastor to Lumino Friends Church upon graduation in April 2000. As a carpenter, working through the John Sarrin Scholarship Fund, he has refinished much of the college furniture and done a considerable amount of painting.
I was born to a peasant farmer and small business person. My father who was also a tailor by profession, managed to educate me up to form four, the Kenyan standard of education. I attended Sunday School at my local church, called Lumino Friends Church, and really liked it. At the age of seventeen, I was made a youth leader in this churcha responsibility I held till after my high school education.
Though I went to church, participated in church activities, and despite the fact that I was raised in a Christian background, I was still troubled in my soul. It was not until I attended a youth conference, in the year 1991, that God made a real difference in my life. A speaker preached from Luke 18:37, the theme of the conference: "When Jesus of Nazareth Passes By, Things Will Never Remain the Same." I never remained the same, either. I decided to give my life to Jesus and up to now have experienced a lot in Jesus and the power He gives us.
My late father called me at his point of death, in 1996, and advised me to take seriously the Word of God for he trusted me to take care of the family after him. Those were the last words I heard from him. Though I decided to come to FTC and learn more of the Word of God, the worry was, "Where could I get the school fees?" I was very encouraged by friends who came and prayed for me and my pastor who advised me to take courage and come to college for God had a purpose with my life.
My first fees were paid by the church. Of the Ksh 15,000 college fees per year, Ksh 6,000 is paid through the John Sarrin Scholarship Fund! What a relief! This happened to the surprise of many believers who always thank God because of the John Sarrin Scholarship. Honestly, I'm obliged to share my sincere appreciation to the committee that is concerned for the good work it is doing to uplift the lives of many. Since the light of this Fund has come into my life, and also the other scholars, we can shine now in Kaimosi with the Word of God.
It is evident, as one looks around the campus, there is much improvement. Our library is one of the best (though it requires more books). Classrooms and hostels which used to leak and cause unrest to students are now in order and well furnished though still changing as time goes by. We feel proud of our campus for it reflects a secure learning atmosphere.
The community has not been left out of this circle of thankfulness. As many have enrolled as students, more job opportunities are created. More workers will be needed to serve as groundsmen, cooks, watchmen among many other positions. Many will be reached with the Gospel. That is good news and thus the rate of crime shall be reduced and many will change their lives for Jesus.
My plea to the Committee is to urge them to follow-up the help they offer. Once in awhile visit various places they sponsor people or project to (1) be sure that their money is well spent, (2) create more friendship with those they help, and (3) inspect how effectively those who benefited from the fund are committed in the field to the work and Word of God.
Copyright (c) 1999 Friends United Meeting
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