Transition and Students' Ministry
Few months down the line and Stella and I are still pinching ourselves that we now help steer this ship (Ukarimu). Kingsburys officially passed the director’s baton to us (the Orungas) and we’ve had busy transitional period full of signing documents, handing over files, heartfelt prayers, and a deep sense of carrying a legacy forward.
Ian and Stella on the far Left and Right with some of the graduates that have been part of the fellowships from 2021
Amidst these administrative changes, the heart of Ukarimu (the students) kept beating loudly. Within November, we celebrated the graduation of “our” 2021 crew. These were the wide-eyed first-years who showed up at our door after orientation week four years ago when we were new at Ukarimu. To now stand with them and their happy parents at graduation parties at Ukarimu’s grounds was an absolute joy. We weren’t just hosts, we felt like the extended family celebrating together. Watching the parents’ cheerful faces, seeing the evident bonds between students, and hearing their stories of growth and transformation was a powerful reminder of why we do this.
Our weekly fellowships have been absolutely packed with 50 to 60 students on most days! This semester we got real about two tough topics; finances and gender-based violence. We talked tracking finances, saving, budgeting, and managing debts and loans. The GBV discussions in November were particularly heavy but necessary. Students shared with courage, and we navigated those painful waters together, building trust and a safer community in the process.
The Sexual purity forum in partnership with Lukenya Community Church at Ukarimu House
We also tried something new this semester! Together with Lukenya Community Church’s YPM (Young People’s Ministry), we hosted a powerful forum on sexual purity with Eddy Ouma. Seeing nearly 50 students engage so openly and later getting to a moment of prayer was incredible. Between that and our classic fun filled events like the fun day and end-of-semester party, it’s been a season of fun, food, deep connection and joyful memories.
Family Update
On a personal note, my own student hat is back on! I’ve started a Master of Education in Leadership & Policy at Daystar (with a kind 40% discount to our cohort!). While my dream of a Masters in Student Development isn’t offered here, this is the closest fit to fuel my passion for mentoring and shaping campus life. Juggling a maximum course load, coaching, family, and ministry has been a whirlwind for me. There were several evenings where I was torn between a students’ fellowship and an online class. I’m so grateful for my wife Stella, who held the fort brilliantly, and for a dedicated intern (Griffins Kiprono) who stepped in as I navigated the academic intensity. Stella’s leadership, resilience, and faith and Griffins’ hard work, social skills and dedication have been a gift. I’m finding my rhythm, and even started working on my thesis on “Transformational coaching as mentorship,” merging my loves for sports, mentorship, and holistic development.
Community children during their Holiday training at Daystar in their new kit
Speaking of sports, the field hockey project with community kids is thriving! We have 45 regulars, new equipment, and even took teams to a year-end tournament, Thanks to the various partners who made this possible. The best part was seeing improved discipline and grades, and having my Daystar hockey players eager to mentor the community kids one-on-one. The Daystar varsity teams on the other hand have had a great season so far, with both men’s and women’s teams eyeing national playoffs for both the University league and National leagues!
As a family, this has been a stretching yet formative season where Stella and I have been navigating our own “mid-journey.” Leadership transition, academic demands, and ministry responsibilities really required rapid adjustments on our end. The Reality Check Mid Journey marriage seminars enriched our marriage, offering wisdom from those ahead of us and clarity for the seasons to come. Stella also attended a support-raising seminar through Via Nations (courtesy of Globalscope), equipping us in an area where we are still learning. I wasn’t able to join her in that because of the Masters classes. Meanwhile, Braylon started playgroup in September. It was a struggle at the start, being away from his sister and parents but he quickly adapted thereafter and was always looking forward to the next day of school. Tamara is mastering the art of both conversation and toy-sharing but with tantrums once in a while but she continues to grow well. Watching them grow together has been a joy and generally as a family we’re learning daily to lean on God and each other in this new season of leadership.
The Orungas; Ian and Stella with their kids, Braylon and Tamara
Thank you!
Financially, 2025 was quite stable, thanks to faithful partners like you. We didn’t do everything we dreamed of, but we did far more than we could have alone. As we look to 2026, we’re seeking God’s guidance for sustainable growth of the ministry and new partnerships. Your continued prayers for wisdom, strength for our young family, and for God’s provision mean the world to us.
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