History of KUSAF
In April 2009 as a group of new African Kosin students interacted with senior colleagues at Dr. Martha Kiarie’s house over dinner as part of their orientation and enculturation, an idea of having an African forum was hatched. This was an aftermath of reflections on Africa today; citing the contemporary concerns, flashing back into history and leaping into the future with optimism. Trends and explorations were thought through as new observations such as the shift of centre of Christianity and great anticipations that hanged like rainy clouds promising new horizons of a new down for the continent beconed.Among such inspiration was the observation of Philip Jenkins: “Today, slightly more than 11% of the world’s population resides in Africa. By 2025, Africa will be the world’s most Christian continent, with an anticipated 633 million Christians. Home to 640 million people, Africa’s population is growing rapidly and will top one billion by 2030. While Africa faces some of the greatest problems in the world in the form of poverty, inequality, disease and conflict, there is hope in Africa. The Christian Church is poised to exercise great influence on the continent. What this influence includes will largely be determined by the kinds of men and women who lead the Church.”[1] The gathering was equally drawn to observations of Africans who projected roadmaps like Dr.Victor Naka, “As we celebrate the unprecedented growth of the Church in Africa, we need to be careful not to lose sight of the immense challenges and opportunities that come with this growth. This growing Church needs leaders who are firmly grounded in the Scriptures, attune to the socio-cultural realities of Africa and have the faith and courage to serve as dynamic change agents for the glory of God. How to produce such leaders is the mandate of theological seminaries in partnership with the Church. Theological seminaries are carrying out this mandate at different academic levels, using different modes of delivery and through partnerships and collaborations.”[2] From such reflections we came to the following conclusions:
- That there is a rapid church growth in Africa.
- That the continent has its challenges that needs to be a dressed
- That the church has the potential to poise great influence on the continent
- That the church has an integral mission of tackling the challenges of the continent
- The need for equipped all rounded dynamic leaders
- Theological institutions and colleges are key in developing leaders
It dawned on us that we had to be part of the concern with a perspective of participating on such ongoing projections. This stemmed from the premise that all of the members were evangelical Christians, young university students and consequently potential leaders. The need for a consultative forum that would seek to enhance and preserve the strength of unity of common purpose and mutual interest, build a sense of community in diaspora, and address pertinent issues was realized. Thus, KUSAF (Kosin University Students of Africa’ Forum) was birthed. Gordon Odira together with Dr.Martha Kiarie convened the first meeting which deliberated on building consensus, formulating goals, envisaging mission and designing a road map. KUSAF mission is: To enhance and preserve the strength of unity of common purpose and mutual interest, build a sense of community in Kosin and address pertinent issues. The goals are as follows:
A) Providing a discipleship platform. The forum would facilitate nurture, deepen and strengthen spiritual life of members through Bible studies, prayers and fellowships, thus equipping for a life time Godly service.
B) Fostering mission spirit. The forum would engage issues of lifelong mission. How to fulfill Gods agenda through our careers and professions as part of leadership development.
C) Social-economic forum. Facilitating interaction between members for mutual support, interpersonal relationships, identification and development of skills and talents. Mapping economic empowerment avenues like revolving scheme. It would also seek to induct and orient new members into the community in their enculturation process.
D) Voice of community. The forum would help in deliberating and voicing the contemporary issues affronting Africa, being part of the think tanks and projecting way forward.
VISION:
RAISING CHRISTIAN LEADERS TO TRANSFORM AFRICA
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