08-1485 final project com 349 A

                             ONE FAITH DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS                  

‘‘Aunty, so umeokoka?’’ I was caught off guard by the question which my friend’s daughter had thrown at me. Before I gathered the words to answer her, she had already attacked me with her next statement ‘‘mum alisema hawezi soma Daystar since yeye hajaokoka’’ They had passed by the school for a survey as my friend was scouting for a campus to get admission. This reminds me of how some of my friends received the news of my admission to Daystar University, just like the little girl, their faces seemed to have the same puzzled look of kwani umeokoka?(you mean you are born again?)

Being born again and having a testimony as proof of your salvation is a requirement of joining Daystar University whether as a student or any other member of staff both teaching and non-teaching. So four years ago, I had to look for a formula that could make me instantly saved, or at least saved enough to join Daystar University and survive. And when I made it to join the campus there were several others who just like me, had made the cut with their own instant salvation formula. Needless to say, we all found ourselves at discipleship class, the class where those whose testimonies were not found valid enough had to pass through to learn more about salvation.

Students within the campus have grouped themselves in ‘salvation cliques’ depending on the understanding and perceptions they have about salvation.  I went for chapel with my roommate, who insisted I sit with her at the front. As we walked, I could feel the ‘she must have been extremely saved over the weekend or during a recent kesha (all night praise and worship) looks’ from my fellow backbenchers. Normally I prefer sitting behind, and this is because I’m usually late for chapel but even when I’m early I would not go for the front seats. Carol a second year communication student also finds it hard to sit in front during chapel, ‘‘I would feel odd seating in front, like out of place.’’ She told me when I inquired from her why she prefers the back seats to the front seats.

There was a time, Afrizo, a singing group in campus had organized a concert in the school Amphitheatre. The crème de la crème in the gospel music industry had been invited to perform. Re-known rapper Juliani, and award winning artist Daddy Owen, were among the artists expected to bring the house down, local comedian Eric Omondi was the host. That evening contrary to popular belief, all my fellow back benchers had run for the front seats. It was a case of reversed roles as the ones who are always on the front could hardly be spotted at their usual seats. A student, who gave her name as Liz, told me that during concerts she always prefers being in front as compared to chapel or service which if she has not missed would rather sit at the back. On the other hand my roommate (a devoted chapel goer who always sits at the front) did not even see the need of attending the concert, unless someone convinced her. Of which I dragged her to it .By the end of the night, it seemed promising that she would possibly attend another one, but that is a story for another day.

Another night, I attended fellowship that had been organized by Daystar Christian Fellowship (DCF).I had a great time and made a mental note to be attending the fellowships whenever I got the chance. After fellowship, a young man who was also part of the congregation approached me, ‘‘Hi, I did not think you can also come for this things.’’ At first I was astounded not knowing whether to take offence, or just assume his statement which I perceived to be rather stereotypical. In my mind I had already blurt out my defence, ‘Why is it strange? I have the right to be part of the fellowship just like anyone else’ But I chose to assume his question and went ahead to carry a friendly conversation with him. It dawned  on me that the practise of faith among Daystar students varies, which conveys different perceptions that influence how students interact with each other.

There is a group active in service and chapel, vibrant members of various Christian groups like intercessory (prays for the school), service team, DCF committee, men’s fellowship, missions group, evangelism choir among others. Members of these groups hang out together most of the time. They eat together in the dining hall and occasionally hold hands while praying before meals. For them there is usually a lot of pressure to conform to certain beliefs the school has set on them. Bilha Wangui a former DCF dance team chairperson shared with me that during her tenure there was a time she got late to hand in her work for a class group work. The leader of her group was disappointed and went ahead to tell her, if you who is in DCF does not hand over her work in time then who will? Students usually look up to this group as the pious ones who should never be in the wrong, that includes lazing around at the breakfast table while chapel or small group     meeting starts in the next five minutes.

Another group you can spot in school are the ones who hardly miss the concerts or any exciting service that goes on in school. During meal times, they say their prayers individually with their heads slightly bowed down. But there are certain duties which sub-consciously people find to be too ‘religious’ for them. A friend of mine, Diana* after a student’s baraza joined the students association for prayers to end the meeting. She volunteered to pray and went ahead to give words of encouragement from quotes in the Bible. Majority of the gathering was touched by her words of encouragement while a few looked at her like you? Saying those words? Which I have to confess that even I her friend did not expect that from her.

There is a different category, which for unknown reasons are just rebellious to the word. They go for chapel with head phones on and are usually busy on their phones the whole time. The only time they share the word of God is during class devotions, and when it happens that during class time they are in a group that leads devotion, they decide on reading the verse and hand over to the next person who will explain the reading. However it is ironical that most of the students in this bunch, write testimonies that are so convincing they hardly ever appear in the list for discipleship class. 

    DCF which is the school’s main Christian body has set up a strong campaign to ensure the students live united as children of the same God.     

The DCF chairperson popularly referred to as Daddy O said that already plans are on-going to bring fourth that triumphant day. In his words ‘‘the day when DCF will not only be me, but you and me.’’

* not her real name

Pictures courtesy of www.photobucket.com

10-0002 Poshia Musesya

HOLLOW BE OUR FAITH  

Why am I so cold? Why am I lying on the floor? Why am I not in my house?

These are the questions that run through my mind as I scan the place I woke up in.  There are loud snores. Close to six people are lying on the floor, asleep, oblivious to the cold. Young men and women, all scattered in the room, asleep in different positions. I spot a couple of my classmates. Abandoned bottles of beer and empty plastic caps are lying everywhere. My head is pounding heavily as I try to recall what had brought me to this place.

Hey Zawadi, party at my place; 7pm till late. Be there. Booze in plenty. That was the message that I got on my phone that Thursday evening. Grab a friend, preferably a guy. The message continued.

Friday afternoon. Tick, tock, the clock seems to be frozen. My mind keeps wandering to that evening. What should I wear to the party? My blue dress? No, probably I should try the black one, it’s more enticing, plus it hugs me in all the right places. I glance down at my mode of dressing and frown. Whoever wears jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers in this era? I ask myself. Thanks to Daystar’s mode of dressing, I cannot flaunt my amazing fashion sense.

The party is at its peak by the time I arrive at my friend’s place out of campus. Her one-roomed house is full of people and so stuffy with smoke and sweat. Music is blaring from the music system in the house; a number of students are swaying to the beat. My short figure-hugging dress is riding up and I pull it down. I spot the host of the party, swaying some few feet away, a guy holding her by the waist. Another friend of mine, Cate*, looks drunk and is throwing up in the kitchen sink. I look away and continue sipping my drink. My watch reads 12.38a.m, still plenty of time to party. Someone grabs me and I oblige; we dance. I remember dancing but the rest is a blur. I hold my pounding head and vow never to touch alcohol.


 


photo soure:http//www.brandsbandfans.com

  You may wonder what a University student is doing, drinking and blacking out like that. Well, let me tell you that I have not always been like this. You see, I come from a Christian background and all values of the Christian faith have been imparted to me since childhood. My parents had tried to ensure that I learnt about the Christian faith at a very young age, ensuring that I attended Sunday school every Sunday and that I at least learnt how to say The Grace and the Ten Commandments were imprinted in my young mind. It is with this view of making sure that my faith in the word of God grows that my parents brought me to a university that shares the same vision as they.

The first time I stepped into the gates of Daystar University, I was greeted by the words: DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY IS AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG-ABUSE FREE ZONE, proudly displayed at the University’s gates. The University’s rule book, which is also the catalogue emphasized on the need for students (and staff) of the University to grow spiritually and to practice the faith of Jesus Christ. One way that the University ensures that all stakeholders are reminded of their faith is by compulsory chapel attendance every week. Does this work?

It is Chapel Tuesday at Daystar University, Athi River campus. A few students are streaming towards the Amphitheatre, bibles in hand. Members of the Daystar Christian Fellowship (DCF) are engaging the few who have managed to make it to Chapel in a session of worship. Another group is wiping the benches and placing hymn books on them. A few kilometers from Daystar, at Vegas Hostels, is Cate*, a fourth year communication student is still fast asleep, waiting for Chapel to end so that she can attend her lectures. Closer at home, Jane, a second year resident student at the Patience Hostels is still in bed, ignorant of the activities going on at the Amphitheatre. The bed above hers is neatly spread out, the Occupant, a second year Community Development student, Mercy*, is already at the Amphitheatre.





students at Daystar University, Athi River campus during chapel

  

“I attended Chapel the first week of Orientation, that is when I was a freshman because I was told that if I missed Chapel I would be punished,” Cate* says when she eventually manages to drag herself out of bed. “Since then I have never attended any Chapel.”

“Chapel attendance is not an activity that can help one grow spiritually because of the co-notation of being forced to attend chapel which actually beats the logic of spirituality,” says Cyrus Maina, a fourth year Communication student.

So, do Daystar students practice what they are told to do in chapel, bible study, mission outreaches and other Christian based activities?

The first time I met Davis Njeru was in my INS 111 class while I was still freshmen. He was quite an ordinary young man who came to class like the rest of us, did his assignments and participated like everyone else in class. What we did not know was that he is a practicing pastor in his local church. Davis is also the current DCF Vice-Chairman and a young man who tries to live his life according to the ways of the bible.

 “Faith is an integration of doctrine and belief,” Davis says when asked to define what Christian faith means to him.

“I would say that people in Daystar have moderately practiced faith and has been evident in the way they conduct themselves.” He says of the practice of faith among Daystar students.

Off-campus life has been blamed for tainting the practice of faith among Daystar University students. Stories of drinking, co-habiting, skiving of chapel, stealing and other vices that are not associated with the Christian faith have been blamed on living out of campus. Cyrus begs to differ with this.

"Campus is campus, whether I live off-campus or in-campus,” he argues. “Growing spiritually is a conscience effort. You need to involve yourself with activities that would help you grow spiritually.”

He mentions the bible study and small groups as DCF based activities that have made him grow spiritually.

“Christian Faith is a personal relationship between you and God; there should be no gatekeepers,” Cyrus continues to say. “In order to learn that relationship, one needs to ensure that you commit yourself to activities like bible study, praying and engaging in forums that people discuss about Christianity.”




http//www.thechoicedrivenlife.com

 
 1107 WORDS

*NOT THEIR REAL NAMES

TO LEAD IS TO SERVE - 08-0739

TO LEAD IS TO SERVE

Every respectable position in society comes with an increased level of pressure. This is especially so since the media makes a point to scrutinize those that hold leadership positions. When it comes to national politics, the spy glasses are wider due to the public’s involvement and their incessant need to check whether their leaders are making good on their promises as they vowed to in their manifestos. Why shouldn’t they? After all, the vote into office was solely cast in faith that change and good will come of those they put in power and that good leaders keep their promises.

So what is a good leader? The question boggles many a mind due to its weighty nature and scarcity of exemplary individuals who fit the profile. Few icons of great leadership have had a chance to stand on the Kenyan national stage long enough to leave a lasting impact and those who have had their lives cut short through ailments or assassination such as the late Tom Mboya or the late Wangari Maathai.

Lao Tzu, a Chinese Taoist philosopher and author of ‘The Book of the Way’ is quoted as having said, “To lead the people, walk behind them.” He goes on further to add that a leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, such that the people say, “We did it ourselves.” A concept that has long permeated the political scene and corporate leadership platforms is that of leadership as service as the mark of a good leader. This is whereby, rather than stand ahead of the masses and bellow orders at his followers; a leader should instead walk side by side with the people and mobilize them to assist him in meeting their needs. Therefore, a servant leader helps his people meet their goals rather than task others to accomplish responsibilities for him. In essence, he cannot do it all himself.

One such leader that comes to mind as I had mentioned before is the late Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai. Even before the media and the world shed light on her work and put her up on a pedestal, she fervently pursued her life goal to preserve the environment and to mobilize other women to plant trees to ensure that the world remained green, pure and unpolluted through their organization The Greenbelt Movement. After securing a position in the NARC government and later gaining worldwide recognition by winning a Nobel Peace prize, she remained humble and used her fame and popularity to sensitize many to be environmental stewards. Through it all, she remained true to her cause.

Many use their leadership positions as a way to see through their vested interests rather than to benefit the people by being corrupt or failing in their duties. I find it interesting how quickly leaders sometimes forget where they came from and who they should be grateful for where they are today. It is true that power tends to corrupt the purest and noblest of characters causing them to dwell on themselves rather than the people he leads. A servant leader therefore has to fight against this to fulfill his vow to his people to cause change and better their lives. Henry A. Kissinger said it best: “The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been.”

In Kenya however, the bulk of the leadership cake tends to automatically go to those who hitch free rides into the corridors of power by being affiliated with political dynasties  such as the Kenyattas, Odingas, and Mois just to name a few. In contrast, people who display great leadership qualities are accorded some degree of respect but are never taken as seriously as their dynastic counterparts. The notion behind this is that due to the politician’s association with a former great leader, they too must therefore have great leadership traits in them when in most cases, this is not so.

Unfortunately, Kenyans still uphold political archetypes that proved successful in the past when yet times have changed. For far too long have we let incompetent people masquerading as leaders take the reigns of power to steer their families into obscene levels of exponential wealth as their people languish in poverty. There are honourable men and women such as Esther Passaris doing great things for the country that fail to get the acclaim and opportunity to extend their great works to a national scale because we are myopic in our definition of a good leader. We are the ones to blame. If we do not change our attitudes then we shall continue to cry foul every time a leader abuses his office and forgets us. Let us not forget: there is power in the ballot.

(800 words)

THINK, UH, WRITE BEFORE YOU SPEAK - 08-0739

THINK, UH, WRITE BEFORE YOU SPEAK

There is something about the way a well developed plot and cast moves us and make the characters’ experiences our own. That is the beauty of a good movie or television series that has us glued to the screen from start to end. Those that prefer relaxing with a book in hand and music playing in the background tune in to their favourite show on a radio station of their choice to unwind. Some people term it a form of escapism or recharging after a long day but I like to call it dreaming eyes wide open. Thus, broadcast corporations put in a lot of hard work and money trying to satisfy this growing demand for entertainment and information needs. However, if one is on the receiving end of broadcast material, it is harder to appreciate the effort and work that goes into producing anything from radio show programmes to television works.

Behind the scenes in the initial stages of developing broadcast content, producers are faced with the challenge as to whether a script is needed to guide the production or to have the presenter speak spontaneously. Depending on the direction chosen, a show can end up having an absolutely different feel and produce varying results in the end. When it comes down to it, the question producers and presenters must answer is for what purpose the production is meant to serve.

Take spontaneous talk for example. When one speaks from the top of their mind, there are bound to be long pauses the moment when the speaker tries to organize their thoughts. Depending on how a speaker recovers from this, the results can vary from bad to fine especially if they are camera shy. In addition, one tends to use simple sentences that are fragmented when speaking spontaneously. This leads to making a lot of errors such as repetition and thus the speaker makes a lot of corrections. I learnt this the hard way when a few colleagues and I had to work on a five minute on air set for class on a topic of our choice. We chose an easy route and went with a show on relationships because the wide array of discussion topics revolving around the subject were numerous. In the end, because we were unsure about what to comment on, we spent a lot more time editing the five minute recording so as to make it as cohesive as possible. It was quite hard and very time consuming coming up with a significant final product which even in the end lacked the punch we intended for it.

On a broadcast platform, a presenter or reporter who speaks spontaneously risks coming off as unprofessional as it can make them lose credibility of what they are speaking about among the audience. This is depicted clearly when rookie and unseasoned reporters are sent to report on important news. The false starts and hesitations covered by filters such as ‘um’ and ‘uh’ when speaking may make it tasking for the audience to internalize the piece of information and may even make them lose interest in the programme altogether.

An important thing to note, however, is that spontaneous talk sounds and feels more natural because essentially, one is speaking from their mind and they usually do. The ease and transition between two ideas if well planned helps to make the production much friendlier, a task that many scripted works tend to lack. There is place for spontaneous talk in live debates such as in programmes that have guest speakers like the old show Crosstalk on KTN.

On a different note, the late Alfred North Whitehead, a British philosopher and Mathematician, is famously quoted for saying, “Actors are loved because they are unoriginal. Actors stick to their script.” Think about a movie that has no script with actors that can essentially do what they think and want at will. The result is likely to be haphazard and costly. This is why a script is important. It helps to manage time better because rather than spend time thinking of what to say, the early preparation of a written guide helps to bring out a message clearly. Most times, without a script information can get lost in translation or fail to have a desired impact.

Furthermore, when one uses a script, they are able to be more organized and thus, bring out the ideas they intended clearly than when speaking spontaneously. Shows like XYZ need to have a script. This is because the satire is brought out by what the characters say as the meaning is rooted in their words. Without it, the show would not have as great an impact as it does. As expected, sometimes scripted talk in broadcast can come off as unnatural. The trick is to be familiar with the content of the script before using it so as to make it feel more conversational.

There is a middle-ground that producers and presenters favour and that is the production of semi-scripted shows. A good example is such as the many formats breakfast shows on television stations use as they tend to be interview based with several invited guests per show. Rather than read from a teleprompter, the presenters write a few notes on the topic and questions to be asked so as to maintain the flow and focus of the content. This allows for improvisation and the end result is normally pleasing.

In the end, the one thing that holds true is that practice makes perfect. Great presenters and producers are as a result of many trials and errors so as to find a suitable fit. Depending on a person, scripted shows or spontaneous shows may be preferred. I believe, however, that it is better to have a form of script when working on a programme. It helps to give a rough idea of what final result is intended and to exhaust any ideas on the subject spoken about lest memory fails when one opts for the spontaneous talk route. After all, didn’t the American sages remind us to be safe than sorry?

Serving To lead

Rindi Gichina (10-0688)

According to Fred E. Fielder, leadership is the exercise of authority and the making of decisions. It is the initiation of acts which result in a consistent pattern of group interaction directed toward the solution of a mutual problem. He also goes ahead to say that it is an interpersonal relation in which power and influence are unevenly distributed so that one person is able to direct and control the actions and behaviors of others to a greater extent than they direct and control his.

By placing his emphasis on the individual, we do not give sufficient attention to the fact that a leader exists, evolves and functions within some particular group. The group determines leadership, either by conferring it or by accepting the legitimacy of a leader appointed by others or self-chosen.

Leadership in different fields is eyed by many people and of course it comes with a title. One ceases to be a commoner and graduates to a higher rank. As people contest for leadership with all vitality and very promising manifestations you can hardly tell what goes through their minds. They are driven by all sorts of motives. Fortunate is the institution whose contesting leader is driven by servant hood.

To some, it may sound ironical ascribing servant hood to a leader. To them, being in leadership means exploiting the subjects; enjoying every benefit in office through any possible channel and lording it over hence making everyone experience their lordship.

Leadership is necessary in every society. Nobody wants to be bullied, as some of the leaders do. People are proud of a leader, who though not in their position horizontally, has a way of fitting in, down to their level. A good leader is a servant leader. As they say, you lead by example and this means practice, while in some instances call for demonstration.

Giving commands from the office and getting on subjects’ necks due to poor performance is dictatorship. When one is in authority, they ought to feel with the subjects, identify with them and somehow fit in their shoes. They should not just delegate duties and then with no follow up demand perfect outcomes. While desiring good results, a servant leader is selfless. He has to make sure that the subject’s needs are taken care of.

He can also go out of his way to see that the skills of those he leads are improved and polished. In cases that need illustration or demonstration, he should be ready to do this. In places that call for people to be out in the field, a leader should make it his goal to model this. Maybe go out with the subjects during the whole project or pay them a visit.

A servant leader is not jealous or anxious of competition from his juniors. While they have potential to rise above him through the nurturing of their abilities, a servant leader should help them on this. He should be glad when they excel and should be in a position to see them bring out their best. Help them exploit their full potential.

Subjects need to be listened to. A leader who is not ready to do this is preparing for failure. A leader should create a platform where the subject’s air out their views, complaints and any issue they need addressed. Communication is vital for every setting and room has to be created for it. The voice of the led should be heard and echoed for the benefit of the institution and also the growth of the leader.

Anyone aspiring for a position of leadership and anyone in it should be ready for servant hood. The title should be followed by performance. A leader, as the name suggests, is one who should lead the way; that is show by all means possible the oath to be followed by the subjects. Dictatorship and lording over, is not the way to go.

Subjects are human and to get the best out of them is to show by action that you are interested in their affairs. This will motivate them to work and everyone involved benefits in the process.

“The son of man did not come to be served but to serve…….I am among you as one who serves” (Mark10:45). Servant leadership was Christ’s method of leadership. His service did not degenerate into servility. He was humble but retained dignity. He showed His followers how to serve, and He demanded no less of those who would carry on His work on earth.  Jesus teaches all leaders for all time that greatness is not found in rank or position but in service. He makes it clear that true leadership is grounded in love which must issue in service.

Serving to lead!         

Final Project

By

Rindi Gichina (10-0688)

Question 2

Submitted to

Wambui Wamunyu

Communication Department

Of

Daystar University

Athi River, Kenya

In partial fulfillment of the requirement for

EDITORIAL AND OPINION WRITING-COM436A

AUGUST-DECEMBER 2011