Daystar University receives a generous donation of 100 cement bags from City Lighters Church to support the building of the new Chapel.

By Ashley Muratha

[Athi River: July 9, 2025]  City Lighters Church from Nairobi donated 100 bags of cement as a faith-filled contribution to the construction of the planned 1,000-seater University chapel.

The donation, which was presented by the Senior Pastor George Macharia, was received by the Deputy Chaplain, Rev. Josphat Mung’ara Kimacia and the DCF team, at the Central Stores, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.

Pastor George Macharia was accompanied by Elders and the Chairman of the Church, Mr. Elvis Muema, the In-charge of Pastoral Team Pastor Sophie Manoa, Worship Pastor Mike Manoa, Elder Steve Ataro, Head of Protocol Mr. Mathews and Head of Production Ms. Naomi Mburu.

The team was warmly welcomed received by the Daystar University Chaplain Rev. Josphat Kimacia, the Acting Director Main Campus Dr. Ann Wachira Njogu, Daystar Christian Fellowship (DCF) student representatives and the Assistant Chaplain Ms. Tabitha Mutheu. The donation was made possible through the efforts of Ms. Mutheu, a member of City Lighters Church.

When they arrived at the Main Campus, the guests were ushered to the Vice Chancellor’s office, where they met the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban Ayiro.

Following the Vice Chancellor’s welcome, Rev. George Macharia shared the story behind the donation.  He said he got a deep conviction to support the project during the Chapel groundbreaking event held on June 24, 2025, during which Prof. Ayiro called on those present to support the construction of the Chapel. .

He explained how City Lighters Church, whose vision is to one day buy land and build their own church, saw this as an opportunity to plant a seed of faith at Daystar University.

“Supporting the chapel project felt aligned with our calling to build God’s kingdom, even as we trust God for tour own place of worship in the future,”  said Pastor Macharia.

Reflecting on the earlier conversation with Prof. Ayiro, Rev. Macharia revealed that it became clear that God was calling on the church to stand with Daystar’s vision to build a house for God.  “We bring these 100 bags of cement to lay a foundation both physical and spiritual for what God desires to do here,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor expressed heartfelt gratitude, reflecting on the spiritual journey that led to the breaking ground for the chapel project. He shared memories of the late Prof. Stephen Talitwala, Daystar’s founding Vice Chancellor, who dreamed of building the chapel but passed away before seeing the dream was actualized. Prof. Ayiro spoke of carrying forward that vision, despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, its disruptions and other challenges.

“This is an accomplishment that will see miracles happening,” he said, adding that faith is touchable and it is faith that has brought Daystar University this far.”

After the meet-and-greet session, the group proceeded to the Central Stores, where they viewed the donated cement. The moment was marked by prayer, dedicating the cement and the entire project to God.

The visit concluded at the groundbreaking site near the Musau Mumama Building, where the new chapel is set to rise. There, Rev. Kimacia and Rev. Macharia led a final prayer, blessing the ground and the vision it represents.

This generous act by City Lighters Church is not merely a donation of building material. It is a testament to shared faith and the power of partnership in advancing God’s work.

As Daystar University moves closer to its long-held dream of a chapel, it is reminded once again that faith, indeed, can move mountains and sometimes, it begins with just one bag of cement.

Meanwhile, the ISADU President, Mr. Julien Kisembo has also donated and delivered to the University 30 bags of cement toward the chapel project.

Mr. Kisembo revealed how with only six bags of cement, he desired to give something to God; towards the construction of the chapel project. He talked of how this inspired his father, who also decided to be a part of the blessing; and together they increased the number to 30 bags of cement.

Commenting on the donation, the Vice Chancellor had this to say, “Such gestures speak louder than any sermon. It reminds us that building a sanctuary for God is not just about money, it is about worship through sacrifice,” said the VC, explaining how deeply moved he was by the message from the ISADU President. “You have shown us what it means to give from the heart,” said the VC.

Meanwhile, a group of alumni has also joined hands to raise 1000 bags of cement for the chapel project and the campaign is going on well.

The Vice Chancellor is looking to raise Ksh.150 million for the construction of the Chapel. He calls on all Daystar partners, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and well-wishers both in Kenya and across the world, to combine effort in build a house for God.