Daystar Takes Mission to Arusha: Transforming Lives Through Faith and Partnership

Members of the Daystar University Marketing Team provide information on academic programmes and admission opportunities to prospective students during the Daystar Sunday mission in Arusha, Tanzania

By John Sakwa

[Arusha, Tanzania: Friday June 19 - 22, 2026] “Any good seed that you sow will always manifest in greatness. This is the principle of reality, the principle of greatness.” This was said by Apostle Trice Shumbusho during a Daystar Sunday held at her Zion City Church in Arusha, Tanzania.

These simple yet profound words echoed throughout a remarkable engagement that brought together Daystar University and Zion City Church in Arusha, Tanzania. More than an institutional visit, the engagement became a testimony of faith, servant leadership, regional collaboration and a shared commitment to transforming lives through education.

From Friday 19th to Monday 22nd June 2026, Daystar University embarked on a strategic Daystar Sunday mission to Arusha spearheaded by the University's Projects Office. The engagement sought to strengthen the University's regional presence, recruit prospective students, deepen spiritual fellowship and establish sustainable partnerships capable of supporting financially disadvantaged students pursuing higher education.

The delegation reflected the diversity of Daystar University's mission. Led by the Head of the Projects Office under the Vice Chancellor’s Mrs. Coretta Ndunda, the team brought together professionals from the Projects Office, Marketing Department and the renowned Afrizo Choir, demonstrating how faith, education and service can work together to create lasting impact.

A Vision Beyond Borders

As Daystar University continues to strengthen its position as a leading Christian institution in Africa, expanding meaningful partnerships across the continent remains central to its vision. The Arusha engagement exemplified this commitment by creating a platform where ministry and education complemented one another.

The visit began on Friday 19th June with the arrival of the delegation and introductory partnership meetings that laid the foundation for the weekend activities. These interactions focused on collaboration between Daystar University and Zion City Church in spirituality and academic affairs, particularly in supporting students whose academic dreams are threatened by financial hardship.

The following day came alive through music as the Afrizo Choir ministered during a powerful concert hosted by Zion City Church. Under the leadership of Ms. Helen Mtawali, the Afrizo choir delivered inspiring worship that transcended language and cultural boundaries. Their ministry created an atmosphere of worship, unity and spiritual renewal while showcasing Daystar University's commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and spiritual growth.

Daystar Sunday: Faith and Spiritual Nourishment

The highlight of the engagement came on Sunday during the Zion City Church Sunday services. Hundreds of congregants gathered to worship while learning more about Daystar University's mission of developing servant leaders for Africa and the world.

During the services, the University's marketing team, led by Mr. Sosnes Olindo, presented Daystar's wide range of academic programmes. Prospective students received detailed information on Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate, Master's and Doctoral programmes offered across the University's schools.

The response from the congregation was overwhelmingly positive. Many young people and parents expressed interest in pursuing higher education at Daystar University, with several prospective students beginning the recruitment process during the engagement. The successful outreach reaffirmed Daystar's growing reputation beyond Kenya and strengthened its regional footprint within East Africa.

A Partnership Rooted in Compassion

While student recruitment formed an important aspect of the visit, the deeper purpose of Daystar Sunday was to establish sustainable partnerships capable of changing lives.

The initiative was conceived by the Projects Office as an innovative response to the increasing number of students who struggle to finance their education. Every academic intake brings bright and deserving students whose dreams are interrupted by financial constraints. Through Daystar Sunday, the University seeks to partner with churches and Christian organizations willing to invest in these students by providing scholarships and financial assistance.

Rather than viewing education as solely the responsibility of students and their families, the initiative embraces the biblical principle of collective responsibility, inviting the Church to become an active partner in raising future leaders.

This model creates an opportunity for congregations across the region to participate directly in transforming lives through education while strengthening the relationship between Daystar University and faith communities.

Shared Values of Servant Leadership

Both Daystar University and Zion City Church share a commitment to raising leaders whose influence is grounded not in personal ambition but in service to God and humanity.

This shared vision became even more evident through the powerful testimony of Apostle Trice Shumbusho, founder and leader of Zion City Church. She reflected on her personal journey of faith, resilience and transformation following the painful loss of her son, a season that deepened her dependence on God and strengthened her commitment to serving others.

Her story resonated deeply with the Daystar delegation because it mirrors the University's own mission of nurturing individuals who become agents of transformation despite life's challenges.

One of the defining moments of the engagement came as Apostle Trice shared what she described as the Principle of Greatness, saying: "Any good seed that you sow will always manifest in greatness. This is the Principle of reality, the Principle of greatness."

Her message reminded everyone present that every act of generosity has the potential to produce immeasurable impact for generations to come.

Sowing a Seed of Greatness

Following the footsteps of her late husband Bishop Gatare John Shumbusho, inspired by the University's mission and moved by the growing needs of financially vulnerable students, Apostle Trice Shumbusho made a generous financial contribution dedicated specifically to supporting needy students at Daystar University. The donation represented far more than financial assistance. It symbolized hope.

It affirmed that communities of faith can play a transformative role in expanding access to higher education. It demonstrated that partnerships built on shared values can produce tangible solutions to real societal challenges.

For many deserving students, this contribution will mean the opportunity to remain in school, complete their studies and pursue their God-given purpose without the burden of financial uncertainty.

Music That United Hearts

The Afrizo Choir also left an unforgettable mark throughout the engagement. Their vibrant ministry brought together worshippers from different backgrounds in moments of praise, reflection and celebration. Through powerful musical presentations during both the Saturday concert and Sunday worship services, the choir created an atmosphere filled with harmony, peace, cultural diversity and spiritual nourishment.

Their participation reminded everyone that music remains one of the most effective tools for communicating hope, strengthening fellowship and building bridges across cultures.

Looking Ahead

The success of Daystar Sunday in Arusha marks the beginning of what promises to become a growing movement of partnership between Daystar University and churches across Africa.

The engagement demonstrated that when institutions of higher learning and faith communities unite around a common purpose, they create opportunities that extend far beyond classrooms. Together, they nurture servant leaders, strengthen communities and transform lives.

As Daystar University continues expanding its regional presence, initiatives such as Daystar Sunday will remain instrumental in ensuring that deserving students, regardless of their financial circumstances, have access to quality Christian higher education.

Indeed, the lasting legacy of Zion City Church and Daystar University showcases the renewed hope, strengthened relationships and a shared belief that when Christ is at the centre, transformation becomes possible.