14/08/2026
Enjoy these pictures telling the story of the FOCUS Staff Orientation Training (SOT) 2026 at FOCUS Center over the last two weeks! đź’Ąđź’ˇ
A lot happens during our annual SOTs. Over the decades, we have witnessed many turnarounds and life-changing encounters. We thank God for how He has used SOT to “sort” hundreds of lives over the years.
This year’s SOT theme, “Treasures in Jars of Clay,” is drawn from 2 Corinthians 4:7, where Paul reminds the church: “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
SOT brought together over 125 full-time staff and more than 30 volunteer staff at FOCUS Center for two weeks.
FOCUS staff carry an immeasurably precious treasure—the Gospel of Christ, the calling to disciple students, and the responsibility of shaping future leaders in universities and colleges. Yet we carry this treasure in jars of clay: ordinary, limited, sometimes weary, sometimes uncertain, and sometimes wounded vessels.
This has been the heartbeat of the training over the last two weeks. We are releasing staff ready to be used by God in their stations, affirmed that they carry the greatness of the Gospel while honestly acknowledging their weaknesses as vessels who carry it.
Lucy (STEM Staff UON Main CU AND Chiromo Campus) Testifies
“As I was preparing for SOT, I was really looking forward to a great time of equipping in preparation for what was really on the ground. But to my surprise, the experience has been far more than I had expected; a gift of a place full of people who each day have made me feel at home away from home. The concern, care, love and intentionality have been something to behold.
Listening to different ministers sharing the Word, offering guidance and counsel has also been refreshing and challenging at the same time. Another great highlight of SOT has been how each and everyone is incorporated in carrying out different roles. The excellence that is evident in everything being done has made me affirm that God is really interested in literally all our spaces, and that it should be evident through our actions and not just our words.
Generally, the SOT experience has been greatly refreshing.”
We are grateful to Dr. Nsiya, the TAFES National Director, and Victoria, the Namibian Student Movement National Director, who joined us for SOT. We are grateful for what we were able to learn from our sister movements and for the fellowship we shared.
Pray for the FOCUS staff, especially the 75 new STEM staff who have just begun their one-year leadership development programme in our stations.
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Staff Orientation Training (SOT) is an annual residential training that brings together new and continuing FOCUS staff for a time of learning, spiritual growth and ministry preparation. It helps new staff understand FOCUS’s life, beliefs, ministry philosophy and expectations, while refreshing and strengthening continuing staff for effective service. Through biblical teaching, practical skills and shared learning, SOT equips staff to grow in their faith, deepen their calling, sharpen their ministry skills and respond to the challenges of student ministry.
