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RISING UP TO THE CHALLENGE
Robert Olweny's heart stands out on campus
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
 Robert Olweny, a second-year student at the University of Nairobi, sets a great example for all of the campus disciples in Nairobi. Though physically challenged, he is constantly working hard to study the Bible with people and bring visitors to church with him. He is completely and enthusiastically involved in all the activities of the ministry. Robert (left)does not make his physical condition an excuse. And one day short of his first baptismal anniversary, God blessed him with fruit as he baptized his friend and classmate, Aggrey Amimo (in glasses in photo below).
 Robert was invited to church by Jervis Akona (extreme right in photo) as several brothers were out inviting people for a First-Century Sunday service which was to take place the following day. Robert showed up at church and never looked back. Baptized on March 16th 2001, he immediately proceeded to reach out to all who would listen to him. His room on campus became a hub of hospitality as disciples would frequently gather there for meals and fellowship.
Despite Robert's hard work, none of those he reached out to became disciples. "It discouraged me," he says. "At times I felt that I didn't have what it takes to be fruitful." But he held on to his faith, and one day met Aggrey. Though Aggrey was less than eager to study the Bible, Robert remained a friend. The two of them hail from the same district, as they discovered, and Robert twice went to see Aggrey at his rural home.
When Aggrey came back to campus in January of 2002 he wanted to get his life right with God and initiated to get with the disciples. He studied the Bible with Robert and with Jarrett Odwallo, the campus minister at the University of Nairobi. Within weeks, Aggrey made the decision and was baptized.
Robert, who studies Sociology and Economics, gleaned a great lesson from seeing his classmate become a Christian. "I learned that God wanted me to be patient and trust in him. It has really encouraged me. I have seen the hand of God in it all." "Robert has always encouraged me," Aggrey says. "I am called higher by his faith. I love him."
At the age of two-and-a-half, Robert fell ill. As a result of an improperly administered injection, his left leg became paralyzed and stopped growing. Though at first Robert would feel very bad, especially at the taunts of other children, he moved ahead with focus and determination and ultimately was accepted into the University of Nairobi, where God had great things in store for him. "I would do anything as a disciple," he says.
As testified by those who know him best, Robert is a man of great character and heart, an inspiration to everyone in the campus ministry, and a brother worthy of respect and imitation. As Jarrett puts it, "When I think of Robert I am reminded of a man who will not back down," adding that he doesn't even think of Robert as being physically challenged "because [Robert] doesn't make any excuses or carry himself differently from other disciples." Jervis echoes the same thoughts and adds, "Robert is an encouragement to me. He is generous and loving. When I see him, I see a disciple."
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