Daystar U.S. 
The information on this page was last updated 4/12/2023. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
Daystar U.S., Inc. ("Daystar") raises funds to support Daystar University, a Christian liberal arts university in Nairobi, Kenya. Daystar provides a broad-based, biblically oriented approach to training men and women for more effective service in church and society without the culturally disruptive and prohibitive cost of overseas training. Daystar's origins go back to 1967 when Dr. Donald K. Smith, an American, and S.E.M. Pheko, an African, founded Daystar Communications to evaluate various media used in communicating the message of Christ; to analyze the target audience of such messages; and, to design and develop more effective communication strategies for reaching such audiences.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Daystar U.S.
8011 34th Ave South C50
Bloomington, MN 55425
Website: daystarus.org
Phone: (952) 928-2550
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 953732280
CEO/President: Alan Cooke
Chairman: William Boulware
Board size: 14
Founder: Dr. Donald K. Smith & S.E.M. Pheko
Ruling year: 1987
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 06/30
Member of ECFA: Yes
Member of ECFA since: 1989
Purpose
Daystar US is here to raise funds for Daystar University and support its mission to transform Africa by way of high quality Christian, education. Daystar U.S. offers an opportunity for Americans to have a significant role in the transformation of the African continent.
Mission statement
Daystar's mission is to educate Christ-centered servant leaders who will transform Africa.
Statement of faith
1. The one eternal God and in the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Creator and Lord of the world, who governs all things according to the purpose of His will, calling out of the world a people for himself and sending them back into the world to be his servants and witnesses for the extension of his Kingdom, and building of Christ's church and the glory of his name.
2. The one Savior, Jesus Christ himself being the only God-man who died for the sins of mankind and was raised from the dead according to the scriptures; the only ransom for sinners and mediator between God and humankind; who is exalted above every other name as Savior of the world who offers forgiveness of sins and the liberating gift of the Spirit to all who repent, believe and come to him personally and so be reconciled to God; and those who reject Him repudiate the joy of salvation and condemn themselves to eternal separation from God.
3. The Holy Spirit, sent by God the Father to bear witness to His Son, whose power and works among humankind lead to the conviction of sin, faith in Christ, new birth, and Christian growth; and speaking through the Scriptures illumines the minds of God's people in every culture to perceive the truth and discloses to the whole church of the wisdom of God.
4. The divine inspiration, truthfulness and authority of the Old and the New Testament Scriptures as the Word of God with power to accomplish his purpose of salvation; the Gospel of good news for the whole world addressed to all humankind for God's revelation in Christ and the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
5. The return of Jesus Christ personally and visibly in power and glory to consummate his salvation and judgment; the interim period being filled with evangelism by the people of God, who eagerly await Christ's return, the coming of the new heaven and new earth in which righteousness will dwell and God will reign for ever; and meanwhile rededicating themselves to the service of Christ and humankind in joyful submission to Christ's authority over the whole of life.
6. The constant spiritual warfare with principalities and powers of evil which are seeking to overthrow the kingdom of God and to frustrate the work of the Church, and the need for Christians to be equipped with God's armor and to fight with spiritual weapons of truth and prayer, being watchful and discerning to safeguard the Biblical gospel.
7. The church as the community of God's people that is not to be identified with any particular culture, social or political system or human ideology; being the center of God's cosmic purpose and his appointed means of spreading the gospel to the world; and which needs to be closely united in fellowship, work, witness and functional cooperation for the furtherance of the church's mission, and for mutual encouragement and the sharing of resources and experience.
8. Christian churches that are deeply rooted in Christ and closely related to their cultures, always testing and judging such cultures in accordance with the Scripture's criteria of truth and righteousness, insisting on their moral absolutes and seeking to transform and enrich them for the glory of God.
9. The freedom of thought and conscience to practice and propagate the gospel in accordance with the will of God, and to remain faithful to that gospel whatever the cost.
10. The sharing of God's concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of humankind; evangelism and socioeconomic/ political involvement, without being afraid to denounce evil and injustice wherever they exist, being part of the Christian duty and necessary expressions of Christian doctrines of God and humankind, love for one's neighbor and obedience to Jesus Christ to exhibit his kingdom and to spread its justice and righteousness in the world.
11. Christian education, training and research that are indigenous and developed by creative local initiatives according to biblical standards of doctrine, discipleship, evangelism, nurture and service to equip and encourage Christian leaders in church and society to provide a Christian style of leadership and service. "
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
A
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Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Foreign Missions
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 917 of 1104 | 116 of 143 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 616 of 1105 | 82 of 143 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 769 of 1105 | 102 of 143 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 943 of 1104 | 113 of 143 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 6% | 6% | 12% | 11% | 18% | 21% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 5% | 6% | 11% | 11% | 17% | 20% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 99% | 98% | 95% | 98% | 96% | 92% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 5% | 9% | 14% | 11% | 17% | 16% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 1% | 2% | 5% | 2% | 4% | 8% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 84% | 79% | 69% | 76% | 65% | 70% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 99% | 68% | 78% | 98% | 99% | 122% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 82% | 54% | 53% | 75% | 65% | 85% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 1% | 32% | 22% | 2% | 1% | -22% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 2% | 24% | 12% | 1% | 0% | -12% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 8% | 12% | 17% | 13% | 17% | 14% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 1.35 | 0.50 | 0.41 | 0.71 | 0.53 | 0.67 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.22 | 1.27 | 1.22 | 1.15 | 1.14 | 1.20 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 2.02 | 0.64 | 0.50 | 0.82 | 0.60 | 0.80 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 19.08 | 132.34 | 49.74 | 139.26 | 51.95 | 68.02 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.05 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.01 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 5.58 | 18.73 | 23.48 | 14.54 | 19.46 | 14.76 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 7% | 1% | 2% | 1% | 2% | 1% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 68% | 199% | 239% | 139% | 186% | 148% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Cash | $828,436 | $470,931 | $454,107 | $615,923 | $481,143 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $269,522 | $266,332 | $220,165 | $100,691 | $165,105 |
| Short-term investments | $996,777 | $1,046,010 | $827,746 | $797,051 | $768,521 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $2,094,735 | $1,783,273 | $1,502,018 | $1,513,665 | $1,414,769 |
| Long-term investments | $547,496 | $384,796 | $215,319 | $214,308 | $282,152 |
| Fixed assets | $5,853 | $5,441 | $5,550 | $1,671 | $2,405 |
| Other long-term assets | $15,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total long-term assets | $568,349 | $390,237 | $220,869 | $215,979 | $284,557 |
| Total assets | $2,663,084 | $2,173,510 | $1,722,887 | $1,729,644 | $1,699,326 |
| Liabilities | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $15,828 | $35,849 | $10,786 | $29,135 | $20,799 |
| Other current liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current liabilities | $15,828 | $35,849 | $10,786 | $29,135 | $20,799 |
| Debt | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total liabilities | $15,828 | $35,849 | $10,786 | $29,135 | $20,799 |
| Net assets | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Without donor restrictions | $275,431 | $266,019 | $240,751 | $353,894 | $296,465 |
| With donor restrictions | $2,371,825 | $1,871,642 | $1,471,350 | $1,346,615 | $1,382,062 |
| Net assets | $2,647,256 | $2,137,661 | $1,712,101 | $1,700,509 | $1,678,527 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Total contributions | $1,926,150 | $1,092,936 | $1,228,322 | $885,061 | $853,568 |
| Program service revenue | $202 | $168 | $17 | $15 | $249 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $32,054 | $53,561 | $24,108 | $37,607 | $76,966 |
| Other revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other revenue | $32,256 | $53,729 | $24,125 | $37,622 | $77,215 |
| Total revenue | $1,958,406 | $1,146,665 | $1,252,447 | $922,683 | $930,783 |
| Expenses | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Program services | $1,052,481 | $612,365 | $936,528 | $599,467 | $791,677 |
| Management and general | $158,990 | $154,469 | $157,417 | $156,001 | $159,067 |
| Fundraising | $120,639 | $126,183 | $137,122 | $159,767 | $182,570 |
| Total expenses | $1,332,110 | $893,017 | $1,231,067 | $915,235 | $1,133,314 |
| Change in net assets | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $626,296 | $253,648 | $21,380 | $7,448 | ($202,531) |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $626,296 | $253,648 | $21,380 | $7,448 | ($202,531) |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Mr Alan P Cooke | Executive Director | $81,172 |
Compensation data as of: 6/30/2022
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 4/12/2023. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
1967- U.S. Missionaries Dr. Donald and Mrs. Faye Smith and South African, Dr. S.E. Motsoko Pheko start Daystar as Daystar Communications in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
1968- The Daystar US Board was formed in Eugene, Oregon. For the first 10 years, this group of then young Christian businessmen gave solid support, often sacrificially, that made Daystar possible.
Beginning in 1974, with the help of U.S. supporters (especially through a large grant program through the Tyndale Foundation), the Nairobi property is acquired and developed as the campus for "Daystar Communications" which later became "Daystar University College".
1977- The MA in Communications was accredited by the North Central Accrediting Association - as a recognized partnership between Wheaton College and Daystar.
1978- Daystar celebrates its first graduation of four degree recipients in the MA in Communications from Wheaton College at the Nairobi campus.
1979- Dr. Stephen Talitwala from Uganda is selected to become the first Daystar President (Executive Director/Vice-Chancellor).
1982- Daystar U.S. is officially established in the U.S. as a non-profit to support Daystar University. All management is officially transferred from Daystar U.S. Board to the African Daystar Board under the leadership of the first chairman, James Mageria.
1982- Stephen Talitwala wrote to supporters about the need for a Christian college with an accredited B.A. program for Africa after returning from a trip to the U.S. "Many of the students completing their Diploma at Daystar this year are looking to the United States to finish their B.A. degrees. A larger number of other Daystar alumni who were unable to go overseas are regularly inquiring about our plans to set up a B.A program here in Nairobi. Our meetings with church leaders from various African countries have convinced us that the B.A. program which we hope to start soon is not a luxury. Consider the fact that aspiring students would not have to spend large amounts of money to fly overseas, or even live and study on a foreign college campus; and think of how much better it would be for them to study nearer their families and within their own African continent. Lack of available educational institutes is also another factor to consider: there is only one Christian college with an accredited B.A. program in all of Africa. Many church leaders cannot get Christian education except by going overseas. May I appeal to you to join us in praying that God will touch the hearts of his people to help us build at Daystar a fully accredited college for Africa?"
1984- Daystar, in collaboration with Messiah College and President Dr. Ray Hostetter, launches a liberal arts bachelor's degree program.
1987- The first class of fourteen Daystar B.A. students graduate.
1990- With support from many Daystar U.S. donors, construction of Athi River campus begins.
Beginning in 1992- Daystar moves its main campus to the Athi River site.
1994- Daystar University is awarded it's charter by the President of Kenya.
1998- Daystar enrollment reaches over 1800 students from 25 African countries with more than 7,000 Daystar alumni are working in nearly 40 countries.
2001- Enrollment reaches over 2,000 for first time. With the help of U.S. supporters, the 50,000 square foot Bible, Business, and Commerce complex is completed. Daystar Radio station is established with help from U.S. partners.
2005- Dr. Godfrey Nguru becomes 2nd Daystar President (Vice-Chancellor), Dr. Florence Muli-Musiime becomes the 1st female university Chancellor in all of Africa.
2007- First of four Science Buildings completed with the help of U.S. supporters.
2010- Dr. Timothy Wachira becomes 3rd Daystar President (Vice-Chancellor). Enrollment is over 4,000 students.
2011- Daystar University recognized as the most influential Christian institution of higher education in Africa for Christian leadership development.
2012- The Science and Technology Building and new dormitories are completed on the Athi River campus with major gifts from U.S. foundations and families.
2018- Daystar celebrates its 40th graduation with class of 684 graduates and enrollment at over 5,000. Over 20,000 Daystar alumni are impacting communities throughout Africa.
2019- Dr. Laban Ayiro becomes Daystar's 4th President (Vice-Chancellor).
Program accomplishments
In the face of governments that are riddled with corruption, the development of servant leaders with integrity is the greatest need in Africa today. 20,000 Daystar graduates are leaders who are doing just that - standing up for truth in a world that seems to offer no hope for a solution.
Daystar University has over 40 years of proven impact in Africa. It offers 35 undergraduate degrees, 16 masters programs and 2 Ph.D programs. With over 5,000 students from more than 30 countries, Daystar University is making a continent-wide impact.
Because of God's Faithfulness through U.S. Supporters....
Over 2,000 scholarship students educated and empowered through Daystar Financial Aid scholarships.
Over $20 million in funds given for Daystar University
Hundreds of U.S. supporter trips to witness the transformation at Daystar University
Over 25 building and equipment projects to expand Daystar's capacity
Needs
Your gifts to Daystar:
Provide needed scholarships
Grows campus capacity
Strengthens academic programs
Supports godly faculty and staff
Enriches each student's experience