A cycle for Kenya

The impressive cycle ride took place from his home in Stranorlar, Donegal, to Kilfennan Church, with the aim of raising money for a new foot bridge across the Galana River in Kenya.

Mr Cowan has been the assistant minister to Rev. Rob Craig for the past two years. Recently the Men’s Club at Kilfennan were doing a four week study about God’s concern for the poor and marginalised in the world. This was based on the book of Micah which highlights that God wants his followers to love justice and to have compassion for the needy people in the world. As a practical outcome from this course Mr Cowan decided to get on his bicycle. The money will help build a second footbridge, ‘The Bridge of Hope’.

Albert Buchanan of Kilfennan Men’s club, who thanked people for their generosity, said: “This was a great opportunity for the men to show their support for this project.”

A video event revealed how children had to cross the Galana River to get to school under threat from crocodile attacks, and injury and death were commonplace.

Around 100 people risk their lives each day wading across the river, but when the bridge is built 5,000 people will benefit.

In 2002, Derek and Linda Roulston, members of Newtowncunningham Presbyterian Church, moved to South East Kenya to begin development work among the Galana people. When hunting was banned, the people were moved from their traditional tribal areas and they suffered neglect, but over the years the development project has brought them new hope by contributing to the development of health, education, and agriculture in the area.

“Three Presbyterian congregations have also been established in the area,” said Mr Cowan, adding: “This new footbridge will make a huge difference to the lives of the entire community in Galana and I am very thankful for all the sponsorship that I received.

“I am delighted to be able to do something practical to show God’s love to some of the most disadvantaged people and I am thankful for all those who gave so generously towards this project.”