Presbyterian Church in Ireland - Mission Overseas - KENYA: A THIRD footbridge to be built across the Galana River!

6th November 2011

The story of building bridges across the Galana River in southeast Kenya is an amazing one which is not yet finished!

Such has been the generosity of people in Ireland - North and South - that more than enough funds have been donated to build the second, ‘Bridge of Hope’, footbridge across the river.

Consequently, it has been decided to build a third bridge across this dangerous river, to be located about three hours' walking distance downstream from where the second bridge is currently under construction.

Earlier this year, Derek Roulston and Eddie Dorrans attended a community meeting in Galana to initiate the start of the current 'Bridge of Hope' project − the construction of a second footbridge across this notoriously dangerous, crocodile and hippo-invested river. 

At this meeting, a number of the local people narrated sad and disturbing stories of the many children, wives, family members and loved ones who'd been 'lost' over the years due to crocodile and hippo attacks, or had been washed away while crossing the river in the rainy season when it was in flood. 

They expressed extreme gratitude to people in Ireland who, having recognised their plight, had provided the funds needed to build the first footbridge to span this dangerous and unforgiving river, providing the community with a safe means of crossing.

And now, once more, they were grateful that people in Ireland had been willing to contribute towards the construction of a second footbridge, the 'Bridge of Hope'.

Members of the community indicated their full commitment and support by offering to give one day's voluntary labour per week to assist in this bridge's completion.

They also requested, if possible, that another location, about three hours' walking distance downstream, could be considered for a third bridge, as the benefits of a 'safe crossing point' are so immense and literally life-changing on a daily basis.

Whilst the community's gratitude was kindly accepted on behalf of the many in Ireland who have given so generously towards the building of two footbridges in Galana, the thought of funds being available for a third bridge seemed extremely unlikely on that day, as funding for the (now current) 'Bridge of Hope’ project was still incomplete and starting this project was in itself a step of faith. 

Derek Roulston writes:

"The feeling of the community at that meeting could be summed up by the words of Psalm 126:3, 'The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy'.

The meeting ended with a time of prayer and thanksgiving. All requests were laid before the Lord with praise, especially for safety and God’s blessing and peace to be upon the work that lay ahead."

 Reflecting on what has happened in the intervening months, Derek adds:

"God has surely heard the request of this community, as we have seen the floodgates of heaven opened and His mighty provision poured out through the generosity of people at home in Ireland, so much so that we are now aiming at building a third bridge. 

The response has been amazing and we are reminded that God does not do things in half measures. 

Not only is the second bridge now fully funded, but we estimate that we are well over halfway to funding the third bridge, and funds are still coming in. 

The ‘Bridge of Hope’ project has now become the ‘BRIDGES of Hope’ project! 

We are totally in awe and we wish to express our thanks, first to God for His sovereign provision, and secondly, to all who are supporting this work".

For more information about the 'BRIDGES of Hope' Project and how you can support it, please email: Eddie Dorrans or Derek Roulston

Download JPEG Map of Kenya, [304Kb]

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