Stephen & Angelina Cowan

Stephen and Angelina's mission work

During the past 37 years a strong Christian foundation has been built by introducing the truth of the gospel story to the Samburu and Turkana people. This has been achieved by Bible teaching as well as in many practical ways. However, cultural dogma is very strong, and many still struggle to apply Biblical values above cultural expectations.

SAAP's work is predominantly relational and takes time. While recognising that traditional animal husbandry is the main source of livelihood, SAAP seeks to raise awareness of the need to adopt modern land management techniques and husbandry skills in an ever-changing world. With population increase, land demarcation and addition of modern infrastructure, failure to implement change could easily lead to further marginalisation of the semi-nomadic communities throughout the county. Economic empowerment is crucial if, rather than migrating to the city seeking better employment opportunities, the younger generation of believers are to be encouraged to remain in their home area and become part of a thriving Christian community with generational consequences.

Dedicated and genuine interest in the welfare of those with whom they share their lives, together with integrity in dealing with a wide range of situations over the decades has resulted in the trust of both the Samburu and Turkana people and gospel community has been established in many villages. Various life skills including vehicle mechanics, building construction (using locally available materials when possible), horticulture and eco tourism are incorporated informally in everyday life. Children and young people camps run three times throughout the year and a monthly teaching seminar for adults which is both biblically and developmentally based, provide a more structured and focused forum which, while fun and educational, always including the central transforming message of Jesus across the generations.

Stephen and Angelina have links with Waringstown Presbyterian Church and with Newry Presbytery.

Latest report July/August 2026

Over the past few weeks, many things have come together. The rebuilding and redecoration of the guest house have been completed and were greatly appreciated by the first group of visitors. The FOCUS (Fellowship of Christian Unions) volunteers, based in Tuum and Waso Rongai, joined together with a FOCUS Nairobi outreach team for several days of Teen Challenge events in the Tuum schools. Tuum Girls’ Secondary School hosted the sub county games, and the basketball nets were fabricated and painted in the SAA garage. Various playing fields were rolled and marked out, and when all the visiting schools arrived for the competition, everything somehow fell into place.

The final ‘coming together’ certainly generated the most surprise and excitement when Peter, the GI (Generation Impact) base leader, arrived unannounced at the compound. A group of 12 of his GI students and their mentors had been with us for a few weeks. One of the mentors explained, “We were all feeling a bit down, and his visit was just what we needed.” Her full report of their month of ‘mission exposure’ follows. 

“For one month, I served in mission work in Tuum and Waso Rongai, Samburu County, Kenya, focusing on sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through both word and practical service.

In Tuum, we engaged in community work as a practical way of sharing the Gospel, working alongside local people and attending women’s fellowship meetings where we encouraged spiritual growth and shared God’s Word. We also visited schools to encourage students, promote education, and support teachers in their efforts to shape the next generation. 

In Waso Rongai, we carried out door-to-door evangelism and learned that many children leave school to herd livestock because of cultural priorities and the limited value often placed on formal education. We also observed that Samburu culture strongly influences daily life. While it provides identity and unity, some practices can present challenges to Christian discipleship and education. In some cases, even church elders struggle to address cultural practices that conflict with biblical teaching, highlighting the need for deeper discipleship and stronger leadership development. 

The mission strengthened our faith, emphasised stewardship, and showed that true transformation comes through service, education, and living out the Gospel in everyday community life and discipleship in Christ.” 

Mentor, Generation Impact Embu

Prayer Points

• Give thanks for the hard work and commitment of the GI Mission Exposure Team. They experienced first-hand how lonely and challenging life in mission can be and were able to appreciate the effort Peter made to bring encouragement and fellowship.  
• Please pray for the youth and children’s camps in August. Preparations are already well underway as the team from Waringstown Presbyterian Church connects the camp theme with games, crafts, and printed T shirts. Four leaders from Nairobi will complete the team.