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 September 2026

Reflections from a team member: 

“During the month of August, a team of six from Waringstown Presbyterian Church, supported by four Kenyan leaders from Nairobi, travelled to Tuum to lead the junior and senior summer youth camps. In total, 600 children attended two four-day camps filled with worship, crafts, Bible study, quizzes and games.

The theme for both camps was ‘Made for More’, with Isaiah 53:6 as our memory verse. The children were taught that, like sheep, we have all strayed from God, but that He sent His Son to die on the cross and save us from our sins. 

Each day began with a 6am run for the children, followed by breakfast, worship and memory-verse sessions. The children also enjoyed a daily instalment of the story of Corrie Ten Boom, which captivated children of all ages. Bible teaching on Daniel, Jonah, the bronze serpent and the Parable of the Lost Sheep encouraged the children to consider how God rescues and restores us. 

We were greatly encouraged by the significant improvement in the children’s behaviour and engagement since a previous Waringstown team visited in 2024. The senior camp particularly impressed us with many teenagers eager to learn more about God and openly questioning cultural beliefs surrounding sacrifice and how these relate to Christianity and forgiveness.

Both camps, together with the inspiring example set by those who have worked long-term in the community, deepened our faith. Their commitment shows how Christ’s love can make a lasting difference through serving others, supporting young people and living out the Christian faith each day”.

A leadership training programme has been prayerfully developed and will begin over the coming month. It will encourage greater engagement with Rumuruti Presbytery, under whose jurisdiction the mission in Samburu North falls, although the eight-hour drive from Rumuruti to Tuum presents a significant logistical challenge!’ 

The intention is that this programme will strengthen the church in Tuum through a more locally rooted Kenyan framework, drawing on the resources and leadership available within the area, while also enabling the Presbytery to take greater ownership and responsibility for the mission. We are deeply grateful to Misean Cara for its specific funding of this important programme.

Prayer Points

• Give thanks for continued financial and prayerful support and the faithfulness of many individuals and churches throughout Ireland who have enabled the sharing and spreading of God’s love and Kingdom values in Tuum, Seren and Wuaso Rongei locations.
• Pray for the commencement of the leadership training programme and the ongoing daily challenges of the church witness in the wider community.