February 2007
The Bethesda Project was formed after Bishop Eraste Bigirimana of Muyinga Diocese, Burundi, unexpectedly visited The Kepplewray Project, Cumbria, whilst in England in 2007. He saw a project effectively using sport to help people with disabilities and was inspired to create a similar project. He returned to Burundi and continued to keep in touch with Kepplewray.
June 2008
Peter Sanders (Kepplewray's Project Director) and Steve McIlhenny (one of Kepplewray's past instructors) visited Burundi on the invitation of Bishop Eraste Bigirimana. The object of the trip was to see if a link between the two projects might enable a new project, similar to Kepplewray to be started in Muyinga. The trip was very successful - a link was formed between The Kepplewray Project and the Diocese of Muyinga and The Bethesda Project was formed.
Autumn 2008
Steve McIlhenny, and his wife Lucy, were accepted to become part of the CMS (Church Mission Society) SALT program. The program offers training and support for Christians who are working abroad and connects them to each other for mutual learning and encouragement.
December 2008
To strengthen the partnership between the two projects a formal link between The Muyinga Diocese in Burundi and The Furness Deanery, within The Carlisle Diocese, UK was created.
January 2009
Steve and Lucy McIlhenny attended the CMS Cross-cultural Training for 10 days in Oxfordshire.
February 2009
Steve and Lucy McIlhenny returned to work at Kepplewray. Whilst instructing at Kepplewray they began to fundraise for the start of The Bethesda Project.
June 2009
Evariste Hatungimana visited Kepplewray to begin training as an instructor and to learn how an outdoor activity centre works. Evariste learnt how to do outdoor activities with people with disabilities and was involved in all aspects of centre life.
January 2010
On Tuesday 19th January 2010 Steve and Lucy McIlhenny moved to Burundi to continue The Bethesda Project on Burundian soil. Together with Bishop Eraste Bigirimana and Evariste Hatungimana they began to plan what form The Bethesda Project should take and how it could most satisfactorily meet the needs of the Burundian people.
April 2010
On Monday 19th April 2010 a container full of canoes, computers, sewing machines, a 4WD drive jeep and other outdoor sports equipment started their long journey from Belfast Port in Northern Ireland to Muyinga.
November 2010
After a long wait the container of equipment finally arrived in Muyinga on Wednesday 3rd November and The Bethesda Project was able to set up and begin offering a variety of activities in Muyinga town – canoeing, archey, orienteering and team challenges.
