John Parker 's nonprofit organization helps Kenyans build footbridges over perilous rivers . The bridges not only save lives ; they connect people to schools , jobs and health care . Parker , a Lexington , Kentucky , native who came to Kenya in 1989 , has seen firsthand how flash floods -- and the threat of predators such as crocodiles and hippos -- can make rivers impassable in isolated communities . Parker came to Kenya in 1989 as a young missionary with limited skills . Because of limited financing , he is able to organize only five or six bridge projects a year .
John Parker 's nonprofit organization helps Kenyans build footbridges over perilous rivers . The bridges not only save lives ; they connect people to schools , jobs and health care . Parker came to Kenya in 1989 as a young missionary with limited skills . Because of limited financing , he is able to organize only five or six bridge projects a year .