In the beautiful county of Elgeyo Marakwet, a community has been for a long time living in fear and uncertainty due to rampant banditry in the area.

The people longed for a ray of hope to pierce through the darkness that had engulfed their lives. With a shared vision of bringing the transformative power of God’s word to those in need, the Bible Society of Kenya in partnership with Parklands Baptist Church embarked on a mission to visit the community in Elgeyo Marakwet in October 2023. The mission went beyond just providing the Gospel of John to learners and the community; it was about bringing hope, healing, and restoration to a community in desperate need.

As the team arrived in Elgeyo Marakwet, they were greeted with both curiosity and anticipation. The air was heavy with the weight of past traumas, but there was also a glimmer of hope in the eyes of the people, as they eagerly awaited the programs that were about to unfold. The first phase of the visit focused on trauma-healing sessions with widows. In Tot, Chesongoch and Tiaty, where many had been widowed at a young age and were left to care for their children alone, these sessions were a lifeline. The Bible Society of Kenya’s trauma healers created a safe space for the widows to share their pain, grief, and struggles. Through the power of God’s word, they found solace, comfort, and the assurance that they were not alone in their journey.

During the trauma healing sessions, the widows were also given audio Bibles that they would listen to in groups, a precious gift that would allow them to listen to God’s word and be transformed by its message of hope and love. The 45 audio Bibles distributed to the widows and herders became a source of inspiration, encouragement, and strength.

The impact of the trauma healing sessions and the distribution of the Gospel of John became evident. Testimonies of healing and restoration started pouring in from all corners of the community. Hearts that were once burdened with fear and despair now overflowed with hope and faith.

The visit and programs had not only delivered the message of God’s love but had also ignited a spark of transformation within the community, especially to the 338 widows that we reached with the trauma healing sessions. People began to look at their circumstances through a different lens, finding strength and courage to face each day with renewed hope.

The partnership between the Bible Society of Kenya and Parklands Baptist Church had brought light to a community that had been shrouded in darkness for far too long. We also believe that the Gospel of John will be a beacon of hope, guiding the people of Elgeyo Marakwet and Tiaty towards a future filled with promise and possibility.

As the team bid farewell to the community, they left behind a legacy of love, compassion, and a renewed sense of faith. The visit has sown seeds of hope that would continue to grow and bear fruit for years to come.

And so, the people of Elgeyo Marakwet embarked on a new chapter in their lives, holding onto the transformative power of God’s word, and embracing a future filled with hope, healing, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.