For years, Bright Hope has shared the incredible impact of the Natoot Farm in Turkana County, Kenya, where extreme poverty and hunger have kept the community trapped in despair. Prayer has fueled this amazing journey!
Last year, generous supporters helped double the size of the farm, creating opportunities for nearly 100 new farming families. But the support doesn’t stop with individuals—churches across the U.S. have also joined in. One such church from Elgin, Illinois, recently sent a team to visit the farm they have generously supported.
On their recent trip, the church team met Lynette, a sweet but very sick teenager. While there, the entire community experienced the power of prayer. Here is Lynette’s story, told by Victor, a Bright Hope staff member in Kenya.
Lynette’s Story of Healing
Let me begin this testimony with a passage from Acts 3:1-9, which tells of the encounter between a man who had been lame from birth and Peter and John as they entered the temple at the hour of prayer. My focus is on verses 4-7, which says:
“And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, ‘Look at us.’ So, he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”
In October 2024, during a visit to Natoot village in Turkana County by a church from Elgin, IL, a similar situation unfolded. In Natoot, it is customary for farmers to invite visitors to their homes to connect with the community and learn about their way of life.
The Elgin church team was led to Peter and Maria’s home, where their 13-year-old daughter, Lynette, was suffering from a serious illness. After being discharged from Lodwar Referral Hospital, where they could no longer treat her, Lynette was referred to another hospital for a bone marrow transplant. However, her family couldn’t afford the necessary medications and could only afford food, leaving them with no hope for treatment. With no other options, they gave up and waited for Lynette’s passing, expecting only well wishes and financial help from visitors. But God had a different plan.
The Power of Prayer
After hearing about Lynette’s condition and the family’s struggles, the team didn’t offer financial assistance but instead asked if they could pray for Lynette right there in their humble home, where she lay on a mat on the mud floor. Given the situation, it seemed like a simple, ordinary gesture. Yet, the next day, the family reported that Lynette was feeling better. She responded positively to a mattress given by a team member, sparking a glimmer of hope amid despair. While the family continued to search for funds, God was working within Lynette’s body.
Today, Lynette can walk on her own, something that seemed impossible just months ago. She even walked to the Natoot Farm to collect school materials, eager to return to school. While her family still faces challenges, Lynette’s determination and progress are truly inspiring. Just like the lame man at the temple gate who, upon hearing Peter’s command, rose, walked, and praised the Lord, Lynette is now running around, sharing the marvelous works of God in her life. She, her family, and the entire Natoot community are in awe of what God has done. Like the Samaritan woman, they have invited others to come and see the man who changed her life.
This story ignites our faith and reminds us that God’s timing is perfect. Truly, He can turn any situation around for those who trust in Him. It serves as a powerful lesson for the community, neighboring villages, and all of us who serve here. We give thanks to God for His mercy and grace, and may His Name be glorified forever!
A special thanks to our friends in Elgin, IL, who truly understand the power of prayer. Though they may not have shared gold or silver, they prayed in the powerful name of Jesus.
Prayer at Work at the Natoot Farm
Prayer has truly transformed the Natoot community in Turkana, Kenya. In a place where despair had grown and choked out hope, faith has dawned. Since 2018, the Natoot Farm has empowered more than 200 families to cultivate their own plots. They have created a self-sufficient oasis in the desert.
Not only has the farm improved the livelihoods of hundreds of families, but it has also created a community of Christ followers who love and care for each other. Thank you, our faithful Allies, for bringing this dream of planting a garden in the desert to fruition. Now, these precious families have hope for today, tomorrow and eternity—because of you!
Written by Victor, Bright Hope Staff in Kenya
