Sonibonani Family, Friends and Supporters!
We have been in Swaziland for a
week now and the beauty here is hard to put into words. We live in the Ezulwine
Valley which is about 20 minutes from Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland. We are surrounded by mountains and incredible
greenery. It is hard to wrap my mind
around the fact that a place that is so picturesque has the number one HIV/AIDS
infection rate in the world. This past
week we have been exploring the ministry sites, testing the waters for what God
has in store for us. Thus far I do not
know what ministry I will be part of for my internship this semester. Three girls from our team and me decided to
go to a rural care point this past Thursday, we ended up going on quite the
adventure. A care point is where
children from the community, which includes homes that are miles and miles
away, go to receive a meal and some sort of schooling…whether it be their ABC’s
or some basic songs and rhymes. After a
40 minute ‘kombie’ drive we were dropped off on a dirt road in the middle of
nowhere, only knowing the direction we were supposed to walk in. We started walking down this random dirt road
for about 30 minutes with no care point in sight. The only things surrounding us were
mountains, corn fields and a few stone shacks.
With our broken Siswati we were able to determine that the care point
closed 2 years ago through talking to some of the locals. The Lord really used the situation in that we
were able to meet the children living in this area where there is no
outreach. We spent the day singing songs
and playing games. I met two older
girls, Pepsile and Prayer; they were such a source of encouragement. We started talking about Jesus and to my
surprise both the girls started quoting scripture. I told them how wonderful it was that they
had such knowledge of the Word but do they believe what they were quoting – I
got a shy smile and a yes from both of them.
‘Melkerns’, the area in which they live is safe by day but at night is
very dangerous especially for young girls.
I ask that you please keep all these children in your prayers, pray for
their safety and continued growth in Christ.
The Gogo’s from the previous care point also bought new land to build a
new school and child care facilities.
They have the land but no sponsors to start building. Please pray for the financial support and
right sponsors to come so that the children, especially the orphans in this
area have a safe place to go and learn, play and receive a meal….right now
there is nothing for them. All children
must complete an interview and test before entering grade one without places
such as care points they will not learn the necessary basics to start school.
I am
excited for this semester and for what God has in store for us. I am excited because I know He has so much
more for us and the people and country of Swaziland than we could ever
imagine. In a country where over 50% of
the population is known to be HIV positive.
The Swazi people will cease to exist by the year 2050 at this rate – can
we just sit by and watch this happen.
The Lord is moving in this country and rapid change is coming and I am
so excited to be part of it, to share the Lord’s heart and compassion for this
country and people. To see children like
Pepsile and Prayer not become just another statistic but bring change all in
the name of Jesus. I ask that you
continue to pray for our team and the country of Swaziland. Pray that the glory, power and honor of God
will reign down like rain and a nation that seems hopeless will find life and
hope in Him.
Till next time,
Michelle
