Do you remember when the show “Survivor” was really popular and we would all watch religiously, eagerly anticipating who would be voted off the island that week?
They would blow out their torch and leave and we would go back to our lives. We were fascinated by this idea… and watched in glee as the participants peed on their stings and tried to catch fish with a stick. After the season ended they went back to their normal privileged lives as well, one of them a million dollars richer.
Unfortunately, here in Swaziland, the survival mindset isn’t just entertainment. It’s how they live. In a nation where the average (small) income supports 13 people, it’s a different story.
12 percent of the population is made up of orphaned children and another 6 percent vulnerable children who experience severe neglect or abuse. In 2015, Swaziland experienced a major drought. In a country reliant on agriculture 90 percent of their crops failed and over 50,000 cattle (their form of investment) died. Swaziland has the highest percentage of HIV in the world. The life expectancy is 51 years, the lowest in the world. 70 percent of the population live in exteme poverty.
It’s easy to feel hopeless when hearing these statistics. But, let me tell you, all of the numbers seem to fade in significance when you look into the eyes of a Swazi child. They touch your face and hair in wonder and giggle trustingly.
They aren’t just a statistic, they are beautiful children and in that moment I always catch a glimpse of how God, their father, sees them and how God, our father, sees us too.
It’s funny how whenever hope seems to fade, children’s smiles and faith are even bolder and bigger.
Almost 50 percent of the Swazi population is made up of people under the age of 18.
AIM, the organization I am on missions with, partners with Children’s Hope Chest to do incredible things. They set up care points where they partner with communities to help care for children and families in a Christ centered manner.
Remember Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? How are people supposed to meditate on Christ when they wake up every morning with the expectation of a fight for survival that day?
Only God can soften their hearts in this way.
Only He can provide change.
It’s beautiful to see children play on a playground with no concerns, even if they don’t know where they will receive their next meal. Just witnessing this kind of poverty hurts my heart, but wow do I experience joy when interacting with these kids. Their joy is contagious.
Children are the future of this nation, and I pray that these kids maintain their childlike faith everyday of their lives and cast their burdens on Christ. I pray against all schemes of the devil. I pray against desperation and all the jealousy, anger and competition that exists here due to it. I pray that God will raise these children and youth up to lead their nation to depend and trust in Christ and I pray that He will prove faithful and provide. I pray for the heart of their king, who is worth over 100 million USD.
Please join me in praying for this country.
I believe we can revive this nation one prayer at a time.
