We finished our first week of ministry in Swaziland! This month is unique because our entire squad of 60, including our squad leaders, are all living together in Nsoko, Swaziland. Coming into this month I was a little nervous and fearful of being surrounded by 59 individuals. The introvert in me was having anxiety. Can I come up with enough conversation for this many people for the next 3 weeks? Was I ever going to have quiet time or would I always have to be talking? Also…I heard rumors of 2 showers and 2 toilets for all 60 of us…those were true. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this month or if there would be enough for all of us to help out with while being here BUT, the staff have kept us very busy…in a good way 🙂 We have had SO MANY ministry opportunities this month and I have loved living with my squad mates. We have shared many stories from our previous month, worked out, worshiped, played Nerts, and laughed all together. My squad is basically awesome. And, so far, the shower and toilet situation hasn’t been all that bad. We make it work.
What is ministry life for 60 world racers?
I was very excited to find out that this month our team has the opportunity to work with Ubabalo eAfrica, which is a sports outreach program. The purpose of this program is to provide parenting opportunities for children whose parents are absent in their lives, and also provide opportunities for positive character development. The coaches are trained in “Whole Life Coaching” strategies. This means they integrate soccer practices and connect them with life values and moral principles. The best part about this…our squad gets to play A LOT of soccer! YAY!
Ministry opportunity number 2:
Our squad is split up into 8 different teams and each team is assigned to serve at a specific care point. The care points are designed to provide for children during the week days by offering a place for them to learn, food for the week, discipleship programs, and other items to help meet practical needs.
Each care point is slightly different from the next but all work together to help overcome poverty within the communities.
My team specifically, helps the Go-Go’s (grandmother’s) cook food for the children in the mornings. In the afternoon we have the privilege to teach preschool while their preschool teacher is out on maternity leave. We also are able to play with the kids and assist during their discipleship time.
Fun fact about our ministry this month:
If you’re a sponsor for Children’s Hope Chest, we are on the receiving end of that. Which means we have the opportunity to cook and feed the children with donations from sponsors as well as passing out shoes, blankets, or anything else the children are in need of. This past week our main care point where we live, was able to distribute Toms shoes to the children. It’s really cool to see how partnerships work from this end, and so cool to see the smiling faces of these children as they receive love from our team, the staff, and the special friends (sponsors) from across the globe!
“Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way.”
-Ephesians 4:2-3
