In the past nine months, I have had the opportunity to meet many influential women from all around the world. Never have I met anyone as incredibly beautiful as my shepherd, Thuli. (There are care points with playgrounds that provide daily hot meals and discipleship lessons to children with need all over Swaziland. Each care point is equipped with a “shepherd,” which is a person from the local community who volunteers for a 3 year program where they serve, teach and love every single child that attends their care point). Anyway, Thuli is the best woman I’ve ever met. She’s so sweet and tender and selfless but also stern with the kids when she needs to be and quick to discipline them when necessary. She is brave, bold, organized, witty, smart, and extremely hardworking. Any of my past employers would literally jump at the chance to hire someone like her. There are 200 kids at my carepoint, Joyela. Thuli knows all of their names and probably their parent’s names too. She knows my name and my parent’s names. She loves the Lord and she radiates. To know her is to love her and to have a deeper revelation of who Christ is. I’m so deeply sorry that many of you will probably never know her, but I pray that this blog helps you to get a better understanding of how amazing this woman is. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to befriend her and to serve alongside her in this season.
My name is Thuli, I’m 26 years old
What is your favorite thing about being a shepherd at joyela?
My favorite thing being a shepherd here is the love that I get from the kids, and the lessons that I teach because they encourage me. Also, the Gogos are so supportive to me. The team that I have right now loves me and prays for me and they give me so much strength.
What is the most difficult thing about being a shepherd at joyela?
The most difficult thing is the monthly report, it drives me crazy. Every end of the month we’re supposed to write a report back to our friends in America and the reports are supposed to have photos attached. If you don’t have a smart phone, your monthly report will be bad. But with the help of my friend I managed to do it and this month I know that this monthly report will shine. (She’s referring to me taking pictures at ministry and texting them to her supervisor).
How did you come to know the Lord?
When I was a kid I used to go to Sunday school and one day there was a service in my church and the pastor did an altar call so that anyone that wanted to accept Jesus would go to the front. I was the only person who went up! I didn’t know what to say but God gave me strength and I was able to say that I love the Lord and I want him to be the King of my life. I was only 9 years old.
What are your plans after you finish the 3 year shepherd program?
My plans are to go and study either nursing or teaching. I’m still praying about which one but I would love doing both of those careers.
Do you pray every day?
Yes I pray all the time, even at midnight. My mom and my sister and I do morning glory bible study every morning at 4am.
What advice would you give to an American who wants to come to Swaziland?
All I can say is that they should be friendly to everyone because we love them. Also,they must be very prayerful because here in Swaziland we have peace but we have quarrels with outside countries. Also they must love, love, love unconditionally.
What is your greatest goal in life?
I wish one day to fly in an airplane.
